'It is a story of hope': Play inspired by Gaza war coming to Cork  

A new play coming to Cork tells the story of a badly injured child and an aid worker in a war zone hospital, through a blend of narration and music that will both captivate and deeply move the audience.

The Silver Case, written by Brendan Griffin, with original music by Lewis Barfoot, is part of the Cork Arts Theatre Summer Series which runs from Wednesday, July 30, to Saturday, August 2, at 8pm, plus 1pm shows on Thursday and Friday.

“It is a story of hope set against the backdrop of war,” says Brendan, from Midleton.

The plot was inspired by the war in Gaza, which has been going on now for nearly two years and affected people throughout the world.

“ The Silver Case took me only a number of weeks to write, which is unusual for me,” says Brendan. “Writing my plays typically takes me a year or more.

“The idea for The Silver Case came to me around Christmas time, inspired by the innocent people suffering in Gaza as a result of war.

“Like so many others, I was deeply affected by the enormity of the suffering of the people in Gaza that we witnessed on TV and on the news.”

We all want the war to end, and the play is not all doom and gloom.

“While the horror, the injustice, is overbearing, in the play I wanted to focus on hope,” says Brendan. “Because hope exists too. In a war zone, a young girl is saved by the music and love of an aid worker.”

Brendan has had his stage, radio, and film scripts produced/funded by RTÉ, TG4, the Irish Film Board, Irish Film Base, The Everyman Theatre, Barnstorm Theatre, New Theatre, and Fishamble Theatre.

In recent years, he has focused solely on his main passion; stage plays. “I decided to have a mixture of music and narration that I tried to blend together,” he says of his latest play.

“The focus of The Silver Case is hope. I think it is a beautiful piece that is both uplifting and entertaining. I believe it is the perfect fit for the Cork Arts Summer Series.

“The opening night, Wednesday July 30, is a fundraiser for Doctors Without Borders/Gaza appeal.”

It is unusual for Brendan’s plays to incorporate music.

Alice Barry, narrator of the play, has established herself as a versatile figure in the realms of writing, acting, producing and directing.

Lewis Barfoot, the musician in the play, is an actor and singer/songwriter.

The duo combine to make the perfect mix, adding to a powerful script.

“I know Lewis, who is based in Cork, and I’ve been to many of her concerts,” says Brendan.

“I was delighted that she came on board after I approached her.”

The talented trio, Brendan, Alice and Lewis, worked well together.

“I have been very fortunate to work with Alice and Lewis,” says Brendan. “They both bring so much experience and talent to the parts. Lewis performs her own songs.

“The creative team was further enhanced when Hanan Sheedy came on board to assist with direction.”

Brendan, a playwright for many years, is also producing The Silver Case.

“That involves a lot of work dealing with all the logistics including, the posters, the flyers, the media, and the budget,” says Brendan.

And problem-solver?

“That too!” he adds, laughing. “It is all necessary.”

What part of writing and producing does he like the best?

“I love seeing the process come together and develop,” says Brendan. “I love seeing the opportunities. I love seeing the beauty of it. It is a lovely process.

“And the value of getting the play out, no matter what, is really important for me. Profit doesn’t matter.”

Brendan’s play has already received a very favourable response.

“We were very fortunate to be able to do a reading of the play at My Place, Midleton, during the Midleton Arts Festival,” says Brendan.

“This was an important event in front of an audience, and it added extra value to our ongoing rehearsals. It was a most worthwhile exercise.”

The Artistic Director of Noggin Theatre Company and Director of Midleton Arts Festival, Alice Barry, saw the value of being involved in the production of The Silver Case.

“I have been a fan of Brendan Griffin for years,” says Alice, who lives in Aghada. “We are both theatre people from Midleton.

“I did a reading of The Silver Case at The Everyman and I was very interested in doing the part of the narrator.

“Using my voice as a performer and actor is very satisfying.

“The added ingredient of the music is of the moment, and the play is incredibly powerful and passionate,” says Alice.

“ The Silver Case is well worth going to see.”

Global unrest is very much part of our lives at the moment.

“You know, when I was writing The Silver Case I felt a bit of a fraud because I wasn’t suffering like the people of Gaza,” says Brendan. “I said it to my friend John.”

What did John say?

“He said, at least you know you’re a fraud!”

Brendan always focuses on hope.

“ The Silver Case has a happy ending,” he points out.

Isn’t that what we always want?

Get your ticket at corkartstheatre.com, from Cork Arts Theatre Box Office or phone 021-450 5624.

The Silver Case runs from Wednesday, July 30, to Saturday, August 2. €18 evening show. €15 lunchtime show or €20 with lunch.