Award-winning drama comes to Cohuna

Published on 01 May 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council is proud to be hosting the award-winning Irish monodrama, Swansong, as part of its 2019 Arts and Culture program at the Cohuna Memorial Hall Saturday, 25 May.

Written by acclaimed writer/director Connor McDermottroe, Swansong tells the story of Occi Byrne, the illegitimate child of a single mother in the Catholic west of Ireland. Shunned by church, state and family, Occi must fight his way to adulthood in a dog eat dog world.

Violent, tragic and hauntingly tender, Swansong is the story of a lost soul from one of the masters of Irish drama.

“Swansong is powerful, beautiful and tragic with a story told so exquisitely it has received accolades for the writing, production and especially Andre DeVanny’s portrayal of Occi Byrne,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“We are bringing this show to Cohuna for the serious theatre buffs. This show is in a league of its own and we’re unlikely to see acting like DeVanny’s here again. He is extraordinary.”

The evening’s performance will begin at 7.30pm, with DeVanny to host a question and answer session following the performance.

“Rarely does the Gannawarra attract performers of Andre DeVanny’s calibre to perform locally, so I encourage those interested in serious theatre to come along,” Mayor Learmonth said.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for holders of a Health Care Card, Seniors Card or Pension Card, and $15 for 15-year-old to 17-year-old children who are accompanied by an adult.

Bookings can be made by visiting www.trybooking.com/YHKL                                                                                                                         

NOTE: This play deals with mental health, abuse, violence and has strong course language. Please be mindful that this play may not be suitable for everyone and could be a trigger for some people.