Rising stars of Dundalk IT take on Dancing at Lughnasa

Film and Theatre Practice students Sophie and Ellie are looking towards their final show at Dundalk IT; Brain Friel’s ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, which they are set to stage in An Táin Arts Centre in March. The aspiring actors and film makers share their experience at DkIT and a glimpse into their upcoming show.

20-year-old Sophie Staples, grew up in Malta and made the move to Ireland to study at DkIT.

“I had been to Ireland before, and I thought the people were really wonderful, and it would be fantastic to have that welcoming environment, particularly in the field of theatre where you work so closely together.”

It was the diversity of modules encompassing post-production and pre-production, performance on stage, and acting on camera that sold the course for Sophie. The appeal was similar for 21-year-old Ellie Nolan from Ratoath in Co. Meath. “I had originally wanted to just study acting, but then I got into film as well, and exploring cinematography. I felt like it was better to have a variety of skills going into the industry,” according to Ellie.

The varied structure of the Film and Theatre course allows students the time and flexibility to explore their interests and develop their individual strengths.

“It makes more diverse theatre makers,” according to lecturer Laura Bowler. “We're not just training actors. We're training people who have a wide set of skills and can pitch in for multiple aspects of theatre and film.”

Theatre and performance have always been a huge part of Sophie and Ellie’s lives, both having been in stage schools and amateur performances since the age of 6.

“Being in this industry has always been something that I wanted to do,” according to Sophie. In my late teens I realised it was something I wanted as more than a hobby.”

Ellie initially had reservations about diving into theatre as a career but confesses “When I was 17 I decided, no, I was just going to go for it because I literally had no interest in anything else and it was all I could think about.”

Guest lectures, along with insights drawn from their lecturers’ own industry experience, are among the standout aspects of the course for Sophie. “Our lecturers have done so many different things, and hearing them share these experiences reassures me that there are many unique paths within this industry.”

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For both students directing and film, and advanced acting have really stood out in their course, with live performances bringing the biggest thrill. Their skills will really be put to the test as they become the first DkIT Theatre and Film group to take their final performance to An Táin Arts Centre.

“It’s so exciting and it’s going to be such a great atmosphere, as a bigger theatre it will be more intimidating but I know that will just give us even more drive” according to Ellie, who hopes that the new performance space will entice a wider audience to the play. 

For the group, who are used to both rehearsing and performing in the DkIT MacAnna Theatre, the popular Dundalk theatre space brings a new challenge that they are approaching with vigour.

“It’s a bit like we’re leaving home. We're really, really familiar with the MacAnna. So, we have to take all of our bags, pack them up, and bring them to someone else's house and abide by their rules and their timelines, which is a brilliant opportunity for learning,” says Laura, who is co-directing the play alongside Eva Urban-Devereux.

The renowned Irish play, Dancing at Lughnasa takes place in 1930s Donegal and explores the life of the Mundy sisters, including 26-year-old Christina and her young son Michael. Taking on the role, Sophie reflects “Christina has a lot of inner battles, she is the youngest, she has a child out of wedlock, she adores her son but feels like she wants more.”  The play explores how Christina deals with the stigma and limitations that are placed on her and how she is somewhat protected from these by her sisters.

“Sisterhood is at the heart of the play, “according to Ellie who plays Maggie. “I’m the funny sister,” she laughs.

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“I think Friel is a great choice for this group, Eva and I are really excited about it,” according to Laura. “This generation have their own challenges, expectations of the world and struggles, and it’s such a great opportunity for them to step into the lives of these characters who lived so long ago in rural Ireland. We have such a diverse cast of wonderful people who have made Ireland their home and we think there is something at the heart of this play that speaks to everybody.” 

While their upcoming production is at the forefront of their minds, Sophie and Ellie are coming near the end of their studies, and looking towards what’s next.

“My main goal is to go into acting. Either on stage or camera, but I particularly love the adrenaline rush of a live performance. I now have so much experience behind the stage though that I can work there too… until I get cast,” Ellie jokes.

For Sophie, the varied nature of her course has changed her outlook somewhat.  “I love acting and would love nothing more than to be in professional shows, but it’s no longer my ultimate goal, she says. “I want to travel a bit after college and create art that is meaningful to me, to write or produce something new that hasn’t been seen before.”

To learn more about the upcoming production visit: https://www.antain.ie/event/dancing-at-lughnasa/