‘Rathmines Road’ is a tour de force of emotion, blending moments of tension with sharp humour and unflinching ferocity. First produced in 2018 by Olivier Award-winning Fishamble and the renowned Abbey Theatre, Kinahan’s gripping drama continues to resonate with audiences, challenging societal norms and cultural responses to issues of sexual assault.
Navan Theatre Group, which was founded in 1991 by the late Billy Goonan, is a community based, amateur group, affiliated to the Drama League of Ireland. The establishment of this group followed in the footsteps of a long tradition of vibrant theatre groups in the town from the mid 1930’s. To date the group has attracted a wide diversity of members and continues to grow from strength to strength. We have also been fortunate in the loyal support we have received from the people of Navan and surrounding areas, who have attended our performances and/or supported us through sponsorship or practical assistance. We have been very grateful for this support and have been in the fortunate position to share some of our financial successes with locally and nationally based charitable organisations. Navan Theatre Group produced one major production each year, starting in the Community Centre in Navan and moving to The Solstice Arts Centre in November 2006, until 2020 when the Arts around the world came to a stop. Not staging a production didn’t stop us from getting together over zoom to continue to read and plan for the time when everything opened up again and in November 2021, in a change to prior formats, Navan Theatre Group returned to the Solstice Stage with a series of One Act Plays. Since then, NTG have produced a plethora of award winning one act plays, the world premiere of God’s Hotel (2022) and the highly acclaimed The Lieutenant of Inishmore (2023).
In 2019, Navan Theatre Group made their debut on the DLI ADCI One Act Circuit with Bull by Mick Bartlett (directed by Clare Atkinson), making it to the All-Ireland finals in Rossmore and placing second. NTG member Patrick Fox winning Best Actor. We made our second return to the Festival Circuit in 2021 with Normal by Caitriona Daly (directed by Clare Atkinson), once again making it to the All-Ireland finals in Ennis, placing second and Katy Leech picking up the DLI award. In 2022, NTG presented Dead Man’s Bells by Meabh de Brun (Directed by Johnnie Grant). NTG placed second in the All-Ireland Finals in Ballina and winning the Adjudicators award. NTG looks forward to competing in the 2023 one act circuit. In 2023, NTG made their return to the Circuit with ‘Dope’ written by NTG member Ciara Cassoni and directed by Des Lynch. The cast of ‘Dope’ won many awards along their circuit journey including, best female and male actor, best comedic moment and best director.
Navan Theatre Group is now proud to announce its upcoming production of “Rathmines Road” by acclaimed playwright Deirdre Kinahan. This riveting play, set over the course of one intense evening, delves into the complexities of truth and accountability in the face of accusations of sexual assault. “Rathmines Road” is a tour de force of emotion, blending moments of tension with sharp humour and unflinching ferocity. First produced in 2018 by Olivier Award-winning Fishamble and the renowned Abbey Theatre, Kinahan’s gripping drama continues to resonate with audiences, challenging societal norms and cultural responses to issues of sexual assault.
As an award-winning playwright and producer, Deirdre Kinahan has left an indelible mark on the stage. Her founding role as artistic director of the esteemed Tall Tales Theatre Company, from 1997 to 2012, not only showcased new plays but also amplified the voices of women playwrights worldwide. Kinahan’s own journey as a writer began in 1999, leading to an expansive repertoire characterised by depth and diversity. Recognised for her exceptional contributions, Kinahan holds the esteemed position of an elected member of Aosdána, a group honouring artist for their outstanding cultural contributions to Ireland. She has lent her expertise to esteemed organisations including the Abbey Theatre, Theatre Forum Ireland, and Glassmask Theatre Dublin. Currently serving as Literary Associate with Meath County Council, Kinahan continues to foster artistic endeavours within her community.
Directed by the experienced David Nelson, “Rathmines Road” boasts a stellar cast including Sharon Carroll, Ciara Cassoni, Padraic McLaughlin, Diarmuid McGuinness, and Paula Brady. Together, they will bring Kinahan’s characters to life with depth and authenticity, capturing the raw intensity of the play’s exploration of truth and responsibility.
“Rathmines Road” will captivate audiences at the Solstice Arts Centre from April 9th to April 13th, with performances starting at 8pm. Tickets are available for purchase through the Solstice Arts Centre website or by contacting them on (046) 909 2300. Don’t miss your chance to witness “Rathmines Road,” a play that confronts uncomfortable truths and challenges audiences to consider the complexities of justice and accountability in today’s world.
Within the group we have been fortunate to have people with a range of talents and skills and have also benefited from the support of other locally based drama and musical groups to assist us with different aspects of our productions. The continued growth of our activity however brings us to the stage where we welcome new members who can assist us with all aspects of theatre and drama production – including stage management, lighting and sound, costume and styling, marketing and promotion, as well as directing, writing and acting. Our existing members would be very happy to work with new members to expand and develop the range of talents and skills available to the group.
If you would like to join Navan Theatre Group or speak to one of our members, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us via email at [email protected], visit our website at www.navantheatregroup.ie or message us on any of our social media platforms. You’ll find us @navantheatregroup on Facebook and Instagram.
