'It's a play about rugby but it’s also a play about life...' Marie Boylan and Helena Close introduce their new play Red Army, which opens this month at Limerick's Lime Tree Theatre.
Rugby is theatre. It has all the elements; characters, players, magnificent stages, drama, comedy and sometimes tragedy. Our play Red Army was seeded in many years on the terraces and stands of such stages. So it was inevitable that we, as both avid Munster supporters and writers, would eventually want to marry the two. It only took us five years and an endless pandemic to get there. A match made in heaven.
Like any good match, there were a few elements of the drama that we knew needed to go in. We wanted our characters to be women, to be intelligent well-schooled rugby pundits. We wanted it to be about friendship, Munster road trips, a few drinks, laughs and confessions. But we also wanted it to be a homage to the late great captain of Munster, Anthony Foley, who died unexpectedly in October 2016 in Paris. And that's where our story begins.
Our women are in their fifties and forward thinking. Often in theatre and film that age bracket is depicted in a supporting role as mother, grandmother, wife or nun. We wanted real women. Women who are like both of us. Women who know their rugby and are confident to tell the world. Each character explores a storyline that is relevant to many women in their fifties- empty nest syndrome, a failing marriage, widowhood, new relationships, health, and sexuality. The incredible cast includes: Claudia Carroll, Cora Fenton, Frances Healy and Joan Sheehy. We are so happy that they are going to be on stage representing our women.
Pat Kiernan was the natural choice as director. Albeit a Corkman, he understands the theatre in sport and sports fans. Pat is also incredible in the rehearsal room and he is forensic in his approach to looking at the text. As writers there is always the scary bit when you have to hand over your work to the director, but with Pat, it was easy. We know that he’ll elevate the text, along with the cast and designers so that audiences will have the best experience possible.
Rugby is theatre. It has all the elements; characters, players, magnificent stages, drama, comedy and sometimes tragedy.
Though the show is tinged with tragedy it’s also funny, poignant and uplifting. The characters have been friends for years and there’s a huge amount of fun that goes with that. It’s a play about rugby but it’s also a play about life. This means that audiences don’t have to know anything about rugby to enjoy it. It’s the perfect length - the same length as a clean match with no stoppages.
We are honoured that Red Army is a flagship show for The Lime Tree Theatre’s ten year anniversary. Both of us were at the opening night ten years ago when the Abbey toured Juno and the Paycock to The Lime Tree. It’s extra special for us that The Lime Tree Theatre are producing and showcasing our play to celebrate their birthday.
The stage is set. The team has been named. The game plan is done. Jerseys ready. Kick off is 22nd October and last match is 29th October. Be there. Support your team. Believe. Stand up and fight.
Red Army is at the Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick, from 22nd - 29th October 2022 - find out more here.
