SHORT PLAYS presented by DÓCHAS DRAMA GROUP

 (from left, Ryan Jones, Liz Ryan, Brian Bowler and Charlene Brosnan)

Storm Brendan has passed but it is still January and though the snowdrops have appeared with the promise of Spring flowers and longer days, we all need a little distraction to cure the January blues.

The members of Dóchas Drama Group have found a way to keep them busy during the dark winter and would like to share  the results of their efforts with you to help brighten these dull days.

 (from left, Chloe Ballester, Lorraine O' Sullivan, Ryan Jones and Jessica O' Sullivan)

EIGHT SHORT PLAYS  by various authors will be presented by the group at Killarney Avenue Hotel early next week. These are all new scripts by local authors Brian Bowler, Liz Ryan, Mary McCarthy, Michael Mills and American author, Scott Mullen and Sadie Delaney from Dublin. All are being staged for the first time.                                   

      

(from left, Michael Mills, Maggie Huntington and Aisling O' Sullivan Darcy) 

A variety of themes and genres are explored – you will recognise some character types, you will love some, pity some, identify with some and question the intentions of others! The plays present a glance at a variety of characters and situations and you are sure to enjoy the evening in their company.

Alfred Hitchcock is quoted as saying that “theatre is life with the dull bits cut out.” Maybe that’s because we get a chance to see imaginary situations which include imaginary people but deep down we know people like these are real!

You can judge for yourselves.

Please come along to Killarney Avenue Hotel on Monday 20^th, Tuesday 21^st, Wednesday 22^nd or Thursday 23^rd January at 8pm. Admission €10 at the door.

(from left, Rena Daly, Karen Brennan and Charlene Brosnan)

      

IT WAS A GREAT ADVENTURE -THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME ON THE JOURNEY WITH US!

We now know the importance of “The Letter D, the secret of the “Third Window from the Right” and how “The Technophobe’s” mind works. We can begin to add to the over 200 words starting with “The Wonderful Letter Double U” and know the various messages in the many letters in the 11 plays staged in our “Series of Short Plays”.

The adventure which started in June 2018 and took us through many hours of reading, rehearsing and discussion has concluded. It was a wonderful journey and the four nights at Killarney Avenue Hotel last week were a fitting end to a very exciting time for Dóchas Drama. The weather predictions were not favourable but in spite of that, cast members and audiences arrived faithfully each night and the reaction has been very positive. It was so rewarding to see people leave with smiles on their faces.

We are grateful to our group members for their dedicated work, to our supporters who are the final, necessary dimension to a play and to the writers who entrusted us with their plays. A special mention for those who took part with us for the first time – thank you for adapting to the Dóchas “one for all and all for one” spirit. You have given light to the future!

Once again, we are indebted to the Management and Staff of Killarney Avenue whose support and kindness is overwhelming.

Now time to recharge the batteries – have a good rest and see you all soon.

DÓCHAS DRAMA PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON NEW WRITING.

Dóchas Drama Group’s request for 10 Minute Scripts resulted in the revelation of many new writers. The theme was “The Letter” and it is amazing how varied the interpretation of that theme was! Choosing an entertaining selection was a challenge but it was done  – now it is time for audiences to view the plays and decide for themselves.

If you are curious as to what is inside the “Third Window from the Right”, locked in the “Ungilded Cage” or behind the “Veneer”!  If you wonder if “Lost Time” can be recovered or want to  learn the contents of “The Missive”! If  you want to find out who has to “Bring Your A Game” or learn what “The Technophobe” is up to and why is “Ink on the Brink”? These questions will be answered by Dóchas Drama Group when you attend their “Series of Short Plays “ at Killarney Avenue Hotel. You will also hear the curious “Tick Tock” of time and learn the value of the letters W and D.

In just over two hours you will have ALL the answers and also enjoyed interval refreshments and maybe won a raffle prize!!!!

