Arts Week with Judy Murphy

When Decadent Theatre Company approached Ryan Donaldson about playing the lead role in the Galway company’s next production, The Chief, it was because of the young Antrim actor’s onstage presence and height.

For Ryan, it was a terrific offer and one that required a bit of research.

Ryan is playing Michael Collins in Jimmy Murphy’s new drama which will premiere in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre on Monday, September 12, with previews from next Thursday, September 8.

The Chief, which marks the centenary of Collins’ death, is the latest work from Jimmy Murphy whose previous plays include the successful Kings of the Kilburn Highroad, later made into a film.

It explores his relationship with Kitty Kiernan, his hopes for a united Ireland, and his guilt at taking arms against former comrades. The cast of six is directed by Decadent’s Artistic Director, Andrew Flynn.

Coming from Northern Ireland’s Protestant tradition, Ryan hadn’t learned about Collins at school. But he was aware of the Irish revolutionary hero, whose life was cut so tragically short 100 years ago last month.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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