I caught up with Melissa Cooney, who wrote a play during the Tenderfoot theatre writing class, which was performed at the Civic Theatre, Tallaght.
What is your play about? My play is a time travelling exploration on what it is and was like to be a young woman in Ireland throughout the ages.
How did you come up with the idea for this play? Before the Tenderfoot program I went to an exhibit at the Rua Red Art Exhibit and became interested in a specific exhibit which was about Mary Magdalene. This intrigued me and became the base idea for the play. I researched her and discovered a lot of information about her and how she grew up. This gave me inspiration for the characters Mary and Maggie.
What was it like experiencing what professional playwrights do? It was difficult because I was going through a rough time, as my grandfather had just passed and he had been very supportive which encouraged me to give it my all. This made me feel like I had to do my best, if not for me then for him. I had a lot of love for him left but didn’t have anyone to give it to so I came up with the idea for this play.
Do you think the actors portrayed the play how you envisioned it? The actors are amazing this year. I think they are really giving it their all and even adding in their own parts to the script. They portrayed it very well, to the point where I think they bettered some of the script.
Is there anyone in particular that you want to see the play? No one in particular, but I am very happy that people wish to see it. Of course it is also nerve wracking to have people see something you worked hard on and some people may not enjoy it but I believe that's what makes writing fun.
Would you like to pursue a career in theatre writing? Maybe. As a child I loved writing but I kind of lost the spark for it but recently regained the interest in it. Theatre writing is fun and it may be something I’d like to pursue but I want to keep my options open.
Melissa’s play was featured in the Civic Theatre in Tallaght, as part of the Tenderfoot programme .
Interview by Sophie Walsh - TY Press.