Scott Mullen who is based in Los Angeles, proud Killarney man, Brian Bowler,  the romantic German native, Claudia Grodotzki, the very talented Rebecca Fitzgerald from Firies and Hazel Joy from Beaufort and who you will know from Killarney Library have all written a short play that you can see, if you attend Dóchas Drama Group’s production at Killarney Avenue Hotel next week.

Sonia Elston, a native of Nottingham, London born Siobhán O’Flaherty,

Michael Nolan from Cork and published and prize-winning writers, Méabh de Brún, Mary McCarthy and Liz Ryan make up the 11 authors.

Twenty actors, five directors, a supportive production team and a Front of House Team ready to welcome you all! All we need now is you!

We are grateful to all who have helped, encouraged and supported us.

We thank the Management and Staff of Killarney Avenue Hotel for providing stage, sanctuary and support for which no words of thanks and appreciation could suffice.

We look forward to seeing you all at  Killarney Avenue Hotel on January 29^th, 30^th, 31^st and February 1^st. Curtain Up 8pm.

Admission €10 at the door.

List of Plays in our “Series of Short Plays.”

8pm on JANUARY 29^th, 30^th, 31^st and FEBRUARY 1^st 

at  KILLARNEY AVENUE HOTEL.

 The Wonderful Letter Double U by Sonia Elston.

Third Window from the Right by Scott Mullen.

Ungilded Cages by Siobhan O’Flaherty.

Veneer by Claudia Grodotzki.

Bring Your A Game by Méabh de Brún.

The Technophobe by Hazel Joy.

 The Missive by Michael Nolan.

Tick Tock by Liz Ryan.

Ink on the Brink by Mary McCarthy.

Lost Time by Rebecca Fitzgerald.

The Letter D by Brian Bowler.

COMING SOON

A SERIES OF SHORT PLAYS

KILLARNEY AVENUE HOTEL

WED 29TH, THURS 30TH,

FRI 31ST  JANUARY And SAT 1ST FEBRUARY.

8 p.m.

Doors open 7.30. Admission €10.

Tickets on sale at the door. Free seating - so come early!

DÓCHAS DRAMA RETURNS WITH NEW PLAYS.

11 Short Plays, new writing and great variety!

Following an invite from Dóchas Drama Killarney to the general public, to submit 10 minute scripts, a series of short plays will be performed at the end of this month.The plays center around the theme 'The Letter ' . We were inundated with a great variety of well written scripts.

The initiative was designed to provide a platform for writers to showcase their work. Some have written scripts before, some have won writing awards and many have written for the first time.

The reading and selection process was most difficult but finally the selection was narrowed down to the eleven short plays you will see. They will take you on a journey of confusion, disillusion, optimism, pessimism, imagination and reality!

You will definitely be stimulated and never bored.

You may even be inspired to write something yourself.

A number of the writers will attend the performances, some of them will appear on stage and many of them you will know.

                                                                    

The response to our request for 10 Minute Plays has been fantastic and far beyond our expectations.

We have seen a great variety of plays, everything from comedy, tragedy, farce, horror and fantasy.To produce these plays we will require many actors so we invite you all to contact us if you would like to take part. Also if you know of anybody that would like the opportunity to try acting for the first time you might mention it to them. These plays will be of short duration so rehearsal time will be very manageable, exciting and fun!  Any interested parties are asked to send a quick email to dochasdramakillarney@gmail.com .

In the words of Napoleon Hill:

Don't wait. The time will never be just right.

Calling all Playwrights!

Dochas Drama Group, is introducing a new short play event for which, we are now taking entries.We invite you to write a short play of maximum ten minutes, based on the theme “ The Letter.”The plays may be comedy, drama, farce or tragedy.We hope to have a variety of genres in the final ten plays selected to be staged.

Please note the following important staging requirements:
A maximum of four characters.

Minimal setting and props.

Submission deadline: 30th July 2018

Performances will take place in the Autumn/Winter Drama Season.

