DARK OF THE MOON

Set in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the 1930s, 'Dark of the Moon' by Howard Richardson and William Berney, is an enduring classic of American Theatre, which has been in near constant production since its 1945 New York Premiere. Described as a combination of 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'The Crucible', 'Dark of the Moon' is at once a compelling love story and a stark dissection of what happens when two radically contrasting cultures collide.

Cast and crew. Click here for larger interactive photo

Inspired by one of America’s best loved songs, The Ballad of Barbara Allen, and featuring live music and song throughout, 'Dark of the Moon' revolves around the dilemma of a Witch Boy, John, who falls in love with a Mountain Girl, the ‘wild child’ Barbara Allen. In order to be with her, John must leave the Witch World behind him and for her part, Barbara is prepared to become an outcast from her family and neighbours. Together they face an uncertain future – a future inexorably shaped by the communities they have left behind.

Directed by Jim Nolan, and with a creative team comprising Sile Penkert, Deirdre Dwyer, Trish Murphy, Eoin Dalton and Richard Collins, 'Dark of the Moon' had a cast of some thirty local actors and musicians and was the highlight of the company’s twenty fifth anniversary celebrations.

Waterford Youth Arts in association with Garter Lane Arts Centre presented 'Dark of the Moon' 18-21 August 2010 at Garter Lane Theatre.

Click here for slideshow of the performance by Gerry O'Carroll

John (the witchboy) played by Jamie Power and Paula Weldon (Barbara Allen)

Poster by Gerry Keane

The crew, L-R: Deirdre Dwyer (set and Costume Design), Sile Penkert (Assistant Director), Megan Nolan (Stage Manager), Jim Nolan (Director), Eoin Dalton (Musical Director), Richard Collins (Lighting Design), Ciara Dower (Asst. Stage Manager)