St Mary’s NS, Finea present their version of An Táin

Children from St Mary’s NS, Finea came up with the ideas and script for their adaptation of the story of An Táin (The Brown Bull of Cooley).

They will also stage a public performance of their work, in the Backstage Theatre, Longford, on Wednesday March 22 at 6.30pm.

The project is part of the Teacher Artist Partnership their school is taking part in. The partnership initiative by the Department of Education and Skills to help schools to provide high quality arts education for the children and to promote the arts within education.

The children, along with their teachers, Elaine Daly and Donna Mullin, and drama facilitator Catherine Sheridan, undertook a project based on An Táin, a story that has connections with Finea.

The entire project was child-led and the children came up with the ideas, script and performances. Their adaptation of the story delves into the competitiveness between the powerful Queen Maeve and her husband Ailill and the repercussions of that.

The characters of Queen Maeve, Ailill and the powerful Cú Chulainn are examined and audiences will be transported back in time to Maeve’s pursuit of the mighty Brown Bull of Cooley.

The teamwork, enthusiasm and connection of all the children in the school were incredible and a decision was made to bring it to the Backstage Theatre in Longford, said their school principal, Donna Mullin.

The show An Tain – As told by the pupils of St Mary’s NS will be presented in the Backstage Theatre on Wednesday March 22 at 6.30pm as a celebration of their work.

Ms Mullin asked people to support the school and promised a memorable performance by the children.

Tickets are available from the Backstage at 043 33 47888 and backstage.ie.