An Cosan play to raise funds for community bus

A NEW play, written and performed by a drama group based in Jobstown, will see a group of women in a knitting circle employ drastic measures to fundraise for a local community bus.

‘It’s a Wonderful World’ is inspired by the Greek playwright Aristophanes’ play ‘Lysistrata’, where a group of Athenian women attempt to put an end to the Polynesian War by testing their relationships with their husbands.

The drama group, which is called An Cosan’s Drama Kings and Queens, have been working on devising the play since January and are now in the final stages of rehearsals.

Producer and director Ciara Roche told The Echo: “Some members of the group have been through some pretty horrific stuff over the years, so we wanted something positive.

“We decided we’d use the drama process to connect with the positivity and creativity that you tend to lose in every day life.”

She added: “It amazes me. Every Friday this group of people have a positive outlook, and leave whatever madness there is at the door.”

Ciara explained that the show highlights female and male solidarity, and that real life stories were woven into the improvisation process when the drama group were devising the play.

There are 18 members of the drama group, who all enrolled in September and eight months later they’re now preparing to tread the boards in front of their community.

Ciara said that the group are “really confident and excited, mixed with an element of trepidation.

“I’m so proud of the group and how much they’ve accomplished, and how committed they are to the process.”

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ will take place in Rua Red on May 19, tickets are €10 for adults and €6 for children. Seats are limited so contact An Cosan on 01 46 28488 to book tickets.