Rural Ireland meets the Middle East in a plot which follows middle-aged farmer Paddy, whose lust for life has long vanished. A trip to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan encourages him to feel a fresh wonder for the world, develop new friendships and begin an exciting love affair…with himself.
Pretending to lose his passport so he can stay longer in Petra, Paddy begins a journey of recovery and renewed enthusiasm for living. How long until responsibilities of old take hold of him again? A play about survival, strength and carrying on.
The role of Paddy will be performed by Cork actor Brendan Dunlea (Ros na Rún, An Cailín Ciúin, The Quiet Girl, The Funeral Path). Music is by Cáit Ní Riain.
Paddy goes to Petra is the latest play from Tipperary playwright Áine Ryan whose previous work includes critically acclaimed shows that have been performed all over Ireland, Edinburgh and in the United States.
Áine Ryan, Playwright & Director. Áine Ryan is a writer and theatre maker from Co. Tipperary. She holds a BA (Honours) in Theatre and Performance from Goldsmiths, University of London and a Higher Diploma in Film and Television Production through Irish from WIT/ Nemeton. Her plays include Kitty in the Lane, Up the hill Jackie, and Paddy goes to Petra which have been performed at various festivals such as Galway Theatre Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and San Francisco International Arts Festival.
Her work explores unrepresented voices from rural Ireland, weaving stories of humour, adventure and love to create emotional and entertaining stage plays. Her short films include First Date directed by Clara Planelles and produced by Pete Moles, premiered at Galway Film Fleadh in July 2022 and is currently playing at numerous film festivals. She has received commissions from The Source Arts Centre, Co. Tipperary and awarded Professional Development Award, Agility Award and Project Award funding from the Arts Council of Ireland. Paddy goes to Petra at the Jack Studio marks her first-time showcasing work in London.
“I wrote the play after my own travels to Jordan. It is based largely around my experiences over there, befriending the local Bedouin and completing many trails around Petra. The idea for the plot came to me sitting in a café in Wadi Musa, the town next to Petra. I was thinking about how similar the local people were to Irish people – incredibly friendly, jolly and hospitable. I then pondered about how an Irish man would fit in if he was to move to Jordan. The play was sold out and received a standing ovation when it was
performed at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles and Galway Theatre Festival, and I am excited to bring the story to London for the first time.”
Venue: Brockley Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London, SE4 2DH
Box office: www.brockleyjack.co.uk or 0333 666 3366 (£1.80 fee for phone bookings only)
Dates: Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 November 2022 at 7.30pm.
Tickets: £16, £14 conc., 14+
Running time: Seventy minutes, with no interval
