2 Nov 2022

On 8th November at 3.30pm we will be screening A Very Odd Birthday Party, a new play with music by Hannah Donelon, at the Film and Screen Media auditorium, Kane Building basement, room B10.B, University College Cork, followed by a Q&A with Professor Jools Gilson, Head of the Department of Theatre.

This is your invitation to Michael Moriarty’s birthday party. 

Tickets are free but please reserve your slot: https://www.eventbrite.ie/manage/events/456518137037/details

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, A Very Odd Birthday Party is a new play by Hannah Donelon with live, traditional music. Join mother-to-be Eveline and her Dad Michael Moriarty on a journey that penetrates the psyche, humour, and trauma of being a first and second-generation Irish immigrant in England. This is a story about family, working class identity, and memory. Anna Berentzen (Headlong Origins Director 2022; Royal Exchange; North Wall Theatre), directs this new play full of humour, change, and hope for the future. Creative audio description will be embedded into the script with expertise from Chloë Clarke.

“Passionate and emotional”, “poignant” (Bush Theatre, London)

Hawkseed Theatre aim to support, celebrate, and develop new writing for the stage, and raise the voices of those often under or mis represented on stage. As part of this project, we are really keen to connect with early career artists. We hope to connect with some of you through our Q&A after the screening. For more on our work, please visit: https://www.hawkseedtheatre.co.uk/

The play is being delivered in partnership with The Met and Liverpool Irish Festival, and is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. This play is also supported through funding from the Consulate General of Ireland, Manchester. A Very Odd Birthday Party was initially developed thanks to funding and support from The Production Exchange.

Director Anna Berentzen

Writer Hannah Donelon

Audio Description Consultant Chloë Clarke

Set & Costume Designer Ellie Light

Sound Designer Charlotte Barber

Lighting Designer Charly Dunford

Stage Manager Sophie Rushworth

Producers Sara Abanur & Lauren Cresswell

Musical Supervisor Emma Sweeney

Photographer, Videographer, & Marketing Support Aaron Howell

Running time: 80 - 90 mins

Age: 14+

The play includes themes of dementia, some sexual references, reference to motherhood and birth, strong language, and themes of displacement.

All performances will include creatively embedded audio description.