RED SANDSTONE VARIED PRODUCTIONS

The question was asked of
South-East Cork’s Children; ‘Have you got talent?’

Cork’s young people were invited to participate in the inaugural ‘McCarthy’s Talent Competition’ on 8 May 2009. The auditions and registration began Sunday 26th April at 1pm, in Blackrock Castle. There were no entry fees and all talents were considered valid. The final was held on Friday 8 May, 7.30pm to 10pm in Blackrock Hurling Club. Two categories, one for primary school children and one for secondary school students, were awarded a perpetual trophy and prize money of €150.

This non-profit community event was open to all children in south east Cork City (Turners Cross, Ballinlough, Ballintemple, Blackrock, Mahon, Douglas & Tramore). A panel of well known Cork professionals in the Arts presided over the auditions; Elaine Canning, Soprano; Gerry Kelly, Cork School of Music; Claire Mansfield, Seraphim Group; Jon Whitty, Cork Director & Actor; Aaron Wolfe, Playwright.

The project was organised and funded by Kieran McCarthy in association with RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions). Kieran is running as an Independent local councillor candidate in the local elections in south east Cork City. He noted: “The talent competition is a community initiative. It encourages all young people to develop their talents and creative skills and to embrace their community positively”. Kieran is a Cork historian, a youth leader, an author and a columnist with the Cork Independent. He runs the Discover Cork: Schools’ History Project in 90 schools in Cork.  

*Kieran is running in local city elections as an independent city council candidate          http://www.kieranmccarthy.ie/

Sponsor/Organiser Kieran McCarthy.

Final Judges Elaine Canning, Claire Mansfield, Jon Whitty.

Sound Engineer Chris Geasley.

Stage Manager Hannah Rose Farrington.

Stewards Sarah Hegarty, Aoife Lucey.

Production Assistant Francesca Farrington.

Producer/Compere Yvonne Coughlan.

Production Company: RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions)

Our thanks to-

 Special guest Christopher Prout and Lassie. (& Con Prout)

The Staff and management of Blackrock Castle.

The Staff and management of Blackrock Hurling Club.

Photographer John Allen.

‘Moonshine’ Children’s entertainer Victor Forja.

All the competitors, their parents, family and friends, and schools.

See Link
http://kieranmccarthy.ie/wordpress/?p=261

PRESS RELEASE
The Vagina Monologues has become a world-wide phenomenon. This award-winning play by Eve Ensler has been staged all over the world, often with celebrity monologists. In 1998, Ensler launched V-Day, a global non profit project that has raised over $60 million for women’s anti-violence groups through fund-raising performances.

The Monologues are read by a varying number of women. Each one relates to the vagina. Every year a new monologue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. This year’s spotlight focuses on the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rape is being used as a systematic weapon of war. The play uses dialogue about the vagina and its many uses, and facets, from sexual to reproductive, from pleasurable to abusive. It is funny, poignant, heartbreaking, seductive, informative, creative and shocking. It calls both men and women to protect our sisters/mothers/daughters/girlfriends/wives/friends from violence.

Red Sandstone Varied Productions (http://rsvp.blog.com/) will produce The Vagina Monologues, directed by Kinsale woman, Yvonne Coughlan, in three venues in
Cork and one in Kinsale, during April 2009, with a Grand Finale in  The Vertigo Suite, on the top floor of County Hall.  This is a non-profit community event organised by Cork woman, Gráinne O’Driscoll, and featuring 19 women living in Cork city and county, which will raise funds for organisations supporting women in violent situations.

The vision for this production says director/producer, Yvonne, is:
●To promote the joy of being a woman as we show the true cost of violence against women.
●To highlight the injustices women suffer, but not to portray them as victims.
●To showcase the beautiful, intelligent, stylish, sexy, powerful, emotive, multi-talented and multi-faceted women of our community, and so of the world at large.
●To welcome men and women equally to this event, which serves to protect us all from violence, and raise awareness, and funds for these issues at home, and in the world community.
●To generate love, laughter, friendship and discussion, and share this with an audience.
●To impassion people so that they go on to find ways to stop the violence against all women around the world.

