SEASON 26 | JUNE 2014

Cuchulain
A re-telling of the myths of Cuchulain, the Hound of Ulster

Inspired by the plays of W.B. Yeats by Lorella Loftus
Presented by Lorella Loftus
View photos from the production here.

Cuchulain (pronounced Kuh-HOO-lin) is the bravest and fiercest of warriors and the Champion of King Connor of Ulster. In this cycle of stories, Cuchulain seeks the water of immortality. Chance encounters with a warrior-woman and a fairy woman of the Sidhe (pronounced SHEE) dramatically change the course of his life. As the Sidhe make mischief, Cuchulain must do battle with his wits instead of relying on his “battle rage” and magic spear, until one day, King Connor forces him into an impossible situation . . .

Why the myths of Cuchulain? Why W. B. Yeats? Why now? The news is dominated by countries struggling with identity. Land defines a country’s sometimes-shifting boundaries, but it’s the myths and folklore that define cultural identity, and subsequently, national consciousness. Cuchulain is an Iron Age mythical hero, with flaws that eventually lead to his downfall. World-renowned Irish poet, author, and fervent nationalist, W. B. Yeats wrote five plays and several poems about Cuchulain during the early 1900s, placing our hero in the category of nationalist symbol, used by both sides of the Irish political divide. “Cuchulain” demonstrates the power of cultural heritage, regardless of whether that heritage is Celtic. W. B. Yeats understood the value and power of symbol as a way to inspire a political movement. Now, more than ever, we need stories and symbols to feed our imaginations.

CAST

Toby Minor, Andreá Smith, Angela Loftus, Toby Minor, Craig Kanne, Andy Brown, Tyler Mabry, Justin LaVergne, Ian King, Bethany Harbaugh, Renee Stewart, Stephen Brandt, Karen Jambon, and Lorella Loftus.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Directed by Karen Jambon. Written and Produced by Lorella Loftus. Stage Management by Michelle Symons. Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon. Lighting design by James Jennings. Original Music by Tyler Mabry. Costume design by Stephanie Dunbar. Mask Design by Melissa Vogt. Choreography by Andreá Smith. Fight Choreography by Toby Minor. Production support by Diane Christopherson.

This project is funded and supported in part by VORTEX Repertory Company and by the City of Austin through the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division, believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin's future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.