theatre

TRADE

We were thrilled when over a glass or two of wine Mark O'Halloran agreed to write a play for us! The result was the stark, intimate and beautiful, Trade which played as part of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival 2011. Playing 'off site' (this time in a B&B in Dublin's north inner city) always offers up some challenges, but it's a trip for the company and audience. We loved playing at Clifden House!

What the flyer said...

“This is just this. It isn’t real. It’s money.”

In a guesthouse in Dublin’s north inner city, a vulnerable and confused young rent-boy sits with a middle-aged client. It’s not the first time they’ve met but today the older man has blood on his shirt. A lot has happened since they last met.

Multiple award-winning Mark O’Halloran is one of Ireland’s most celebrated screenwriters and has received worldwide acclaim with his films Adam & Paul and Garage. Performed in a real-life bed and breakfast, Trade is a provocative and moving exploration of desire, morality and duty , and is O’Halloran’s first stage play in ten years.

What the papers said...

"Judge and McCabe deserve a standing ovation, were such a thing possible in such a confined space."
Daily Telegraph, UK. READ THE REST

"...it closes around your heart like a fist."
Peter Crawley,Irish Times. READ THE REST

"...vividly and bravely acted ..."
Finacial Times, UK. READ THE REST

"...they fearlessly probe the big questions of responsibility, guilt, parenting, religion, sexuality..."
The Guardian. READ THE REST

"...the encounter, played out by Philip Judge and Ciarán McCabe with a flawless conviction, is searingly raw."
- Fintan O'Tool, Culture Shock, Irish Times.

"...the effect is perfect, and the result is a pivilege..."
Colin Murphy, Irish Independent.

"An affecting examination of secrets, lies and troubled lives that will linger in the mind long after you've regained your composure and checked out." Metro

"Mark O’Halloran’s detailed attention to loneliness and unspoken passion reminds us love is always specific and frequently painful."  Phil Kingston, Irish Times. READ THE REST

What we say...

Trade saw the coming together of some of Ireland's greatest talents. Tom Creed, Ciarán O'Melia and Mark O'Halloran make an incredible team - throw two amazing actors into the mix and you just have a fire cracker of a show. We sold out the entire run in advance of opening and the show was undoubtedly a highlight of the festival.

Credits