Nicole Lang, 25 Apr
Derry woman, Rosie Patton, has always been creative but discovered her
passion for writing four years ago.
She wrote her first ever play, 'I Didn't See That Coming,' which made
its stage debut last October at Derry's Studio 2.
After an incredible opening weekend, co-directed with Brian Hasson,
Rosie's play will now be the only play from Derry to be featured at the
International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May this year.
Now, with the support of Greater Shantallow Community Arts and the
community, tickets are available for a one night only fundraising
performance at Studio 2 on Friday May 5.
Rosie said it is not easy for playwrights starting out with a lack of
funding to the arts but said people have been extremely generous and
supportive, "Everyone has been so good to me and I am so grateful for
the opportunities I have received to get this play to the stage.
"I am an independent and not eligible for any funding or grants. Ollie
Green has been phenomenal, he has given us rehearsal space, marketing
and is allowing us to host a fundraising performance with all proceeds
from the show going towards the play."
Rosie said she is eternally grateful to the support of not only Studio
2 but her family and partner whose support she says has been incredible
and vital in getting the production to stage.
She said everyone is delighted to have been invited to be part of this
prestigious theatre festival and has been overwhelmed by the amazing
support for the production to date.
Rosie continued: "We are delighted that our producers Greater
Shantallow Community Arts have agreed to host our play again in Derry
on the Friday 5th May at Studio 2 as a special fundraising event and we
look forward to welcoming new audiences to enjoy some of Derrys finest
actors bringing the stage to life for this one night only performance."
Studio2 added: "This event is a fundraiser to allow an original play to
go to The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in Dublin this
coming May.
"The Arts is very underfunded so the fundraiser is for this great play
to get to Dublin; the team are dependent on the support of the local
community.
"The play is very emotive, you will laugh and you may cry and you will
not regret coming along. Tickets can be bought online at Studio2
website or at the door on the night."
Rosie's play, 'I Didn't See That Coming,' is set during the 90s at the
tail end of the troubles just before the Good Friday Agreement.
Although the play is not about the peace agreement, Rosie says it is a
factor.
Rosie continued: "The play is based on a woman in her early to mid-20s
and she is a school teacher and she is struggling to come to terms with
her sexuality.
"It plays out how her family reacts to the whole revelation. It covers
mixed religion relationships, age divide, acceptance, stereotyping and
incorrect judgements.
"It also focuses on the perception of gay people in the 90s and how
that perception is still somewhat alive today.
"In the play there are a number of time lapse scenes post the Good
Friday Agreement showing the audience how far we have come and how far
we have yet to go."
Rosie said she can't wait to head down to Dublin and have the play
performed outside of Derry to new audiences.
The festival, which will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary, is a
celebration of love, diversity, and creativity that brings together
some of the best LGBTQ+ theatre talents from around the world.
Set to take to the main stage, Rosie said she was not prepared to be
selected but is so excited for the opportunity.
"We are all so excited, it will be such a good weekend. I am so
grateful for the love and support the play has received. It is beyond
my wildest dreams."
Tickets for the fundraising show are available via the link.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night.
The festival is from May 1 to May 14 with Rosie's play featured from
May 11 to May 13. The cast are set to perform four shows across the
dates.