90% of proceeds from this fundraising event will go to local charities which aid Cork women and girls, who suffer violence; Domestic Violence Centre, Sexual violence Centre, YANA (You are not Alone), Mna Feasa  with  10% donated to aid women in the Congo (DRC). http://newsite.vday.org/drcongo

Dates and venues of the Cork Community performances:
Monday 27 April The Pavilion, Carey’s Lane 8pm - €15/12
Tuesday 28 April The White Lady Kinsale, 8pm €15/12
Wednesday 29 April The Crane Lane Theatre, 8pm €15/12
Thursday 30 April The Vertigo Suite, County Hall, 8pm €25/20 - Grand Finale!

Each performance lasts 90 minutes, and will be followed by further entertainment, musicians, DJs, dancing, for everyone to join in and celebrate the 11th year of V Day.

Ticket Vendors: Pro Musica, 20 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork. 021-4271659

                           SúBar, Milk Market, Kinsale. 087-6408020

RSVP 
Red Sandstone Varied Productions

A benefit production of

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler.

This is a call to both men and women; it is about protecting the women in your life.

We are all connected.

“The pride I feel, that with this organisation, that grew out of this little play, she [Eve Ensler] has raised more money, than the entire US government has raised, to stop violence against women” Jane Fonda. http://newsite.vday.org/node/54

V-Day; this worldwide benefit event is coming to you. 90% of these fundraising efforts will go towards helping local
Cork women and girls, who suffer domestic violence and sexual violence. 10% will go to aid women in the Congo (DRC).

Performance dates and Venues-

27th April The Pavilion, Careys Lane
Doors open 8pm €15(conc. 12)

Opening Ceremony 8.30
Performance 9pm
DJ begins 10.30pm

Auctions/raffles/surprise guests.

Full bar. Except during performance.
Closing time 12pm (Downstairs open til 2am)

28th April The White Lady, Kinsale
Doors open 8pm €15 (conc. 12)
Opening Ceremony 8.30
Performance 9pm
DJ begins 10.30pm

Auctions/raffles/surprise guests.

Full bar. Except during performance.
Closing time 12pm

29th April The Crane Lane Theatre
Doors open 7pm €15(conc. 12)

Opening ceremony 7.30pm

Performance 8pm-9.30pm

Auctions/raffles/surprise guests.

Full bar. Except during performance.
Band begins 10.30pm
(Alex O Relli and The Blues Makers)
Closing time 2am.

30th April Top Floor(17^th) The County Hall
(Panoramic views of the city)
Doors open 8pm €25(conc. 20)

Opening Ceremony 8.30pm
Performance begins 9pm
Music begins 10.30pm

Auctions/raffles/surprise guests.

Full bar. Except during performance.

Closing time 2am.

“Until the violence stop”
Organiser Grainne 087-9008654 / werise@hotmail.com

RSVP                                       

Red Sandstone Varied Productions

Get involved with V-Day. This worldwide benefit event is coming to
Cork City and Kinsale, at the end of April. Your fundraising efforts will go towards helping local women and girls who suffer from domestic violence and sexual violence.

10% will go to aid women in the Congo (DRC). Where rape is being used as a systematic method of war.

Calling all Actors/Crew/Helpers

for this benefit production of

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler,
directed by Yvonne Coughlan;

This is a call to both men and women, it is about protecting the women in your life.

Help your sisters/mothers/daughters/girlfriends/wives/
friends, by also helping women around the world. We are all connected.

Actors must be female or transgender. Those with no experience may audition. All ethnic origins. All ages 16+

Cork Auditions

Where: Turners Cross Community Centre

When: Saturday 4^th April

Time: 12noon - 3pm

Attend organisers meeting 3pm if you wish to be part of the crew, all help welcome.