Please send your entry as a word document to:
dochasdramakillarney@gmail.com
If you have any queries, please ring 0879746672. 

We are always looking for new actors, so if you always felt you would like to give acting a try, why not dip your toe in the water now!

Top of Form

 Brid Sugrue RIP

Tá si imithe uainn.

Ni bheidh a leithead ann aris.

It is with deep regret and sadness that we must say goodbye to our friend and longtime member of Dochas Drama, Brid Sugrue.

Brid passed away at lunchtime on Friday and though she had a long, active, fulfilled life, we are sad to see her go! We thought she would go on forever!!

She took part in numerous productions over many years. Her most recent role was as the mother in J.M. Synge’s play “Riders to the Sea” just a few years ago. Her sincere performance brought tears to many as did her role as Madge in Brian Friel’s “Philadelphia Here I Come”.

But it was not all tears – she made us laugh with her storytelling and quick wit. She had the famous Kelly gift that enabled her to use words that painted pictures and described incidents in a most descriptive way.

We extend our sympathy to Sheila, Joan, Brian and Breda, to her cherished and beloved grandchildren Gemma, John, Eva and Maitias.

We enjoyed a number of delightful performances with her and the very talented Gemma of whom she was so justifiably proud.

To Maureen, her daughter-in-law and her son-in-law, Joe and to all her nieces, nephews and family members we also extend our sympathy.

Removal from O’Shea’s Funeral Home, Killarney this evening, Sunday, June 24^th at 6 pm to the Church of the Resurrection, Park Road.

We will join the Guard of Honour.

Funeral to Gneeveguilla tomorrow, Monday following 10.30 am Mass.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam.

Philip and Rowena will show you how to live life to the fullest. Fun and laughter is part of their journey- come and join them at Killarney Avenue Hotel.

None of us wants to think about dying but when faced with the reality, hospice care is now an option for all of us.

Hospice care focuses on relief from pain and the physical and mental stress associated with terminal illness. The goal is to concentrate on the quality of life (rather than length) for the patient and their families.

Gillian Plowman’s play “Philip and Rowena” is a poignant but beautiful illustration of two terminally ill people who are determined to enjoy their lives. They have accepted the inevitable. Fate has brought them together and they find friendship, romance and an amazing capacity for fun!

We also meet Rowena’s son and daughter and Philip’s estranged wife as well as the care staff.

During rehearsals, Dochas Drama cast members and director Liz Ryan decided that it provides a fitting tribute to the philosophy of Hospice care and to all of those who provide this wonderful service. As a result, it was decided to present “Philip & Rowena” to promote hospice awareness in our area.

Despite the theme, the play provides many humorous moments and we have no doubt that you will enjoy it!

Killarney Avenue Hotel on November 8^th, 9^th, 10^th & 11^th at 8pm. Tickets 10 euro available at the door. Doors open at 7.15pm. Proceeds to Kerry Hospice.

Forthcoming production- Philip and Rowena

Philip and Rowena is a beautiful play set in a hospice.It depicts a journey of two strangers who find friendship, romance and an amazing capacity for fun in their final days.

November 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th at 8pm in the Killarney Avenue Hotel.

All proceeds to Kerry Hospice.
Please support.

We have had some positive reaction to " The Saturday Supplement with Frank Lewis" on Radio Kerry last Saturday morning. It was a great experience for all who took part and everyone enjoyed it.
We spent a lot of time preparing for it and we thank Frank for allowing us the opportunity. Thanks also to Grace Foley and Sean Treacy for their wonderful singing which added greatly to the enjoyment. The show can be listened to on this link: http://media.radiokerry.ie/mediamanager/embed/player/podcasts/38/item/66423

Our Christmas get-together will be held on Wednesday night, December 21st in Killarney Avenue Hotel at 9pm. 

Nollaig Shona to all our members, our families and to all our loyal supporters.
Happy Christmas to all.

We are currently preparing for a programme with Frank Lewis on Radio Kerry celebrating the arts surrounding 1916. 

