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The True Story of Hansel and Gretel
Premiered at Dublin Theatre Festival 2015
‘Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.’
– C.S. Lewis
Fear is everywhere and you must not stray from the simple path. Into this world of threat and temptation two children are born. Their names have come down to us through the ages. But who were they first? From what reality was their legend born? What truth was so terrible that adults began to lie?
This is the True Story of Hansel and Gretel, a deliciously dark musical fable from Theatre Lovett, creators of the 2013 festival hit show A Feast of Bones. Featuring live music and an original score, this new play explores the darker colours of the rainbow in this bold retelling of a tale by the Brothers Grimm.
Creative Team
Writer: Louis Lovett
Director: Muireann Ahern
Cast: Martin Brunsden, Clara Harte, Raymond Keane, Louis Lovett, Amelie Metcalfe, Michele Moran, Joseph McCarthy, Barry Grenham
Chorus: Isabel Costa Macedo, Charlene Craig, Rachael Hanaphy-Pigott, Cherley Kane, Donncha McDonagh, Max O'Neill.
Set and Lighting Designer: Zia Bergin Holly
Costume Designer: Liadain Kaminska
Make Up Artist: Lorraine McCrann
Music: Louis Lovett and Nico Brown
Producer: Muireann Ahern
Project Administrator: Charlene Craig
Prop Maker and Scenic Artist: Molly O'Cathain
Stage Manager: Mary Kilduff
Assistant Stage Manager: Soazig Metrope
Production Managers: Aidan Wallace and Peter Jordan
Photo Credit: Ros Kavanagh
Gallery
Reviews
“A rousing and thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre.... a constant pleasure to watch...an intriguing and immersive world.”
****The Reviews Hub
"We get a stark vignette, where a cannibalistic witch stands trial, a musical procession in which we meet the children, and even an audience with the “original” Gretel, a wheelchair-bound crone, all handsomely staged..."
The Irish Times
"Theatre Lovett's True story of Hansel and Gretel drips atmosphere."
Lyn Gardner
"One of the country’s leading companies for young audiences challenges assumptions of the Grimms’ Hansel and Gretel. With inventive use of the multi-tier auditorium and a haunting children’s choir, Theatre Lovett proved they are at the top of their game, as they dare to leave young audiences guessing of the cages in their lives."
Musings in Intermissions by Chris McCormack Irish Top Ten of 2015
"Striking visual imagery."
No More Workhorse
Presented by Theatre Lovett in association with Riverbank Arts centre.
Age range: 12+ and adults of all ages