‘ Fallen’ - A new Theatre and Opera commission with collaborating artists Deirdre Kinahan writer and Conor Mitchell composer.

Deirdre Kinahan, Playwright will develop a short piece inspired by the story of Peggy McCarthy, a young woman who died in childbirth when her local catholic hospital refused to admit her on account of her marital status (1942). Deirdre will write a dramatic playlet reflecting and commenting on this event and how the status of women and children has changed in Ireland. She will then collaborate with Conor Mitchell, award winning composer from Belfast (AD the Belfast Ensemble) in exploring musical/operatic possibilities for the piece. 

The ambition being to create a short hybrid operatic/theatre performance to be staged at a heritage site in Meath that speaks to the content of the drama, also acting as a launch pad for further development to a new Irish opera or song cycle. The performance will be filmed initially and then feature as part of Meath County Council’s live programme of events in 2021.

The in development stage will provide support for writer, composer, director, actors/singers x3, sound technician & film maker. Performance will be in collaboration with The Belfast Ensemble.

The project will be managed by the Arts Office with support from our Producer in Residence Aisling O’Brien.  

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.