Stone Mad

11th - 21st April 2007

By Seamus Murphy

Adapted for the stage by Johnny Hanrahan
Directed by: Pat Kiernan
Set design: Cliff Dolliver
Lighting: Paul Denby
Costumes: Lenore McDonagh
Visual projections: Padraig Treahy
Sound: Kieran Pendergast

Cast:
Donnacha Crowley
Conor Dwane
Liam Heffernan
Eamonn Hunt
Martin Lucey
Michael Rawley.

“...in the end it stands,
the life’s work of the stonie, it stands,
long after he does, as permanent as anything
can possibly be in a world made of dust…”

To celebrate the centenary of the birth of Cork sculptor and stone carver, Seamus Murphy, the Everyman Palace Theatre presented Stone Mad, a vivid theatrical adaptation by Johnny Hanrahan of Seamus Murphy’s book of the same name. The production was staged by acclaimed Cork director Pat Kiernan (The Merchant Of Venice, The Trial Of Jesus, Disco Pigs).

Seamus Murphy’s sculptures, statues, portrait heads, commemorative plaques, monuments, gravestones and crosses are dotted throughout Cork and around the country and even as far afield as San Francisco. Some of his works have been integral pieces of public art in the city, for instance, the grand head of Michael Collins in Fitzgerald’s Park and Mary-Anne (The Onion Seller) in Bishop Lucey Park.

Murphy's book of memoirs, STONE MAD was published in 1950. It is a vivid account of his memories of the 'stonies' or stonemasons, with whom Murphy travelled and worked for many years on the construction of churches around Ireland.

This stage adaptation of STONE MAD represented an affectionate and profoundly perceptive evocation of early 20th century Cork, illuminated through the sculptor and stone carver’s memories.

 
Pat Kiernan the director, was accompanied on the project by writer Johnny Hanrahan, artistic director of Meridian Theatre Company, and producer Pat Talbot, artistic director of the Everyman Palace Theatre. STONE MAD represented the first time that all three artistic directors worked together on a production.

 
The theatrical adaptation of Seamus Murphy’s work was accompanied by an exhibition of Murphy’s work in the Crawford Gallery and a major publication on the artist edited by Peter Murray.

Cllr Mairin Quill, Chairperson for the Seamus Murphy Centenary Season said, ‘ it is only appropriate that the schedule of events will kick off with a new production of Stone Mad at the Everyman Palace Theatre in April.. it is a great opportunity to bring the work to a new generation.’ 

'The play..evokes Murphy's passion for his craft, and his bond with the 'stonies' who taught him. What is more appealing, the play adds a bit of kick with some Cork humour.'
Evening Echo

'...this play shoud prompt us to seek out the work of the men it immortalises.'
Irish Examiner

'Stone Mad captures not only the spirit of a vanishing craft, but Cork city itself with a particular brand of Cork humour.'
Irish Independant

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