Published: Wednesday, 1st September, 2010 5:00pm

Actor Kieron wishes you were there too

A scene from Wish I Was Here, which will star Bawnboy actor, Kieron Smith (inset).

Kieron Smith from Bawnboy says he is enjoying the experience of working as the "creative ensemble" that is behind Wish I Were Here, presented by The Dock and IT Sligo at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday 9 and Friday 10, September.

Wish I Were Here is a collaborative piece combining physical and visual worlds through stories of voyage and discovery. Four actors hurtle through a range of characters on a journey loaded with bags and baggage.

Director Andy Crook's fusion of masks, frames, movement and multimedia is certain to enthral anyone who has ever gone on a journey, left home or tried to create a new one. Watch as the framer becomes the framed, the masks become human and the actors create and flow through new spaces in this beautiful new physical ensemble piece.

Dr. Rhona Trench, lecturer in Performing Arts at IT Sligo, is delighted to see the first ever graduates of the BA (Hons) in Performing Arts working in a professional capacity. Siobhan O'Malley, assistant director at The Dock, is enthusiastic about the production being developed and rehearsed in the space, and the fresh ideas and positive energy being brought to the production by the new graduates.

Director of Wish I Were Here, Andy Crook, who also has his own theatre company (Articulate Anatomy Theatre Company), says it's been great working with such a talented and enthusiastic young group. Wish I Were Here audio visual and lighting designer Paul McDonnell from Manorhamilton says: "It is a great experience to be involved in all the different aspects of creating a production and to work with a director who is so willing to explore various ideas and methods in creating the piece."

The four cast members are Sheila Moylette, Kieron Smith from Bawnboy, Geraldine Foy and Ronan Geoghegan.

Kieron recently completed the BA (Hons) in Performing arts in Sligo IT having done work experience in a theatre in Budapest as part of his studies. He was also selected for Cavan County Council's Backstage Pass initiative, which saw him benefit from an internship as assistant stage manager with Livin Dred.

He was delighted his first role after finishing up his studies were on home turf with the Gonzo Theatre. Kieron showed his well-honed talent for performance in his part as the pathetically innocent, testosterone-crazed young man in Pure Brothers. He also won great acclaim for his part in Murder On Main Street, writted by Gonzo Theatre director, Philip Doherty, and performed in pubs around the county during Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann.

"It was unique," says Kieron of The Town On Stage series of plays. "To have the history of Cavan told throughout one day was an epic event. As an actor from Cavan it was a privilege and it was important to me to start off in my home county before going to the Dublin Fringe Festival."

In the forthcoming production by The Dock and IT Sligo, Kieron plays a high-flying salesman in the film industry who "spends all his time travelling everywhere but landing nowhere".

"Wish I Were Here is about anyone who's ever wanted to go on a journey or wished to go travelling. It's very much a physical ensemble piece which we are creating ourselves with the director Andy Crook," says Kieron. He that so far it has been "intense but a great collaborative experience".

Strongly recommending the play, Kieron really does wish that Cavan people can make the journey and be there. Given the overwhelmingly positive reaction to Gonzo's The Town On Stage, which he considers to be similarly innovative and experimental, Kieron believes Wish I Were Here will go down a treat.

"I think, looking at Gonzo, there is a growing audience in Cavan for new theatre experiences and I think Wish I Were Here will provide that at the Dublin Fringe.

Sheila Moylette from Islandeady, Co. Mayo says that "we are very lucky to come straight out of college and work with a director of Andy Crook's calibre" while Geraldine Foy from Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim says that "it's brilliant to have an opportunity to work on a professional production within my own county, and at a national level, at this early point in my career".

Ronan Geoghegan from Aughacashel, Co. Leitrim emphasises that "it's great to be working on a collaborative piece and being involved in writing elements of the play", and Kieron Smith really likes the experience of working as a creative ensemble.

The cast have spent four years studying modules such as acting, movement, voice, improvisation, drama studies and performance analysis and now get to put their expertise into full use on the professional stage.

Don't miss the chance to experience this beautiful new physical ensemble piece of theatre with a great cast and crew before they perform at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin at Absolut Fringe from September 15-18 (with preview on September 14 at Smock Alley at 6pm). The performance at The Dock on Thursday 9 and Friday 10 September starts at 8.30pm; the theatre bar is open from 7.45pm. Please note there is limited seating for these performances, so early booking is advisable, on 071-9650828 - box office opening hours 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday.