16 February 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Shine A Light Suicide & Mental Health Awareness have announced their support for the upcoming performance of the play “Bring Me Back Alive” in the Firkin Crane Theatre, Shandon, on Friday the 26th & Saturday the 27th of February at 8pm.
Farranree Credit Union are sponsoring the play.
The Main Sponsors of the play are the Farranree Credit Union, as well as co-sponsors The Commons Inn & Firkin Crane. The Farranree Credit Union were delighted today to hand over a cheque to local man Joe Dalton. He first saw “Bring Me Back Alive” in Dublin in 2015 at that moment he knew this play had to be brought to Cork. It was at that point he contacted the Farranree Credit Union and Shine A Light Suicide Awareness to get the ball rolling with financial support and the local knowledge required to holding events such as this one. Since then more businesses such the Commons Inn and the Firkin Crane have been extremely generous to what Joe refers to as “the play everybody should see”
The award-nominated “Bring Me Back Alive” by writer Patricia McCann is is a thought provoking story set in a youth centre in modern day Dublin about Teenage Suicide. Set entirely in the youth centre it is a conversation piece between six young people after the loss of their friend by suicide. The play highlights the warning signs to look for in a person contemplating suicide, the need for more mental health services and the devastating effects that suicide has on family and friends. One of the main themes of “Bring Me Back Alive” is hope; to show that there is hope, there is an alternative. The play is written in as light hearted way as possible in order to give hope to those who need it the most.
Speaking on behalf of Shine a Light Ann Long (Chair person) spoke of the need for more discussion around the subject of suicide and mental health and how she hopes the play will promote this
“I want to call on the people of Cork to get behind this play. The people of Dublin developed ‘Bring me Back Alive’ into the play it is with full houses every time it is performed up there I would love to see it sell out in Cork as well. More open discussion about suicide and mental health is one way to let people know we are willing to talk about, and help, with a persons’ thoughts of suicide before they become actions. We are hoping that this play will open up a conversation about mental health across many different groups in the community” and Ms. Long when on to reiterate: “Remember it is conversations, for example: taking a minute to check in with a friend, that can make all the difference, talking can help save a life”
Patricia McCann expressed her delight about the play being brought to Cork
“I am passionate about this play when I wrote it I had an idea that it was something special but to see the emotional and positive response it has received in Dublin and other parts of Leinster it has really blown me away. I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to bring the play to Cork. A lot of credit has to go to Joe (Dalton) who has worked tirelessly getting the support of Farranree Credit Union, Shine A Light, The Firkin Crane Theatre and The Commons Inn. Without their funding and expert local knowledge we would not be able to put “Bring me back alive” on in Cork”
Tickets can be purchased from The Firkin Crane for €6 and online from www.FirkinCrane.ie for €7.50 (including online booking fee) or call the Firkin Crane on (021)4507487
