A scene from Hacklers astonishing On Broken Wings. Photo by Ray O'Reilly (Cavan One Hour)

Hacklers majestic Healy production returns to the Townhall

A quarter of a century after it was first staged in Cavan Townhall, Dermot Healy’s On Broken Wings returned to the same venue last May. The show was performed for two nights only, but the buzz it generated suggested that a longer run should have been considered.

Those who missed out, or those who were enthralled by the show, will have an opportunity to take in the majesty that was this unique production. Healy was instrumental in the establishment of the Hacklers in 1981 and the marvellous creativity that was the mark of the man is evident in this staging.

On Broken Wings was selected with a view to producing a number of Dermot’s plays over the coming years.

Typical of Healy's gift On Broken Wings is highly stylised and demonstrates his unique and singular voice. The language ranges from the profound and poetic to the abstract and obscure. The story is a simple one told with humour, pathos and an element of fatalism. The themes are universal and possess a strong sense of social conscience and are as relevant today as ever.

The Hackler's production is directed by Damien O’Brien with choreography by Mary Farrelly. It features a large and talented cast of actors performing dance, mime, song and funny sounds. The Celt review of last May's show remarked on the contribution of the back-stage crew and technicians who created masks, costumes, make-up, landscapes, cityscapes and sound effects.

The unorthodox and highly innovative visual imagery sets the scene for a play the tracks the life of a man who follows the rout of millions of Irish emigrants. The protagonist looks to establish a life as he encounters many races and creeds on his sometimes rough but always engaging and picturesque travels.

His experiences, hallucinations and fears are explored with the use of masks, puppets, screens, music and dance. The play ends as it begins with Timothy sitting by the hearth in the cottage where he was born.

On Broken Wings show-cases the unique, magical, imaginative and innovative talent that was Dermot Healy and was produced in collaboration with Cavan County Council and The Arts Office and Creative Ireland.

It will be staged in the Town Hall Arts Space, Cavan Town, September 8 and 9 and in the Ballroom of Romance, Glenfarne, Leitrim on September 16. Show time is 8.30pm, admission is €15 and tickets can be purchased in advance at Multisound. For bookings text 0862637466 /email obrien.hacklers@gmail.com or got to the Hacklers Facebook Theatre Company.