Rough Magic announces new production as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival

The Bonefire by Rosemary Jenkinson 

A comedy of manners amongst the sectarian classes!

Following the huge success of Improbable Frequency in 2004, Rough Magic returns to the Dublin Theatre Festival with a glittering comedy of violence that takes a darkly satirical look at what really lights our fire.

Developed during the company’s successful SEEDS new writing initiative, The Bonefire is the debut play of a bold and exciting new voice in Irish theatre. Originally from Belfast, Rosemary Jenkinson has been widely published as a short story writer and poet. A rehearsed reading of an extract of her play Chocolate Madonna was performed as part of the New Writing Hothouse by the Tinderbox Theatre Company at the Linen Hall Library, Belfast. The Bonefire received a rehearsed reading as part of the SEEDS II Showcase during the 2005 Dublin Fringe Festival.

Across Belfast the Loyalist community is steadying itself for the orgiastic drug-fest that is the sacred and glorious 12th of July. As ‘The Boney’ looms larger day by day, UDA wannabes are drawn like moths to a flame. Up in the flats, hard-man Tommy thinks Leanne is more like his Ma than his sister, but in her head Leanne is anything but maternal. And when Tommy’s pal Davey arrives with a mysterious new woman, it only takes a spark to ignite the Bonefire.

The Bonefire will be directed by Lynne Parker with designs by Alan Farquharson (set), Kathy Strachan (costumes) and Sinead Wallace (lighting). Cast members confirmed to date include Peter Balance, Andrea Irvine and the young Belfast actor Ciaran Nolan. Full casting details will be announced in due course.

 

Rough Magic’s tour to Poland and Scotland has been made possible by the direct support of Culture Ireland.