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Progressive Players member Rhianna McPartland shares her unique viewpoint on her latest role.
When I cast my mind back to that wintery night in November 2023…
Brian Friel’s play Dancing at Lughnasa is set in County Donegal, not too far from Derry where I was born and raised. As soon as I heard that an Irish play was being staged, I knew that I wanted to be involved. I was excited for the play reading to see who else might want to help tell this beautiful, poignant and very real story. It was great to hear the attempts at the accent, although after living in England for nearly 10 years I had a momentary worry that perhaps my accent wouldn’t be the strongest in the room!
Fast forward to rehearsals, and I was learning the story of my character, Agnes Mundy. At first, everyone in the room was trying to learn the way to phrase certain words, the inflections to add and the speed to speak with. What I found most disconcerting were pairs of eyes staring at my mouth as I spoke to try and mimic the shapes I was making (have you ever had someone stare just at your mouth when you speak?!) But what I loved was everyone’s commitment to trying to bring these characters together authentically. I really felt as though I knew each of these characters, and it felt important to tell this little bit of history. Of how hard it was living in rural Donegal in the 30s, of how everyone in the home looked out for one another, of finding those moments of joy and laughter in what was otherwise a harsh and unforgiving life. If you come to see this beautiful piece of theatre I hope you feel as connected with these characters as we do. In the months and years ahead, different memories will offer themselves to us all.
Rhianna McPartland
Dancing at Lughnasa, a Progressive Players production at The Little Theatre Gateshead, 19 to 24 February 2024.