Splintered Soul

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Chattyboo Productions was founded in July 2006 and since its inception has produced 11 shows, employed over 40 cork based theatre professionals and artists and performed over 150 performances. You may remember us from the hilarious and saucy Adult Pantos 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and 'Beauty and the Beast' !!! Chattyboo Productions is back for 2012 with 'Splintered Soul' a new departure for the company - a one woman performance based on the extraordinary life of Dr James Barry.

The little known figure of Dr. James Barry was born in Cork City some time during the 1790's and was a close relative of the celebrated Irish painter James Barry. Dr James Barry was one of the most outstanding doctors of the nineteenth century- a brilliant surgeon, a tireless campaigner for medical reform, and a compassionate Inspector-General of the British Army. But throughout a long and distinguished career an air of secrecy, even of scandal, always clung to Barry. The high pitched voice, the diminutive build, the almost ostentatious humanity- all struck a discordant note in the stiff, conventional world of pre Victorian England. Only after the doctor's death in 1865 did the incredible truth come to light: Dr James Barry was a woman.

This new and exciting play devised by Judie Chalmers and Angela Newman will not only look at the life of Dr James Barry but will also closely examine questions such as national and gender identity, and how the human psyche struggles to assert and define itself within the confines of perceived social order.

At present Chattyboo Productions receives no state, Arts Council or independent financial support of any kind. Instead we rely on ticket sales, advertising and the kind sponsorship of local businesses. Your kind donations will help to cover the costs of 'Splintered Soul' including set design, costuming and props for the premiere as part of Culture Night 2012 as well as travel costs and venue hire for the next national performance. We're eager to share the story of this important and extraordinary historical figure to the rest of the country but we can only do it with your help.

Much love and all of our apreciation. Angela and Judie xxx