Coal Creek Theater of Louisville presents
Dancing at Lughnasa
by Brian Friel
Directed by Dan Schock
This extraordinary play is the story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. We meet them at the time of the festival of Lughnasa, which celebrates the pagan god of the harvest with drunken revelry and dancing. Their spare existence is interrupted by brief, colorful bursts of music from the radio, their only link to the romance and hope of the world at large. Widely regarded as Brian Friel's masterpiece, this haunting play is Friel's tribute to the spirit and valor of the past.
Run Time - 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission
Cast and Creative Team
Assistant Director - Ethan Menzies
Stage Manager - Ethan Menzies
Set Design - Robert Janacek
Lighting Design - Dene Merrow
Sound Design - Steve Rausch
Costume Design - Kathleen Boyle Rausch
Light & Sound Operator - Steve Rausch & Ammes Kolovos
Set Decoration - Peg Bolan
Props - Peg Bolan
Technical Advisor - Chuck Kite
Dialect Coach - Scotty Shaffer
Cover Design & Poster - Lisa Kreinbrink
Publicity, Photography & Program - Lynn Fleming
Volunteers - Emily Bennet, Peg Bolan, Lynn Fleming, Heather Frost, Josh Gross, Robert Janacek, Chuck Kite, Renee Malis, Julie Marino, Ethan Menzies, Dene Merrow, Darcy Orrok, Kathy Rausch, Steve Rausch, Justin Regan, Dan Schock, Darryl Sobering, Jim Whiteman
Production Photos
Reviews and Testimonials
"I saw this play on opening night. What a treat. It's a very compelling piece of theater - a good script with lots to chew on, a great cast, a beautiful set, some fun dancing, and excellent direction… I also like plays that recreate a particular time and place, and this one sure did that." - Brad R., Guest
“An exuberant performance from this hardworking ensemble. They shine brightest portraying the cruel and inevitable changes that confronted Ireland during the time between the wars. This is an ambitious production with complicated characters, but the irrepressible humor and resiliency of the Irish comes roaring through. Well done CCTL!" - Beth S., Guest
In the Press
The Daily Camera - “On and off stage, Coal Creek Theater of Louisville’s ‘Lughnasa’ about change” (read)