Playwright Fiona Doyle, 35, lives in Co. Kerry. She holds a first-class degree in Drama & Theatre Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London. In 2013, her play So Gay won Play for the Nation’s Youth. Her play Abigail was longlisted for the 2013 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting and her play Deluge won the 2014 Eamon Keane Full-length Play Award. The winner of the sixth Papatango New Writing Prize, her new play Coolatully is set in 2014 and centres on Kilian, a champion hurler who has to decide if he will stay home or leave his village.
Who are your heroes?
Malala Yousafzai is one, and Nando Parrado, he’s pretty heroic. All those healthcare workers trying to contain the Ebola virus in West Africa.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
Probably this one, my thirties. I’m just more comfortable in my own skin now.
What record/song sends a shiver down your spine?
Avenue of Hope by I Am Kloot and The End by The Doors are two that spring to mind. Oh, and Luke Kelly’s version of Raglan Road.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
The Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland that winds and twists 400m above sea level with the most breathtaking scenery.
What makes you angry?
Sexism.
What book influenced you most?
The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf has to be one. That was a revelation when I first read it. And a play called 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
Do people know about Mick Flannery outside of Ireland? If not, then him.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I’m not sure I would because if I did, I don’t think I’d be writing plays and I don’t think Coolatully would be happening. I’m not big on hindsight.
Eric Richard (Jimmy) and Kerr Logan (Killian) in Coolatully by Fiona DoyleWhat is the best lesson life has taught you?
Live your life for yourself and to hell with what other people think.
What do you believe in?
Listening to your gut.
What trait do others criticise you for?
People tell me I worry too much. But I’m working on it…
Where do you live and what are the best and worst things about that place?
West coast of Kerry at the moment. The best thing is the wild landscape, the space and the quiet. The worst thing is no decent theatre.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
I think that technically, people lie a lot of the time really. Just to varying degrees. If we all went around telling the truth all the time then we’d be like Jim Carrey in Liar Liar.
What is your favourite film and why?
Impossible to name just one. I could watch Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy over and over again. And I’m a big Coen Brothers fan. I love their remake of True Grit. Gone With the Wind because they don’t make ’em like Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable anymore. The Guard because Brendan Gleeson is class in it. Pretty much anything by Pedro Almodovar.
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
I dunno, The Universe?
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Lots of beer.
Who is the love of your life?
My cat, Reggie. Sad but true. In fairness though, he’s very cute.
Coolatully runs until November 22. Performances Tuesday-Saturday, 7.30pm, Saturday/Sunday matinees, 3pm, Finborough Theatre, 118 Finborough Road, SW10 9ED. Box office: 0844 847 1652. Tickets £12-£18.
See More: Coolatully, Fiona Doyle
