2017 - 2018 Season

Dancing at Lughnasa

April 5, 2018
Gorecki Family Theater, College of Saint Benedict

Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel


Directed by Sean Dooley
Gorecki Family Theater, College of Saint Benedict
April 5-8 and 12-14, 2018

Set in the fictional Irish village of Ballybeg, Ireland, Dancing at Lughnasa is a memory play told from the perspective of an adult Michael.  He recalls the summer of 1936 he spent with his mother and four aunts, the Mundy Sisters.  Their brother Jack has recently returned home after 25 years working as a missionary in a leper colony in Uganda.  And Michael’s father returns bearing gifts for Michael and sweet words for Christina.  All this plays out as the harvest dance approaches and the sisters dance away their concerns to the sound of the families old radio.

A man stands beside a wooden table where a woman is seated, looking thoughtful. The room has rustic decor, including a wooden floor and a shelf with various jars and items. The lighting is dim, creating a somber atmosphere.
A man in a suit and straw hat sits on a stone bench, gesturing with his hand. A woman in a floral dress stands nearby with her arms crossed. The background is purple with vines, suggesting a garden or outdoor setting.
Stage play depicting characters in a rustic outdoor setting with a wooden deck and grass. Seven actors in period costumes are engaged in conversation under a pink-lit sky. A stone path separates the wooden and grassy areas.
Two women in vintage clothing sit in a rustic room with wooden floors and stone walls. One woman is seated on a chair, the other on a low bench, appearing engaged in conversation. The ambiance is warm and intimate.
A theatrical scene with four people on a rustic stage. Two sit at a table, a woman stands with arms crossed, and another sits by the wall. The set includes a cupboard, table, and chairs, evoking a rural home. The lighting is warm and atmospheric.
A stage scene depicting a woman sitting on a bench and a man sitting on a stone path. The set includes greenery, stone borders, and props resembling cloth bags. The lighting is dim, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere.
Four actors on stage in a rustic room setting, with wooden floors and old furniture. One woman is seated at a table, while the others stand around, wearing period costumes and engaged in conversation.
A theatrical scene depicts four women in a rustic room with wooden furniture. One woman sits at a table, while two others interact standing, and another sits nearby. The setting has a vintage, homely feel with muted, earthy tones.
A stage scene depicts four women in vintage dresses inside a rustic kitchen. Two are standing on the left, one of whom is pointing, while two others are at the table on the right, one sitting and one standing, engaged in conversation.
Two actors perform on stage. One stands in front, wearing a patterned dress over a long-sleeve shirt; the other is behind, dressed in a sweater vest and pants. A stone path and grassy set surround them, with a backdrop of deep colors.
A man and woman perform on stage. The woman, kneeling and gesturing upwards, wears a patterned dress and apron. The man stands behind her, wearing a sweater vest, shirt, and tie. The set includes a stone-bordered area and dim lighting.
A woman in a patterned dress kneels with open hands on a stage surrounded by rocks. A man in a vest and striped shirt stands nearby, looking at her. The background is dark with some vegetation.
Four actors are on a rustic stage set. Two women sit on the left, one in a floral dress. A standing man and woman face each other near a wooden table and chairs. The setting appears to be an old-fashioned, dimly lit room.
Stage scene featuring five actors in a rustic, wooden room with a table and chairs. Two actors stand near the table, one is seated sewing, and two stand at the back. The set has a cabin-like appearance with a purple-lit backdrop.
Five women in period costumes perform energetically on a dimly lit wooden stage. One woman in white leads, holding hands with another, while others join in, capturing a lively moment of theatrical expression. A wooden dining set and cabinet are visible in the background.
A group of people on stage, dressed in vintage attire, are energetically dancing. One person stands still observing them. The setting has a rustic, old-fashioned interior with wooden furniture and dim lighting.
A woman in a floral dress tap dances on a wooden stage, while four other women in dresses and aprons watch and clap enthusiastically in a rustic kitchen setting with wooden furniture.
A woman in period dress tap dances on a wooden stage set as a rustic room. Four onlookers in similar attire watch with interest. A wooden table and chairs are positioned near the center, with a cabinet at the back.
A person in period costume, standing on a wooden stage, raises their arms excitedly. Two other people in similar attire stand nearby. A rustic set with wooden furniture and a cupboard is in the background.
Four people in period costumes stand in a circle holding hands on a dimly lit wooden stage. The backdrop resembles a rustic, old-fashioned room with chairs, a cabinet, and a clock on the wall.
Four women are on a wooden stage with rustic decor. Three women are gathered around a wooden table, one is sitting and the others are leaning in to talk. Another woman stands nearby, gesturing with her hand. They wear vintage-style dresses and aprons.
Five women in vintage dresses perform on a wooden stage. Two women stand together at the front, one with hands on the other's shoulders. Three others are in the background, near rustic furniture and a white cupboard.
Two people in patterned dresses embrace on a rustic wooden porch. A fireplace and rocking chair are in the background, with a dark interior visible. The scene has a warm, theatrical atmosphere.
Two people are on stage in a theater production. One person is sitting on a wooden plank, wearing a blue sweater, while the other is kneeling, wearing a floral dress and cardigan. The backdrop features plants and a purple-lit sky.
A group of four people are inside a rustic kitchen setting. One person, wearing an orange sweater, gestures animatedly toward another wearing an apron. Two others stand nearby, watching. The room has a wooden table, chairs, and shelves.
A stage scene with dramatic orange lighting shows a person in the center wearing a scarf and hat, arms outstretched, surrounded by three others in shadowy silhouettes. The backdrop resembles a sunset and stone wall.
A man in a sweater vest stands beside a woman seated at a wooden table in a rustic room. The woman appears deep in thought. Wooden chairs are around the table, and there's a cabinet and basket in the background.
A stage scene with three actors. One stands in front, wearing a long coat and scarf, singing with a serious expression. Two others sit; one at a table with a basket, the other on a bench. The set resembles a rustic home. Warm lighting creates a sunset effect.
Two women stand facing each other on stage, wearing aprons and dresses, while another woman watches from the left. In the background, a rustic set with a small building and an older woman near a table is visible. The scene is lit with dramatic lighting.
A young woman in a blue cardigan and patterned skirt stands on a wooden stage holding shoes and flowers. Three other women in period dresses watch from behind, with a table and rustic backdrop completing the scene.
Two people are dancing on a wooden stage. The person on the left wears a dress and has braided hair, while the person on the right wears a suit jacket and white pants. The setting has a rustic interior with wooden beams and a table in the background.
Four women in period costumes are on a stage set resembling a garden. Two are seated near a kite, while another stands holding laundry. Stones and greenery surround the scene, evoking a tranquil outdoor setting.
A stage scene with actors in period costumes. Two men stand in the foreground, one with a cane, looking at a small black and white animal. In the background, women and a man are seated and standing near rustic props. A hat lies on the grass.
A man in a suit stands on stage speaking passionately. Around him, six people in vintage clothing sit or kneel, watching intently. The set resembles a grassy, outdoor scene, possibly depicting a picnic or gathering.
A group of eight people, dressed in vintage clothing, sit and stand on a stage with a dark backdrop and minimal set pieces. Some hold umbrellas, and one wears a hat. They appear contemplative, gazing toward the audience.