Topical play 'Is Mise Éire Eile' coming to Athlone and Moate
A play that was created in response to the topical issue of immigration, and how local communities in Ireland respond to it, is set to be performed in Moate and Athlone this month.
'Is Mise Éire Eile' is a production of Crooked House Theatre Company from Kildare, and is described as "the true story of a community grappling with itself after the arrival of 100 international protection applicants".
The play is touring the country and will be performed in Moate's Tuar Ard Theatre this Saturday, June 7.
This will be followed by another local performance, in Athlone's Dean Crowe Theatre, on Friday, June 13.
The play, which is designed for audiences aged 14 and up, is directed by Emily B Ditkovski, and written by Yassine Barkaoui, Serena Giordanengo, and members of Crooked House Theatre Company.
A description of how it originated states: “On a rainy evening in autumn 2023 the staff of a small guesthouse in Newbridge prepared to welcome 100 international protection applicants.
“As buses with men seeking asylum pulled into the new direct provision site, they were met by dozens of Newbridge residents who had gathered in the rain to protest their arrival.
“Protests occurred over many weeks and shocked the (town).
“Is Mise Éire Eile tells the story of a community grappling with itself following the protests and learning to connect with its new residents.”
The play was developed with text from interviews with the Newbridge internmational applicants themselves, as well as with community members and local leaders.
"Is Mise Éire Eile shares true stories from our community and provides hope for building stronger communities," Crooked House Theatre Company states.
The play runs for 80 minutes with no interval and each performance is due to be followed by a panel discussion on practical ways in which to build "more harmonious" communities.
The Moate performance of 'Is Mise Éire Eile' on Saturday, June 7, will be a free event, with booking required through the Tuar Ard Theatre.