It's been a year of commemoration and celebrating and we think it's a fitting way to end the year. The 1916 Rising was often called "The Poet's Revolt" - we will illustrate the work of some of the leaders and examine the cultural and literary revival which inspired them on 

"The Saturday Supplement" with Frank Lewis on Radio Kerry, 

on Saturday 17th December starting after the 9am News to 11am.

Dóchas Member performing in Kenmare and the return of a former Member

Good luck to Dochas member, Siobhan McAuliffe who is taking part in the play "Over the Pub" at the Small Roads Festival of Theatre and Dining at the Carnegie Arts Centre in Kenmare.
www.carnegieartskenmare.ie  for details.
"Break a leg Siobhan"!

Our friend and former member, Jana Poller is coming to Killarney soon for a very brief visit.
If you are free to meet her for lunch on Saturday October 15th please contact Mabel on 0879604100.

We meet again on October 12th @ 8pm in Killarney Avenue Hotel.

First Meeting on 28 September was a lively event.

A small but vibrant group met on Wednesday last and enjoyed some theatre games and drama exercises and planned some activities for the coming weeks.

More information to follow soon.

We welcomed Lesley Ann, Marie and Caroline for the first time.
We meet again on this Wednesday October 5th in Killarney Avenue Hotel at 8pm if you would like to join us. 

Dóchas begins new Season this Wednesday!

2016/2017 Drama Season will begin with an informal meeting on 
Wednesday 28th September @ 8pm in KILLARNEY AVENUE HOTEL


Please come along if you are interested in becoming involved.


Informal discussion, theatre games, introductions, plans!!

Final edition of Words and Music in the Library

Ronnie Moore joined Dochas members for the final night of "Words and Music in the Library".


A well-known singer/songwriter, she entertained the audience with a selection of her own compositions and explained the situations which inspired the writing.


The audience joined us in singing some French "rounds" to celebrate Bastille Day.
A selection of poems, monologues and scenes by the members completed the programme.

Ronnie Moore and Dochas members including Brid Sugrue who recounted one of her brother, Eamon Kelly's stories,
 

Liz, Patricia, Mabel and Don in a scene from "The Trial of Sir Walter Raleigh".

''Words and Music in the Library'' Tomorrow (Thursday at 6.30pm)

 LEABHARLANN CHILL ÁIRNE 

KILLARNEY LIBRARY

“Words & Music in the Library”

Le/by

Dóchas Drama Group & Ronnie Moore

 

Déardaoin 14ú Iúil 6.30 - 7.30i.n.

Thursday 14^th July 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Saor in aisce / Admission free.

                                              

Culture and Fine Music at the Killarney Avenue, Thursday Evening 30th June

We had a lovely night at the Library with a nice crowd and lovely atmosphere.
It was an honour to be joined by Sean Treacy and Grace Foley.


Sean played a selection of pieces on guitar which convinced us all, both of the beauty of the instrument and Sean's obvious talent and expertise.


Grace Foley's beautiful voice enthralled the audience as she sang a number of songs which she described as "close to her own heart". She was accompanied by the talented, Noel O'Sullivan.


Dóchas members provided poetry, monologues and readings to add to the occasion.

Mary Murphy, Grace Foley, Liz Ryan, Patricia McSherry, Noel O'Sullivan, Sean Treacy

Grace Foley's beautiful voice charmed us all

Séan Treacy displayed his talent and expertise

Patricia and Liz read an extract from Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice

“WORDS AND MUSIC in the LIBRARY”

                                                          at

KILLARNEY LIBRARY from 6.30pm to 7.30pm

                                                        

this THURSDAY, JUNE 30th, 2016.

DÓCHAS DRAMA GROUP welcomes special guests

SÉAN TREACY, Classical Guitarist

                           and

GRACE FOLEY, Contralto

(accompanied by Noel O’Sullivan.)

Admission free.  All welcome.