Solas Nua, Washington, DC’s premiere Irish arts organization, will present a digital theater festival of new work from Belfast-based Prime Cut Productions, one of Ireland’s leading theater companies.
The Prime Cut Festival includes four U.S. premieres and is the first North American showcase of this award-winning company. The Solas Nua box office is open now, featuring a $50 festival pass for all four performances or $15 single tickets to each. The plays will stream on-demand throughout the festival, November 18 to 21, 2021.
Also available throughout the festival will be a panel discussion featuring key artists behind the work of Prime Cut speaking about the challenges and possibilities of creating contemporary theater in Belfast today. This special feature discussion is moderated by Belfast-native theater director Matt Torney. Matt and the guest panelists will put a spotlight on Prime Cut, as well as provide context for the global perspective that characterizes this company’s visionary work. Panelists include Emma Jordan, Artistic Director of Prime Cut Productions; Anne McReynolds, Chief Executive at The Mac in Belfast; and Ciaran Bagnall, international designer and Associate Artist at Prime Cut.
The Prime Cut Festival is sponsored by The Northern Ireland Bureau. Eamonn McConnville, Deputy Director of NIB, will introduce the panel discussion on Creating New Work in Northern Ireland.
Rex Daugherty, Solas Nua’s Artistic Director of Theatre, shares, “What drew me to Prime Cut is the global vision this company has for all of their work. But Prime Cut pushes beyond local borders and politics, and is a compelling showcase for the breadth of culture, history, and broad perspectives found in Northern Ireland today.”
ABOUT THE PLAYS
Father The Father by Gilly Campbell
Gilly Campbell’s debut play is based on her own personal journey of growing up not knowing who her father was, only beginning her search for him 45 years later. Gilly’s mother, who is from Downpatrick, became pregnant in 1973 and was not married, deciding to hide her pregnancy by moving away to England. Gilly knew nothing about her father, nor did her mother.
My Left Nut by Michael Patrick and Oisin Kearney
400 milliliters. That’s how much liquid was drained from Michael’s left testicle when he was a teenager. That’s more than a can of coke. He should have told someone sooner, but who could he turn to? His dad died ten years ago, and besides, school is full of rumors about what the giant bulge in his trousers actually is. Who wants to stop that?
Removed by Fionnoala Kennedy
Removed is a funny, moving, and shocking insight into the experiences of a young man sharing his story of living within the state care system.
Awards and Nominations:
Winner: Creative Communities Award – Allianz Arts & Business Awards:
Winner: Fionnuala Kennedy: Irish Writers Guild Awards Best Theatre Script
Nominated: Emma Jordan Best Direction at the 2020 Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards
East Belfast Boy by Fintan Brady
Meet “Davy” as he portrays the story of all the things he sees in his streets: his mates, his girl…and The Boys. Pumping techno, pulverizing movement, and street-sharp poetry, East Belfast Boy is a cliché-free zone. East Belfast Boy features a stunning physical performance by dancer Ryan O Neill, with a voiceover by actor Terence Keeley and a thrilling updated soundtrack by Phil Kieran.
