Theatre group Aois Nua set to perform in the Civic
VOLUNTARY youth-led theatre group, Aois Nua are set to conduct a collection of four performances entitled Fore-Plays in the Civic Theatre, Tallaght on August 31 and September 1.
There are 16 members within the group ranging from areas such as Tallaght, Clondalkin, Kildare and Rathcoole and all are graduates of the Tenderfoot Transition Year theatrical programme.
This programme inspired them to launch a voluntary theatre group on the back of this entitled ‘Aois Nua’ which ranges from those aged 16 up to their mid-twenties.
The Echo caught up with one of the leading actors, Clondalkin native Hayleigh McGowan who has been a member since Aois Nua's establishment two years ago to discuss what audience can expect from Aois Nua and their latest project, Fore-Plays.
Who Can Participate in Aois Nua?
Currently we only accept past Tenderfoot pupils but we are in the progress of expanding the group to a wider range of people.
In order for newcomers to join Aois Nua, our newcomer advisors attend the present Tenderfoot's end of year show and chat to them at the end to discuss what Aois Nua is.
Then they take a list of names for those who are interested and we organize a workshop for the newcomers to give them a better understanding of the group.
What Was the Inspiration Behind the Theatre Group?
We spent a workshop discussing different names that could suit the group, but we wanted something that was able to grab people's attention.
Thus, Aois Nua was born! Aois Nua is the Irish for "New Age" which is exactly the message that we want to put across to people. We are a group of young individuals who share the same desire to express our views and thoughts of the world through the use of theatre! We are the new generation.
What Exactly is the Tenderfoot Programme?
The Tenderfoot Programme which takes place during Transition Year and is directed to schools that are based in the South Dublin County Council.
The programme aims for TY students to create a performance in the space of three weeks and are involved in costume making, the lights, the acting, stage management and writing the performance itself!
They are guided by Veronica Coburn, Liam Halligan and Gavin Kostick who are professionals in the industry.
How Did Your Own Journey Into Acting Begin?
My acting journey begin when I was five years old with my sister! It all started when my grandmother brought me to a stage school and I haven’t left ever since.
When I was eleven, I left and joined a youth theatre group based in Clondalkin village, which only focused on drama and I fell in love with it instantly.
When Transition Year came along, I participated in the Tenderfoot Programme. Afterwards I joined Aois Nua and I am now continuing to follow my dream by studying drama in UCD bringing pieces to life within the group.
Where did the Opportunity to Perform in the Civic Theatre Arise From?
We are lucky enough to be in partnership with the Civic Theatre who provide us with the space to do our workshops and provide us with the opportunity to perform our pieces. We obtained this opportunity through the help of Veronica Coburn and from our time from the Tenderfoot Programme.
What Does Fore-Plays Consist of?
Fore-Plays is a collection of four performances written by members of Aois Nua. The first piece is Missing Alex by Lauren Davis. Then there will be a 15-minute interval.
After the break, The Will by James O’Brien will be performed. Following that is ‘Some Friend You Are’ by Shiane Whelan. Closing the show will be I Need Your Help by Ruth Dempsey.
What Can the Audience Expect from a Performance of Fore-Plays?
The audience should expect to see a variety of different writing styles and story-telling techniques from our members. Overall Fore-Plays will create a wild mix of emotions within the spectators and contain many relatable elements whether they are young or old to enjoy.
Is this Aois Nua’s First Time Performing Together?
We were involved in both the Red Line Book Festival and Culture Night in the Civic Theatre. During the Red Line Book Festival we performed an adaption of Cluedo: The Revelation, a play which was written by myself.
Again with Culture Night, we performed a total of six pieces which were written by our very own members. Both shows were very successful!
What Are You Anticipating the Most About Fore-Plays?
I spoke to the members of the group and each one of them explained that the one thing that they were most looking forward about Fore-Plays was the chance to perform with one and another.
To put our hard work onto display. We are also looking forward to hear feedback from our audience to see what they thought of it and to see what we need to work on because at the end of the day, it’s all a learning process!
Do You Have More Projects to Come in the Future?
Recently we have worked alongside The Big Picture TV, filming monologues written by our own members. They should be available to see shortly on their website.
After Fore-Plays, we are planning to film original pieces and to put them onto YouTube so the whole world can see the talent that Aois Nua holds! It will be a busy time ahead for us, but it will be exciting none the least!
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