A tried and tested Dream team

Monaghan’s beloved identical twin brothers, John and Tommy McArdle are amongst the few people on the planet who can claim a collaboration spanning 88 years.

Monaghan County Council is delighted to celebrate this unique and enduring partnership with a world premiere of their new play 'A Twilight Dream', written by John and directed by Tommy.

The duo need no introduction for their decades-long contribution to the arts - John as a writer, dramatist, performer and Tommy as a theatre, TV and film director.

“We may not be spring chickens,” laughs Tommy “but in our own way we are still very much in our creative prime. Both John and I are not afraid to take on big themes. Most people agree that the world is at an inflexion point and in search of what it means to live with purpose and whether our institutions are supporting us or crushing us.”

The idea for the play was seeded years ago when John had a memorable encounter with a former missionary nun returning from Sudan.

“Like many, Tommy and I are products of a country whose identity was in large part formed by the Church,” explains John “but we are also aware that we owe a debt to a long line of women who supported us".

He continued: "After our father died, our older sisters and mother made many sacrifices so that we could get an education. While 'A Twilight Dream' story traces the complex homecoming journey of nuns returning from Africa, in a way the play is a sort of requiem for the many people who live their lives in service of others.”

With a twinkle in his eye, he adds: “And of course, like most writers, I grapple with what is at the core of life’s meaning.”

The twins are no strangers to collaborating with well known luminaries, but they agree there is something very special about working with this local cast and production team. Tommy has extensive experience working with the actors and with the set design team.

“They are all from Cavan/Monaghan and have such authentic talent and openness,” explains Tommy.

The production itself represents a (first time) co-production between Iontas Theatre, Castleblayney and the Garage Theatre Monaghan. It is supported by The Arts Council with funding provided through Monaghan County Council. A Twilight Dream, by John McArdle premiers in Iontas theatre, Castleblayney, on March 19-22.

The run conclude with three dates in The Garage Theatre, Monaghan on March 26-28.