2018
Foyle Punt was an immersive, site specific theatre piece, which travelled around the north west coast of Ireland in summer 2018. It told the story of the McDonald brothers, the sixth generation in their family of master boatbuilders. Through this story we are asked to think about the burden of a family trade, dangerous journey in boats, uninvited change, safe harbours, gender.
I used boat building tools to prepare a meal for crew, cast and audience each evening. This process was performative, sometimes absurd, in particular adjacent to the charming McDonald narrative.
Presented byThe Local Group
Created by Caitríona McLaughlin, Róise Goan, Philip McDonald, Lian Bell, Jennie Moran, Little John Nee and Farah El Neihum
Director: Caitríona McLaughlin
Producer/Dramaturg: Róise Goan
Designer: Lian Bell
Composer: Little John Nee
Food and Hospitality Design: Jennie Moran
Boat: Philip and Brian McDonald
Performed by: Philip McDonald, Farah El Neihum, Jennie Moran and Little John Nee
Communications: Tom Lawlor and Studio Aad
Production Manager: Lisa Mahony
Stage Manager: Evie McGuinness
Associate Producer: Emma Hannon Funded by the Artscouncil
Review https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/the-legacies-of-the-donegal-boatbuilders-find-a-new-port-1.3566764
https://www.thelocalgroup.ie/now-and-next/2018/foyle-punt
Photographs by Gillian Simpson, Darran Murphy, Willie White