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Forever Fathers stage
powerful new drama
30.09.08
BUNCRANA will later
this week stage a powerful new drama commissioned by
the support group for unmarried male parents,
Forever Fathers.
The play is entitled 'A Far Cry....'. and it tells
the story of Eddie, an unmarried father of two who
has recently split from the mother of his children.
It explores the mental trauma that follows for the
main character who has no rights under Irish family
law. Coupled with the lack of contact with his
children, Eddie goes down a path where he tragically
contemplates taking his own life.
Don McNeill who is on the Forever Fathers committee
in Buncrana said funding has allowed the organisers
to stage the play free of charge to the audience.
“This is a very real issue especially in rural areas
such as Donegal because there is little or no
support for single fathers. |
"We decided that a play
would be an excellent way to highlight the problems
being faced by these men and the issue of suicide
which many face.”
The play's director Jonathan Burgess has worked on
many projects concerned with conflict resolution and
issue-based theatre. “Theatre provides a great
opportunity to express themes |
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and issues around
topics such as this. Theatre provides that forum and
from the feedback the company is getting from
Forever Fathers, it seems that they are very happy
with the voice we have created for them. Now the
show is ready to be seen," he said.
The play has been made possible with money from the
Dormant Accounts Fund and ESB Electric Aid.
It will tour six venues across the county and will
play St. Mary’s Hall, Buncrana on Thursday, October
2, 2008 at 8pm. The final performance will be on
Saturday, Octoner 4 in Stranorlar. All performances
are free. Don McNeill said it was important that the
play was accessible to all.
"The issues involved affect everyone; the ex
partner, the father, the grandparents, relatives and
friends and most of all those who are paramount… the
children. "Forever Fathers seeks to promote the
child’s welfare, parental equality, mediation,
understanding and good relations and we hope that
our work in this area can be enhanced by the
production," he said. |
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