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.

Yvonne Coughlan, director of RSVP, attended this physical theatre workshop, facilitated by Sergei Ostrenko.

http://www.youghal.ie/index.php?option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=73&extmode=view&extid=63&recurdate=1219510800

Come join us in a workshop at the Irish Green Gathering.

http://www.irishgreengathering.com/

The functions of these workshops are:
1. To introduce the participants and allow them to form a bond. As with  
    Chaikin’s Open theatre, to evolve “ a common effort so intense that at 
    the end of [the project] I have been unable to say which part was my  
    work and which part belonged to someone else.”
2. To provide an enjoyable and documented experience, for all concerned.
3. To enhance performance abilities, by acting as a stimulus for new
ideas, and by offering a different perspective.
4. To create a unique performance piece.

August 26th RSVP performed at the festival. A specially comissioned thirty minute script and several improvised, historically based, performances. See the Album for an idea of the work. Well done to all involved. It was spectacular.

The phenomenal cast of The Haunted History Tour have gotten us off to a awe inspiring start. If you have been following the publicity, you will have seen the photos and read the reviews, which make it a clear winner, a must see for Cork said the Evening Echo. Audience turnout and feedback has been first class. Now we are looking for new blood. Yes it is with regret that we must say goodbye to some of our players next month, but we are loving the excitement of new members of the ensemble.

Email redsandstonevariedproductions@hotmail.com with your details, if you are interested in joining the company.

OPENING NIGHT THURSDAY 1ST FEBRUARY

A fantastic night according to all who attended. A success! The energy and entertainment provided by the cast, was second to none. The Lord Mayor of Cork and Mayor of Kinsale were among the guests in attendance.    

 

“A must see for Cork” “intelligently written” Evening Echo.

Click the following link for a short utube taster of the show:

Cork City Gaol Haunted History Tour 2006

Casting has been completed and the first rehearsal weekend was a great success. We are currently awaiting a reply from the final cast member who is out of the country for christmas. We will not be sending final notification to all those who auditioned until we have had a response from this cast member, as obviously a negative response would mean further casting is required.