Kinsale Auditions

Where: Temperance Hall

When: Sunday 5^th April

Time: 2pm - 4pm

Attend organisers meeting 4pm if you wish to be part of the crew, all help welcome.

OPEN AUDITIONS with booking available.

If you wish to book audition time call 085-7335260.

For any further details contact

Grainne 087-9008654 / werise@hotmail.com

AUDITION

Prepared piece not essential- but please do present one if that is your preferred method of audition.

A cold reading will be part of the audition process.

A workshop style of audition is our practise.

Provide a CV and head shot at audition or email in advance to
redsandstonevariedproductions
@hotmail.com

“Until the violence stops.”

Activist Christine Schuler Deschryver speaks out about the horrific violence against women in her home, she describes it as “the massive rape” in the eastern part of Congo. The act has no sexual basis it is used a method of destruction. The women who make it to the hospital are horrifically mutilated. When she sees them smile again she wonders where they find the strength. Christine chooses “not to give up, to stay,” despite being “in danger every day […] because she denounces these people internationally.” She chooses to stay in her country saying, “V-Day says ‘Until the violence stops we will fight’, we will fight, believe me.”

“We will have our center, we are not looking for money nice clothes, for jewellery, we are looking for a roof and maybe food to eat once a day and these women will be happy and we will also be happy.”

http://newsite.vday.org/meet-vday/activist-spotlights/christine-schuler-deschryver

“The pride I feel that with this organisation that grew out of this little play she [Eve Ensler] has raised more money than the entire US government has raised to stop violence against women” Jane Fonda.

http://newsite.vday.org/node/54

      RSVP                                       

Red Sandstone Varied Productions

The 15 minute play Seven Jewish Children, by Caryl Churchill, directed by Yvonne Coughlan, opened Wednesday 11^th, 6pm, in Temperance Hall, Kinsale.

“Kinsale residents witnessed a unique theatrical event last week when they were the first people outside the capital to see the acclaimed and controversial play Seven Jewish Children, by Caryl Churchill […] It was an outstanding production with the intensity of the acting and the enthusiasm of the participants warmly applauded by each audience. Noelle O’Regan, Cathie Clinton, Yvonne Coughlan, Richard Clare, and Arina Obuchova put everything into the play and Noelle was particularly impressive at each performance.” Southern Star. 21 March, 2009.

For Full Article, 21 march, 2009. See:

http://www.southernstar.ie/localnotes.php#3

As a result of intimidation by those who do not share Churchill’s view of the situation, a number of venues had to be changed at the last minute. We would like to thank all the venues for their support of this very successful fundraising night, in spite of the controversy.

Please note that RSVP performed at all the following venues on Wednesday.

This does not imply any endorsement of the content of the performance by the venue.

6.30-TEMPERANCE HALL; 7.15-MUDDY MAHERS; 8.00-ACTONS HOTEL; 8.45-THE SPANIARD; 9.15– THE ARMADA.

The company travelled around Kinsale on the opening night and the final performance of the evening took place in the ARMADA BAR, where band Ilya K continued the very successful fundraising night.

The company felt it was necessary to write this response to the controversy and intimidation arising from RSVP’s production of Churchill’s play. This statement was read at performances, and sent in response to press inquiries. This statement is not to be confused as an apology. It is meant as a clear statement of intent:

We at RSVP are concerned by the level of controversy arising from the production of this play, and refute the implication that our production of this play may be construed as anti-Semitic. This is not our intention, nor do we believe that our interpretation of Caryl Churchill’s play does this in any way. We feel this is a balanced and thought provoking piece of writing, in response to extreme conflict in
Gaza, and we trust that our production, sensitively and intelligently, captures the truth of this work.

