Guthanna Binne Síoraí presents
Beannaithe | Blessed
by Biddy Jenkinson
Performed in Irish with English surtitles
“Bheith gan oirniú, bheith gan údarás”
“Without ordination is to be without authority”
A nun gets involved with an organisation advocating for women priests and drags her fellow nuns reluctantly into a movement that is fast gathering pace. Meanwhile, a Bishop lies on his deathbed regretting that he didn’t do enough to bring about institutional change. The stars seem to be aligning, in this bold, provoctive new play by Biddy Jenkinson.
“This is a hilariously funny play which is very entertaining and engaging but it is also a very serious commentary on the second class position of women in Irish society, particularly in the Catholic Church. It draws our attention to the difficulties and barriers in challenging the status quo and how easy it is to be pushed into the fringes when you do so.” Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy
Producer Tristan Rosenstock says: “The recent visit of Pope Francis brought to the fore many questions regarding the role of women, with several public figures publicly stating their support for women priests. This play, which has been developed over the last two years, presents some of these questions in dramatic form”.
Professor Philip O’Leary of Boston College remarks on the alternative Church imagined in the play: “For now such an underground church must await the future – though perhaps not a distant one – but in her use of traditional songs, prayers, and references to the stories and legends of St. Brigid, Jenkinson makes clear that there is nothing in the Irish past to render it threatening or alien.”
Beannaithe/ Blessed is directed by Colm Ó Foghlú, who also composed original music. Cast: Dairíne Ní Dhonnchú, Áine Ní Mhuirí, Bríd Ní Ghruagáin, Cathal Quinn, Cillian O’Dee.
Cór Duibhlinne ladies choir feature in the performance.
Beannaithe was supported by Foras na Gaeilge, Unesco Dublin City of Literature, and Dublin City Council.
The show runs in Smock Alley (Boys’ School) Setember25 – 29th at 8pm.
Tickets available at www.smockalley.com 01 – 6770014
Guthanna Binne Síoraí: Cuirimid saothar le mórscríbhneoirí na hÉireann ar stáitse, go háirithe filí, sa dá theanga, chun leas a bhaint as buanna bhunaitheoirí an chompántais agus tiosncadail d’ardchaighdeán a chruthú agus a léiriú
Press Information: Tristan Rosenstock, 086 3614023 tristan.rosenstock@gmail.com