Retreat: A new play by Geoff Power

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The New Theatre, Temple Bar
4 – 8 March @ 7.30 p.m.
Preview 3 March

Maura is at a loss. Years of caring for her late mother have taken their toll and now she finds herself bereft and alone. She’s the forgotten sister, the maiden aunt... the one who got left behind.

Grief at her mother’s death is compounded by news that Maura is about to lose the only home she has ever known, the old family pile, Retreat House. She begins to spiral into depression as her nephew, Jason, watches on. Struggling with personal issues of his own, he tries his best to restore Maura’s wellbeing. But a visit from an old family friend provides an unsettling reminder of the past.

Retreat is a new play that examines how our state of mind is influenced by our sense of place. Challenging and revealing, it is unflinching in its handling of the devastation wrought by mental illness. But it is not without humour and hope.

We hope that the play will provoke discussion and debate about depression and suicide, and will encourage audiences to participate in post-show discussions with the writer and professionals in mental health services.

Geoff Power is a writer with a social conscience. A member of writers’ group Percolate, he co-wrote and produced Green Street, the site-specific, sell-out hit of Dublin Fringe 2012. He teaches creative writing at the Midlands Prison and recently edited an anthology of writing and art by Irish inmates, which was funded by the Arts Council’s Writer-in-Prison scheme. Bairbre Ní Chaoimh will direct the acclaimed cast that includes Charlotte Bradley (Liola, About Adam) and Andy Kellegher (Circus of Perseverance, Game of Thrones)

The money raised through this Fund it campaign will pay for costumes, printing, insurance, and lighting and venue hire. Everyone involved in the production is giving their time at a reduced rate or for free in the hope of furthering the discussion about mental health through the medium of good theatre. Thank you in advance for your support. The show couldn’t go on without you.