A total of 150 people of all ages from all backgrounds are involved in The Alice Project, a reimagining of Kilkenny Witch Trials.
Line Producer, Joe Murphy explains, “We’ve a great mix of people, some very familiar faces who have been involved in countless local productions, including two of the five Alice episodes last year. But we’ve lots of new people too.
“It’s great to see people stepping out of their comfort zone, watch new friendships blossoming and see people come out of their shell, try something new. Lots of the people here now meet up outside of rehearsals, socialise together etc. It’s what community engagement and public arts is all about,” he said.
The Alice Project is an intimate storytelling in various locations. Venues include Kilkenny Castle and the graveyard at the Medieval Mile Museum, bookended by two large outdoor spectacles – The Demon Dance on the city’s large Parade, and culminating in The Burning, The Words of Petronella, set on the grounds of St Kieran’s College on Saturday, August 15.
The team includes a community cast of actors, a community dancer troop, a community choir and a rowdy band of reveller actors. They’re all being put through their paces under the expert and watchful eye of a collective of makers which also includes writer Clare Monnelly, Medb Lambert and Fern Kealy, with directors Dónal Gallagher and Janice de Bróite, choreography by Cindy Cummings, Muireann Ryan as Choral Director and music by Dave Holland.
It all promises to be spectacular, Dónal Gallagher explained. “We’re telling the story of Alice, but in a contemporary world. We tell the story in five episodes. The first episode is on the parade close to the start of Kilkenny Arts Festival and episodes 2, 3 and 4 take place in various locations around the city. The grand finale, takes place on the front steps of St Kieran’s College. Each piece is designed like theatre tapas and we’re delighted with how it’s all progressing.”
Tickets for the various episodes of the much-anticipated production can be booked on the Kilkenny Arts Festival website, www.kilkennyarts.ie
Spotlight on Community Members
Retiree Richard Dooley has been involved with the Kilkenny Choir for a number of years and also enjoys singing with St Canice’s Choir.
He’s never been involved in a theatre production but was curious when he say Asylum Productions’ call-out for volunteers for a community choir, dance group and cast as part of The Alice Project.
Something about the reimagining of the Kilkenny Witch Trials, the tale of Dame Alice Kyteler and the Trials of 1324, jumped out at him, particularly when he learnt that The Alice Project is to be presented in five parts in various locations in Kilkenny city in August as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival, funded under Kilkenny County Council’s Public Arts Programme.
“I was reluctant initially to join the community choir as I have lots of family commitments at the moment and knew I might miss one or two Thursday night rehearsals for that reason,” the former HSE employee and former army man said.
“But something inside me said, give it a go. I’ve never done anything like this in my life but am very happy to be involved with the community choir and be part of something special in Kilkenny.
“I’ve absolutely no regrets. I love the lively engagement and it’s fantastic to be in the community choir while also involved with actors, dancers and a fantastic crew in the reimagining of a piece of Kilkenny history told with a modern flavour. I can’t wait to see it all take shape,” Mr Dooley, from Rathmoyle, said as the first full rehearsal took place recently.
Photo DGM Photographic
Lifelong pals Gary Comerford and Jim Rohan are proud members of KCAT Arts Centre and both feature prominently in the team of revellers and party-goers cast as part of The Alice Project, the much-anticipated reimagining of the Kilkenny Witch Trials at five locations in Kilkenny in early August.When Asylum Theatre sent out a casting call for singers, dancers and actors for the project, the duo, who have an abundance of acting and television talent, were game to enlist and join a cast.
“We’re playing revellers and party-goers. It’s going to be mighty craic,” Jim Rohan said. “I’m really excited about it and it will be great to have big audiences to act for. We also did The Waterboys and it is still available for people to view on the RTE Player,” he added.
Gary Comerford is equally excited about their moments in the spotlight. “We know a good few of the people who are involved here. But it’s lovely too to see new faces, meet new people,” he added.
Photo DGM Photographic
Teacher, mother and amateur dramatist Geraldine Roantree has been involved with every single Asylum Theatre Production down through the years and she absolutely revels in being part of it all. She also played Alice when two of the five episodes played out last year. There’s just something about the character that really appeals to her, the Callan-based actor said.
“I love The Alice Project. I can’t get enough of it. The community choir, the community dance group, all of the actors and the production team are a great bunch of people. I love the fact that anyone from any walk of life can be involved in this community initiative.
“If I was born earlier or later I probably would have chosen acting over teaching. I love the way Asylum approach theatre. Everyone is lovely and we all support one another. There’s no right or wrong way. We do it our way.
“I love Alice and I love playing her. She was a woman to be reckoned with and she really stood up to and challenged the bishop. I love getting into character and playing her,” Geraldine said.
The Alice Project is one of five community-rooted projects commissioned by Kilkenny County Council’s Public Arts Programme 2024-2027, and funded by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage. Additional funding for the long-awaited performances during Kilkenny Arts Festival has been provided by The Arts Council.
