Fergal – A Work In Progress Showing
Being alone does not mean you are lonely.
Fergal, an odd-looking fellow in funny looking clothes arrives on the beach one day. He is on his own. He goes for a swim, reads his book, and takes his lunch, all by himself. A family sitting beside Fergal on the beach become worried for him. They offer to share their lunch, but Fergal is fine. They offer to play with him, but Fergal is happy looking for seashells himself. “It’s so sad he’s no family” they mumble to themselves, but Fergal, even though he becomes cranky with the family’s nosey interruptions, seems perfectly happy.
Fergal explores concepts of individualism and the importance of enjoying your own company. The play is a negotiation between the need for independence and the need, sometimes, for inter-dependence. Fergal was first conceived and developed by playwright Liam McCarthy at Branar Theatre, Galway, as part of their “Tiny Shows” initiative. It was later developed at Irish Theatre Forum’s MAKE programme, as a collaboration between playwright Liam McCarthy, illustrator Duffy Mooney Sheppard and actor/improvisor Darren Yorke.
This work in progress showing will take place at Belltable on October 13th, as part of Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival, for a small audience of invited children. This project has been supported by Limerick City and County Council and by the Arts Council.