          This performance has been constructed as a piece of art, and we fully embrace it as such, by equally honouring its capacity to create awareness. We believe that public debate, of this nature, rightly challenges occurrences of injustice in the world around us. For us the piece raises many issues, such as; the turmoil on the human face of war; the importance of protecting our children’s futures with balanced truths; the relevance of learning from world history to create that positive future; the power of injustice to push individuals to the edge of reason; the dangers of propaganda and fanaticism; the many facets of truth in every story. Yes, this is a play referencing Jewish families in extreme circumstances; this does not make it racist.

           In working on this project the members of our company have had much cause for empathy with all people who must live in times of great struggle. This empathy pushes us to create change for the better in our own small way, by generating fund-raising, especially for humanitarian aid. We believe in the innate generosity of spirit within our community to support this piece for the creative, humanitarian, truthful, dedicated piece of art work that it is. All funds raised by the production of this play go to Medical Aid for Palestinians, MAP, at a time when this aid is desperately required.

                      We thank you for your support,

                                                                         Yvonne Coughlan. Director, RSVP.

For information on other ‘Play for Gaza’ productions, see Theatre Forum.
http://www.theatreforumireland.com/index.php/tf/notice_board/a_play_for_gaza

Articles on this play.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0306/1224242372462.html
http://www.independent.ie/incoming/acting-fast-in-the-face-of-rage-1657056.h

tml

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2009/0311/1224242651863.html

The venue referred to in the following article was forced to pull out because of ‘bullying’ emails, and we were very sorry to have caused them any upset. No mail was sent by supporters of the play to rescind this decision, as is falsely stated in this piece. A letter has been sent to the editor to point out this discrepancy.

http://www.totallyjewish.com/news/national/c-11373/hotel-bans-hate-play/

RSVP’s production of Seven Jewish Children was requested by and performed at further venues:

•The Other Place, Cork. Palestinian Fundraiser Night. Friday 13^th March.

•University College Cork, Four Lunchtime Performances, Thurs 26^th March.

Due to other commitments by cast members, some roles are being re-cast presently, with the intention of continuing this fundraising activism in the future. Several venues and events organisers have expressed continued interest in this project.

RSVP                                       

Red sandstone Varied Productions

In Kinsale, on Wednesday 11th March, theatre company RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions) will perform Seven Jewish Children, directed by Yvonne Coughlan. This is a 10 minute play written by the UK-playwright Caryl Churchill as a response to the bombing of
Gaza in January 2009. In association with Project Brand New this play will be performed all over Ireland in the next few weeks, by RSVP and other theatre companies.

Churchill wrote the piece in immediate reaction to the situation in Gaza and has stipulated that the play can be read or performed anywhere free-of-charge providing that no admission fee is charged and a collection is taken at each performance for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). We are presently looking for venues in, and around, Kinsale, for the evening of the 11^th.

We offer the highest quality of performance for a good cause. Including a short opening introduction, the performance itself, and the collection, this activity will take place within thirty minutes:

6.30– THE LAND TRAIN 

A unique opportunity to see this play. This is 45 minute journey from Bolands to Charles Fort. Return.

FOLLOWED BY PERFORMANCES AT:

7.15-MUDDY MAHERS

8.00-ACTONS HOTEL

8.45-THE SPANIARD

9.15– THE LORD KINGSALE

The RSVP performance on the 11^th will be presented by actors Noelle O’Regan, Richard Clare, Cathie Clinton and Arina Obuch. The last performance of the evening will take place at 9.15 to 9.45 in the Lord Kingsale, where the Viva Palestina fundraiser, organised by Chris Michalowicz is taking place from 8pm. There we also have the band Ilya K, DJ Fun Raizer, Guest speakers, Raffles and an opening Trad. Session. RSVP is freely submitting its resources to this good cause, and looks forward to your support on the night. Please contact RSVP if you wish to include this production in any upcoming events.

For information on other Play for Gaza productions, please Theatre Forum website.
 

Thank you for any postings, publication or support you may wish to give this project. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information or clarification.

http://www.iugte.com/projects/labdetail.php