SWANSONG

Pulled from the streets of 1960’s Ireland, this gritty monodrama tells the story of Austin “Occi” Byrne, abused and isolated, violent and vulnerable, flawed and searching for redemption. This is theatre that doesn’t settle for easy answers. “Exceptional. That ‘wow’ moment: André de Vanny providing us with riveting demonstrations of the power of one.” – The Sydney Morning Herald Playwright Conor McDermottroe is a Writer/Director working across theatre, film, and television. His feature film, “Swansong, Story of Occi Byrne” was adapted from his play and selected for the Munich, Montreal and Camerimage film festivals. It won best drama at the Galway Film Fleadh and was nominated for six ITFAs in 2011, winning Martin McCann best actor for the role of Occi. Conor is currently in talks to stage his latest theatre piece and finishing pre-production work on a feature film, which he is adapting from a television screenplay. His works have been staged in Europe and the US where he was nominated for best new play at the IRNE awards. His first two screenplays were selected for the Moonstone International Screenwriter Workshops. Directed by Greg Caroll and Starring André de Vanny “Occi is an eternal optimist, says de Vanny, “we all know people who have hope even in the most dire situations. This is a timeless, relevant story. Prejudice and mental illness are unfortunately still prevalent in society today. This play speaks to those issues here and now. It shines a light on people who slip through the cracks, those who are outcast and forgotten.” André de Vanny’s (Occi) performance in “Swansong” has achieved widespread critical acclaim with two sell out seasons at Sydney’s The Old Fitz Theatre as well as Melbourne’s Metanoia Theatre, and most recently at Theatre Works in Melbourne. He received a Green Room Award (Best Actor) for his role in “Glory Dazed” for Red Stitch Theatre Company. He starred opposite legendary Australian actor Colin Friels in John Logan’s award winning two hander, “Red,” for the Melbourne Theatre Company and as Don Pedro in “The Rover” for Belvoir Theatre Company as well as the world premiere of the new Australian play “Night Slows Down” for the Bakehouse Theatre Company. André had a principal role in the Australian production of the heralded West-End “War Horse” for The National Theatre of London, performing more than 300 shows across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2016 Sydney Theatre Awards for his role in “Of Mice And Men” at Sport For Jove Theatre Company. His career began with the leading role in the international hit series Wicked Science 1 and 2 and has since appeared in numerous Australian feature films including the upcoming The Combination 2, Hating Alison Ashley, Under a Red Moon, Nice Shootin’ Cowboy. He was seen in the Dreamworks/HBO’s miniseries The Pacific, Steven King’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes, Salem’s Lot, and the acclaimed mini series Hercules. Produced by Australian Theatre Company and Skylight Theatre Company Lighting Design by Jared A. Sayeg “Swansong” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm; Sundays at 2:00pm; and Mondays at 8:00pm through October 7, 2018. Skylight Theatre is located at 1816 1/2 N. Vermont Ave, LA, 90027. Tickets are $15 – $32. Reservations: (866) 811-4111, atctix.org or http://SkylightTix.com