University of Limerick Drama Society shine light on women's stories in charity performance

THE UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) Drama Society will be performing "a collection of women's voices and women's stories" in its upcoming charity showcase, The Drama Society Femininomenon.

All proceeds of the event will go to ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services Limerick, a 24 hour refuge and support service for female survivors of domestic abuse and their children. 

Named after the popular song by artist Chappell Roan, the Femininomenon strives to "shine a spotlight" on pieces of drama that focus on, or are written by, women.

Included in the line-up of performances in the showcase are scenes inspired by hit movies Little Women and The Imitation Game, and adaptations of excerpts from plays such as A Doll's House and Overtones.

A variety of monologues and poems will also be presented to the audience, alongside pieces penned by UL Drama Society members: The Men and As The Sun Sets On Yule.

Chairperson of UL Drama Society, Eoin Gilmartin, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be able to put this amazing event on the stage. The Femininomenon celebrates the strength and resilience of women while supporting Adapt, a charity that does vital work for those affected by domestic abuse".

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"It’s an honour to bring our society together to give a platform to these stories, and I am proud beyond words of the incredible work put in by our entire team over the past few weeks," he continued.

Dearbhaile Vaughan, secretary of the society, explained: "The idea for this production came about when we reflected on our performances from previous years, and realised that they seemed to focus primarily on men's stories, and featured casts where the majority of roles were male". 

She added: "We knew we wanted the proceeds of this showcase to go towards an important cause, and we were delighted when Adapt agreed to be our charity beneficiary! To make sure we receive as many donations as possible, anyone who can't make it to the Femininomenon but still wishes to show their support can do so by purchasing a Wish I Were There ticket, which are available on our website".

The Drama Society Femininomenon takes place on Wednesday, November 20 at 8pm, doors at 7:30pm, in the Jonathan Swift Theatre on UL campus.

Tickets to the Femininomenon cost €5, and are available online or at the door.

If you're unable to attend the fundraising event, you can still show support through purchasing a Wish I Were There ticket, the proceeds of which will go to ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services Limerick.