AN RÚN – The Secret

King Labhraidh (Low-ree) Loingseach (Lin-shock) rules with absolute authority — and absolute fear. Three times a year the curtains are drawn, the shutters closed, and another life is lost to keep his secret safe. When young barber Jonny is dragged from his home and his mother Una walks alone through mountain and forest to face down a king, something shifts forever.

Drawing on the ancient Irish oral tradition, this fierce and tender new work moves between folk myth and urgent present tense, blending physical theatre, live music and the collective breath of the That’s Life ensemble to create something that feels at once ancient and immediate.

Directed & devised by Vanessa Earl in collaboration with theatre practitioner Imelda Reynolds and musician & composer Andrew Madec.

Actors and musicians
Ciara Heneghan, Maeve Moran, Aine McDermott, Frances Carr, Colm Biggins, Tiago da Silva, Mary Connolly, Martin McDonagh and Michael Waldron.

Vanessa Earl is an award‑winning actor and theatre‑maker trained at L’École Jacques Lecoq. She has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, Clod Ensemble and Théâtre de Complicité, and has appeared in projects for Netflix, BBC and Channel 4. Now based in Ireland, she recently directed SALT, a major outdoor performance on Galway’s beaches for audiences of 2,000.

Special thanks to staff from Bellhaven & Stepps in Gort, Atlanta Row in Galway city, Limelight in Oranmore and An Ceardlann in Athenry for facilitating and supporting this work in progress performance.

A work in progress performance at Nuns Island Theatre.

Feature Image: iStock fona2

Accessibility & Assistance
When booking your tickets, please let us know of any special requirements so we can make your visit as enjoyable as possible. If you book online, phone +353 (0) 91 565 886 or email nunsisland@galwayartscentre.ie to let us know of any special requirements.