A Public Fit Theatre Company (APf) opens the penultimate show of its 2023-24 season with Brian Friel’s Irish memory play Dancing at Lughnasa. Produced in association with Vegas Theatre Company, Dancing at Lughnasa opens Friday, April 12th, and will run for three weeks at the ArtSquare Theatre, 1025 S. 1st Street, in downtown's famed Arts District.
Dancing at Lughnasa is Brain Friel's sentimental paean to the intricacies of family life in rural Ireland in the 1930s. "It's the story of five sisters living together on the edge of a small, Irish village," says director Barbara Brennan, herself a proud Irishwoman. "Their lives are viewed through the eyes of Michael, a young boy growing up in that environment of poverty, religious restraint, and deep, complicated familial love. That's really the play - the bond that this family shares in spite of their hardships and differences."
"It's actually quite Chekovian in nature," adds APf's Artistic Director Ann-Marie Pereth, who also served as the play's choreographer. "So much is discovered by what the characters don't say to each other, the deep meaning beneath the dialogue. There's so much joy, even in their struggles. It's such an evocative piece, full of music, life, and, of course, dancing!"
Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $35 for Military, Seniors, and Students. A special Monday evening “industry night” is scheduled for April 29th at 7 p.m. with special pricing available.
Dancing at Lughnasa marks the third and final mainstage production of APf’s 10th season of plays and staged readings. "And producing it in the ArtSquare space in association with Vegas Theatre Company seems really appropriate," says Pereth. "APf started its theatrical journey in this very theatre 10 years ago with our production of Foxfinder! We started a conversation then, and we're still talking about theatrical stories."
She’s referring to The Buzz, a moderated discussion that follows every performance the company offers. An APf hallmark, The Buzz is an expression of A Public Fit’s ongoing commitment to engage audiences well beyond the limits of the stage, ensuring that the community shares the conversations surrounding the captivating theatre. "Lughnasa is a memory play," reminds Pereth. "I'm sure The Buzz will allow everyone to share our memories about the challenges of growing up."
Dancing at Lughnas features the talents of Timothy Cummings, Ashlee Grubbs, Carmen Maher, Jacob Moore, Tina Rice, Coco Layne Rigbye, Wilam Tarris, and Annette Verdolino.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.