Cork school of Music students set to shine in new theatre production  

CORK School of Music’s theatre and drama students will have the chance to shine in a new play written by the celebrated playwright Simon Stephens.

Theatre and Drama Studies BA students will stage performances of Light Falls at The Stack Theatre, MTU Cork School of Music from Tuesday, January 16, to Saturday, January 20, at 7.30pm.

The story centres around a devastating event that alters the lives of individuals scattered across different parts of the UK.

A number of former students, who have gone on to enjoy success as professional actors, will join students on stage for the production.

This will be the Irish premiere of renowned playwright Simon Stephen’s recent work which celebrates resilience in the face of adversity. The artist’s writing is widely performed throughout Europe, cementing his place among the most performed English-language writers in Germany.

Born in 1971, the British-Irish playwright is a professor of scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The MTU Cork School of Music production will be directed by Regina Crowley, with sound design by Cormac O’Connor and costume design by Valentina Gambardella.

Jenny Whyte is behind the set design with lighting by Aoife Cahill and Michael Green as production manager.

The project is supported by MTU Arts Office.

The BA in Theatre and Drama Studies course is a four-year programme with a focus on theatre performance training.

It offers students the opportunity to explore theatre history, theatre design, sound and lighting, and stage management. Students also have the option of taking specialist electives in scriptwriting, directing, dance, musical theatre, drama therapy, and theatre in education.

Last year’s production by BA in Theatre and Drama Studies students was The Wonderful World Of Dissocia by Anthony Neilson. Directed by Ciaran Bermingham, the play gives an insight into a woman’s dream-like imaginary life and its stark contrast against reality. The story aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of dissociative disorder.

Tickets for Light Falls are currently on sale at events.mtu.ie/events.