Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Written by Lisa Regan

Wednesday, 27 August 2008

Acclaimed Washington DC-based theatre company Keegan Theatre bring the American masterpiece 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' to the Town Hall Theatre next month.

Lisa Regan talks to Producing Artistic Director, Mark A. Rhea about ten years in the business, touring with a play and career highlights so far

The Keegan Theatre group operates in Washington DC; how did this theatre group come about?

I started the company in 1996 and we started producing the next year, 1997 to 1998 season. The vision of the company was to present work that displayed raw exploration of character throughout and also to work in a family oriented environment where director, actor and designers work very closely together. We are also dedicated to producing one Irish play a year.

I see that you are ten years in operation this year; what has been the highlight so far?

I think it would be this tenth anniversary season. We had several of our productions pretty much sell out their respected runs. It was quite rewarding. We were able to produce eight shows including seven that were Irish based. I directed three of the productions, 'The Hostage', 'Translations' and the musical 'Man of La Mancha', which broke all box office records for us.

You are bringing the well-known play 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' to Galway this September. Do you enjoy travelling with a show?

It has its ups and downs and can be very stressful, but overall, we love it.

Is this your first time performing in Galway?

Oh no, done so a few times actually!

Many theatre companies have put on this classic, what sets the Keegan Theatre performance apart?

Hard for me to answer that, as I didn't see any others, but I do know that we will bring authenticity to the production being Americans. It will be an honest, passionate and raw delivery of the play.

Tell us a bit about the actors that are starring in this performance?

Sheri Herren as Nurse Ratched. Sheri is an amazing actress and has such grace on stage. This is a very demanding role and I know she is up for the challenge. Kevin Adams as Chief Bromden. Kevin is such a gifted actor and has that ability to morph himself into roles. He is just a fabulous performer. We also have a nice ensemble of mental patients.

Will you be travelling to Galway with another show in the future?

I hope so, next year maybe

What are the hopes for the theatre company in the future?

Keep producing the quality work that has been Keegan's trademark for these ten years. Just keep growing. I have an interest in touring other countries at some point, but nothing in writing at the moment.

'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' will run from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 September at 8pm. There will be a preview on Wednesday 3 September. Tickets, €20/€16, are available from 091-569777. Preview tickets are priced at €15.

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