By Mike Kenny, in collaboration with Barnstorm Theatre Company
‘…Barnstorm has achieved a combined strength through its small ensemble, reflected in the harmonies of their speech, the fluidity of their movement and their capacity to segue smoothly into doubling as both the crows and the human protaganists. ‘A Murder of Crows’ is rooted in story-telling but it upends the form in a satisfying manner. – Irish Theatre Review, 26 October 2011
Shane O'Reilly (Crow), Fiona McGeown (Old Woman), Paul Curley (Boy). Photo: Dylan Vaughan
A Murder of Crows is a dynamic and theatrically exciting work for children aged 8 and over, based on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. The play explores themes of famine, family loyalties and personal growth.
Six actors weave a gothic story of two children’s journey from abandonment and fear to ultimate survival, seen from the quirky perspective of a chorus of raucous and garrulous crows, whose boisterous antics will delight children.
Click here to view A Murder of Crows TOUR DATES
Download the TEACHER’S RESOURCE PACK to get an idea of themes addressed and how they might tie in with other strands, e.g. SPHE, history.
A play for children aged 8 and older.
Running time: 60 minutes approximately
Murder of Crows from Barnstorm Theatre Company on Vimeo.
| The Production | Venues | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Actor 1: Paul Curley | Draíocht, Blanchardstown- 01 8852622 | 27th & 28th February, 2012 |
| Actor 2: Conor Donelan | Civic Theatre, Tallaght - 01 4627477 | 1st & 2nd March, 2012 |
| Actor 3: Annette Flynn | Hawk's Well, Sligo- 071 9161518 | 5th & 6th March, 2012 |
| Actor 4: Sarah Kinlen | Backstage, Longford- 043 3347888 | 8th & 9th March, 2012 |
| Actor 5: Fiona McGeown | Dunamaise, Portlaoise- 057 8663355 | 12th & 13th March, 2012 |
| Actor 6: Shane O'Reilly | Garter Lane, Waterford- 051 855038 | 15th & 16th March, 2012 |
| Director: Philip Hardy | Glór, Ennis- 065 6843103 | 20th March, 2012 |
| Set Designer: Carol Betera | GB Shaw Theatre, Carlow- 059 9172400 | 22nd & 23rd March, 2012 |
| Set Builder: Andrew Clancy | Town Hall Theatre, Galway- 091 569777 | 26th & 27th March, 2012 |
| Stage Manager: Steve Rider | Pavilion, Dun Laoghaire- 01 2312929 | 29th & 30th March, 2012 |
| Deputy Stage Manager: Céire Hoey | ||
| Lighting Designer: Mark Galione | Performances: 10am and 12.15 or 12.30pm | Contact venues to book |
| Costume Designer: Harmless Creatures | ||
| Movement Director: Sheila McCreevy | ||
| Composer: Pól Brennan | ||
| Graphic Designer: Alé Mercado | ||
| Production Manager: Vincent Demspey |
