THE unflinching Irish tale of a woman who exists in a “monstrous limbo” will be revived in London this month.
A team of bright Irish theatrical talent are involved in bring Portia Coughlan back to the stage after a 20-year hiatus from London.
Written by Marina Carr, this new production is directed by Bronagh Lagan.
Originally from the North of Ireland, Lagan moved to Liverpool to study a BA in Drama. She went on to train as a physical theatre performer before turning to directing.
Her CV includes a directing and production credit for an innovative performance of Henry VI Part I at the excavation site of The Rose Theatre Bankside.
Performed on the actual ruins, the play was nominated by The Off West End Awards for Best Production and Best Director.
In the lead role of Portia Coughlan is Kilburn-based Dublin actress Susan Stanley, who plays a woman adrift in a loveless marriage.
Ben Mulhern returns to the role of Raphael Coughlan; he previously played the part in a 2009 production directed by Aoife Connolly.
Also starring is Alan Devally as Damus, Conan Sweeny as Fintan and Karen Cogan as Stacia.
Written to celebrate the centenary of Dublin’s National Maternity Hospital, Portia Coughlan is described as a play that packs a punch.
Portia Coughlan is at the Old Red Lion Theatre, London from Tuesday, April 28 – Saturday, May 23.
