St. Patrick’s Drama Group back on stage in Westport Town Hall Theatre

THE Power of Darkness by John McGahern is to be staged in Westport Town Hall Theatre for four nights this week, Wednesday to Saturday, November 22 to 25, by the local St. Patrick's Drama Group.

In The Power of Darkness, Peter King, a prominent landowner, is dying. His wealth, earned by hardness and shrewdness in breeding and training horses, is never used to spread ease, happiness or comfort. He lives with his wife Eileen, who is half his age, and his 20-year-old daughter Maggie.

His illness forces him to employ a young workman, Paul, the son of neighbouring farmers. Paul is quite the mixture of good looks, sexual egotism, weakness and innocence. His ruthless mother Baby is both manipulative and ambitious for Paul. Her husband Oliver is a deeply religious and God-fearing man. An old ex-soldier Paddy helps on the farm and is lured into the family drama but gradually becomes its moral voice. The play has adult themes throughout.

The Power of Darkness reflects a world of a not-too-distant past. The title is a description of the force that drives it.

Tony Varley directs a very strong cast in Liam McNamara as Peter, Bernie Byrne as Baby, Regina McCormack as Eileen, Meg Noone as Maggie, Paul O’Brien as Paul, Seamus Beirne as Oliver and John Gavin as Paddy.

A must see, don’t miss this powerful drama, which was first produced by the Abbey Theatre (Dublin, 1991).

Curtain up is at 8 p.m. each night. Over 16s. Booking is online at https://www.westporttheatre.com/ or call the box office on (098) 28459.