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Urban life scene reaches out to cardboard citizens
By Fiona Audley
 A POIGNANT
example of life imitating art is on show at a London theatre this month
as a troupe infused with Irish people touched by homelessness tell a fictional
tale of a life ruined by poverty.
The professional Cardboard Citizens Company is an organisation championing
the use of drama to combat social misfortune, with forum theatre performed
by and for homeless people, the ex-homeless and refugees.
And their most recent production — Georg Buchner’s 200-year-old
unfinished play Woyzeck — sees their mixed cast of homeless and
professional actors telling a tale which lays very close to their hearts.
Co. Clare-born Aoife McMahon left her hometown in Clarecastle to train
at RADA in London in 1997.
She joined the unique company as a professional actor a month ago drawn
by the chance to “perform in a wonderful play which has been given
a modern twist by Cardboard Citizens”.
Unfortunately the Irish actor was involved in a motorcycle accident just
two weeks ago leaving her with a knee injury needing crutches and unable
to perform her role as Maria.
She explained: “I was very excited to get this job with such a fantastic
organisation who make it part of their ethos to reach out to the homeless,
ex-homeless and refugees and make their theatre relevant.
“They involve these people in all aspects of the company —
from office work to performing. In fact half the company in the Woyzeck
have experienced homelessness.
“And many are Irish which resonates with me as an Irish person in
London — I know that emigrating here was not so easy for our ancestors
decades ago.”
Her place in the current production has been limited to supporting from
the audience since the three-week show kicked off last week although fellow
Irish woman Jennifer Kidd has stepped into her place.
The London-based company, founded in 1991, also recently announced their
newest ambassador — Kate Winslet who auctioned a dress as a fundraising
gala which raised £20,000 for the organisation.
Woyzeck is showing at the Southwark Playhouse in London from February
26 to March 15.
Ticket prices range from £7-£20, with the cheapest going to
early bookers and are available from the box office on 08448 471656. |
