The Holding Bones lovingly recalls a host of characters – songsters, storytellers and mischief makers. In paying playful homage to her ancestors Niamh Lawlor contemplates the purpose of life. Her life.
Saturday 13 September, 2.30pm
In this new piece from Púca for adults, Niamh Lawlor, veteran performer for nearly 30 years, counts her ancestors on her very bones and brings them back to life on stage. Vital theatrical storytelling and live drawing invite you to meditate on family, memory and rituals of grieving and how to embrace the bittersweet turns of the cycle of life. Set in her studio she draws upon her skills as a puppet maker and visual artist to enrich the tale she has to tell, as funny as it is deeply moving.
“just beautiful…cathartic, profound but also soothing”
This very personal yet universal show has been crafted over several years, assisted by support from The Arts Council, dlr County Council, South Dublin Live – a South Dublin County Council Arts Office initiative, Pavilion Studio and the Mermaid Arts Centre, Draíocht and Civic Theatres.
“Poetry and Heart and Soul Food”
Abbey Theatre New Work Associate Rían Smith gave this feedback:
“We were captivated by the highly atmospheric mood created by The Holding Bones. The play’s interaction with belief and mythos, reporting dreams and urban tales, builds an ethereal and expressionistic sensibility, with the workshop-like setting allowing the themes of togetherness and being remade to feel present and powerful.
The specific characters of the piece – Uncle Cyril, Aunty Barnie, the father – are conjured via thoroughly enjoyable details, the writing evoking both their simple and extraordinary natures, as well as their importance.”
Writer / Performer Niamh Lawlor
Director Emma Finegan
Production Manager, Stage Management and Operation Aimee Crilly
Lighting Design Colin Doran
Producer Púca Puppets
Created in collaboration with Dramaturg / Director Veronica Coburn; Artist Lian Bell; Sound / Music Composition Sinead Diskin
Since 1997, award winning Púca Puppets have been producing shows for adults and children from Ballymun to Bangkok, in theatres, canals and other ordinary and extraordinary places.
