Duleek players tackle taboo subjects

Some of the most taboo subjects in Irish society will be explored when Duleek Drama Players hit the stage of Drogheda's Droichead Arts centre with its latest production, 'On Raftery's Hill', on Monday 11th March. Set in the midlands, this dark tale by Offaly playwright Marina Carr involves three generations of Rafterys who struggle to maintain their 'respectable' family façade while rumours of incest, madness and stillborn children swirl among their close-knit farming community. "Even though it deals with serious social problems, there are also incidents of great humour and pathos in the play," said director Emily Thomson. "Neighbours are reluctant to challenge the brooding Red Raftery, played by Michael Duffy, but they fear the sinister hold he exercises over his daughters, played by Geraldine White and Michelle Phelan. They wonder what lies behind the decision of the son, played by Guy Lynch, to live in the cow sheds rather than stay under the same roof as his father." Duleek Players are renowned for staging entertaining plays with high production values but director Emily Thomson believe local audiences will respond well to this more 'issue-based' fare. "It's a challenging and thought-provoking piece of theatre. Audiences will come away aware that people are not just 'victims' of abusive situations, they can also be 'survivors' and that's the positive message that comes out of this two act tragedy," she added. Audiences attending the play will also be helping to raise money for three local charities. Monday night's performance is in aid of Duleek Courthouse Restoration Fund, while Duleek Meals-On-Wheels and the St Vincent de Paul Society will benefit on Wednesday night and the Meath Women's Refuge in Navan is the nominated charity on Tuesday night.