By Justin Kelly
Inspired by the viral KSL video ‘What It’s Like To Be Black,’
which has over 12 million views, five members of the Offaly Youth Theatre have
combined to create the Irish version. The video plays on the stereotypes that are
the misconceptions of Irish people around the world. Think Guinness on the
cereal, leprechaun heel-clicking, mammy, and plenty of spuds!
Jamie Nolan, Gemma Mallen, Aisling Walsh, Orla Sweeney and
Gráinne Darcy were the quick-witted members involved. Under the watchful eye of
their Offaly Youth Theatre facilitators, the five-piece scripted, recorded, directed,
and edited the clip over a two day period. Offaly Youth Theatre facilitator and
Youth Arts Co-Ordinator with Offaly County Council Maura Cunningham spoke to
InOffaly this week: “It really was a quick masterclass in filmmaking for the
group. They wanted to raise the profile of Offaly Youth Theatre in order to
recruit new members, and they were inspired by the KSL video,” she said. “I
think they are aiming for about half of their views,” Maura quipped.
Offaly Youth Theatre was established in Birr and Tullamore in
2011, and is run by a board of directors and three volunteer tutors. Following
early success, the theatre decided to add a further branch of OYT in Edenderry
in 2013. “The theatre is affiliated with the National Association of Youth
Drama (NAYD) and we receive most of our funding from the Offaly County Council
Arts Office, and this helps to keep the fees low for participants. We also have
a relationship with Birr Theatre and Arts Centre for performances,” Maura
Cunningham revealed to InOffaly. Offaly Youth Theatre receives an annual grant
from the Offaly County Council Arts Office. The price for a 10 to 12 week term
is as little as €60, and classes run for two hours each week. The small entrance fees the theatre charge for
performances and other fundraising ideas from members make up the rest of the
running costs for the initiative.
The theatre is open to people aged 13-20 in Co. Offaly, and
you do not need to have any previous acting or film experience to join. “In fact, OYT
doesn’t have to be all about acting; if members are interested in writing,
directing, filming, or other aspects of theatre and production, the
facilitators will do their best to provide workshops in those areas too,” Maura
told InOffaly. The theatre fosters young talent in the county, and some
previous members have grown their love of film to go on and study the area at
third level. Tullamore actor Sam Keeley, who is currently filming with Bradley
Cooper and Jamie Dornan for new Hollywood movie ‘Adam Jones’, is on the record
as saying: “I wish there was an Offaly Youth Theatre around when I was starting out.” “It
encourages confidence building, communication, an open mind, a willingness to
work as a team and participate, and as you can see from the video, an ability
to think outside the box,” Maura Cunningham added.
All groups within OYT are working on performances at the
moment which will take place around Easter. The groups will perform locally,
and although nothing has been finalised for this year yet, keep an eye on their
Facebook page for all upcoming events.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Offaly
Youth Theatre, you can make contact on Facebook, email offalyyouththeatre@gmail.com,
or phone 057-9357400.
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