Published: Wednesday, 25th November, 2009 4:59pm

O'Brien classic for Solstice - with translators!

by John Donohoe

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Aisling Ghéar Theatre Company will present 'The Poor Mouth' by Flann O'Brien, who was also known as comic genius Myles na Gopaleen, at Solstice Arts Centre on Friday 4th December. 'The Poor Mouth' or 'An Béal Bocht' will be performed in Irish with live translation into English via headphones.

This is a brand new adaptation for the stage by Bríd " Gallchoir, artistic director of the company with contributions from Gearóid " Cairáillean and Owen McCafferty.

The Poor Mouth/An Béal Bocht' tells the story of one, Bonaparte O'Coonassa - 'son of Michealangelo, son of Patrick, son of Owen, son of Sarah, son of Thomas, son of Maire' who was born in a cabin in a fictitious village called Corkadoragha in western Ireland.

From the front door of this 'small lime-white house situated in the corner of the Glen' you could (allegedly) see - Gweedore, Connemara, Galway, the island of Aran and The Great Blaskets.

Famed as much for its beauty as the abject, relentless and 'much prized' poverty of its residents, the daily fare consists of potatoes, potatoes and yet more potatoes, which they shared with a horse called Charlie, a bunch of sheep 'a slim thighed cow', a clutch of chickens and Ambrose the pig!

You're invited to discover buried treasure, underwater homes and the perils of marathon Irish dancing. A perfect marriage of satire and gazumping. This evening at the theatre is an ideal opportunity for those studying or learning Irish.

More information on Aishling Ghéar can be found at www.aislingghear.com.

Tickets are €15/€10 concession and available from Solstice Arts Centre on (046) 909 2300 or online at www.solsticeartscentre.ie. Group rate available on request.