Thirst by Flann O’Brien (Comedy)
Directed by Robert Wall
Flann O’Brien was the pseudonym used by Brian Ó’Nualláin (O’Nolan), an Irish novelist and political commentator. Born in 1911 in County Tyrone and raised in Dublin, he entered the Irish civil service in 1937 and formally retired in 1953. From 1940 until his death in 1966, he wrote a political column called “Cruiskeen Lawn” for The Irish Times, under the psuedonym Myles na Gopaleen. His biting, satirical commentaries made him the conscience of the Irish government. As Flann O’Brien, he published three wildly funny novels and also the play Faustus Kelly, in 1943. Later that year he started work on another full length play, of which only the first act was completed. This first act was Thirst, yet strangely, there is nothing incomplete about it!
Robert Wall (Mr. Coulahan)
A founding Tara member, Robbie remains an integral part of the company as an actor, director and set designer. His most memorable characters include Captain Boyle in Juno & The Paycock; John Bosco McLaine in The Chastitute; John Cleary in The Subject Was Roses (Best Actor); ‘The Bull’ McCabe in The Field; and Teddy in The Faith Healer (Best Actor). Directing credits include Crystal and Fox, Forty-Four Sycamore, and Brothers of the Brush (Best Director, AIITF, Denver 2001).
Martin Molloy (Peter)
Martin has worked with the Tara Players for over 25 years, primarily as a celebrated set designer and builder. He has designed the majority of Tara productions and his innovative sets have won him critical recognition. Martin has also appeared as an actor with Tara, his first role being Donal in Juno and the Paycock. Martin last appeared as an Egit in The Course. Martin is also a metals artist and his work is on display in the Irish Club.
Brendan Carruthers (Jem)
Also a founding Tara member, Brendan’s first stage role was Stranger in Tara’s first production, J.M. Synge’s In the Shadow of the Glen. Brendan remains active at both acting and directing 34 years later. He directed the hit play Anyone Could Rob A Bank this season, and last appeared on stage in 2004 as Fr. Darcy, in A Miracle in Ballymore, a show which he also directed. Brendan was also the company’s GM for more than 10 years, and he helped found the Acting Irish International Theatre Festival.
Sidney Gray (Sergeant)
A veteran of the Tara Players since 1983, Sidney was critically acclaimed for his most recent role as Abraham in O’Neill’s The Rope. Last year, he was the recipient of the best supporting actor award at the A.I.I.T.F. in Chigaco for his portrayal of Paddy in I Do Not Like Thee Dr. Fell. Sidney has appeared in at least one Tara production per season since 1990.
The Crew:
Director Robert Wall
Assistant Director/Stage Manager April Gregoria
Set Design Martin Molloy
Set Construction Team Ted MacMartin, Martin Molloy, Peter McConvillle, Tom Holder, Sidney Gray
Lighting Design Omar Khan
