The first reading and debut of Bottom Dog Theatres new play The Book of Joe took place on Sunday, 22nd November 2015, at 69 O’Connell Street (the former Belltable). Bottom Dog welcomed Limerick actors Frances Healy and Jared Nadin, Dublin actor Martin Maguire and Kerry actress Jeanne O’Connor.

The event was a Pay What you Can event allowing the audience to contribute as much as they liked as Bottom Dog Theatre stated that: “We would like to cover the cost of the venue and staff.” When the play ended, a question and answer session subsequently was moderated by Jennifer Moran Stritch. She is an American academic in the area of grief and loss based in LIT.

Bottom Dog have been supported by the Arts Council of Ireland in 2015 to develop this new play by the award nominated playwright Myles Breen in collaboration with director John Anthony Murphy (What Happened Bridgie Cleary) and actor Liam O’Brien (most recently seen in Noises Off at The Lime Tree)

The new play, loosely inspired by the Biblical story of Job, is a real departure for Myles, and a very deep, at times dark, but important and refreshingly honest take on grief and the trials we face in life.

During the summer, Bottom Dog Theatre invited four actors to workshop a draft of the play in Limerick. All actors had worked with Bottom Dog during the annual series of rehearsed readings over the last 7 years and Liam O’ Brien the artistic director said it “Was a delight to be able to invite them in for a full week to the rehearsal room bringing Myles’ characters to life, and giving further material to contemplate and inform the next draft.”

Before the unveiling of the new play on November 22nd Liam O’Brien said that: “We are delighted that all four actors are returning to perform this Sunday with Limerick actors Frances Healyand Jared Nadin, Dublin actor Martin Maguire and Kerry actress Jeanne O’Connor. All have worked extensively in the industry in Ireland and we are grateful to have such a hard working and talented cast join us on this project, and to truly collaborate to bring it into being.”

The event was received well with many praise and support having been expressed  to the first reading of this new project and it is with great excitement that Limerick city awaits the return of the finished project.

To read more about Miles Breen click here.