Inis Nua Theatre Company will open its 20th anniversary season by partnering with Fergie’s Pub for the return of the Pop Up Play in a Pub series.
Beer and a British-style hand pie—included in the ticket price—accompany what is always a good time upstairs at Fergie’s Pub. Audiences can expect a hilarious, sometimes shocking night at the pub while also being surprised by subversive storytelling from Ireland and England. Coupled with drinks and good food, this truly unique immersive experience will have you thinking you just wandered into your favorite pub in Edinburgh.
This beloved annual tradition will expand to include two shows this season. First up, ’10 Dates with Mad Mary’, by Irish-Pakistani playwright Yasmine Akram, will run from Sept. 6 to 17. This raucous one-woman show tells the story of Mary McArdle, a tough and troubled young woman trying to find a date for her best friend’s wedding. ’10 Dates’ will be directed by Inis Nua Artistic Director Kathryn MacMillan and stars Anna Faye Lieberman as Mad Mary.
“Everything I love about solo shows is wrapped up in ’10 Dates with Mad Mary,’” said MacMillan. “Mary forms a real connection with the audience, there are sharp comic turns, and several characters for the actor to play. Solo work is a meaty challenge for an actor, and I’m thrilled to be working with Anna again, one of Philadelphia’s most thrilling young performers. She captures Mary’s energy with such a playful, impish spirit.”
Next, Inis Nua presents the American premiere of ‘Madame Ovary’, by English playwright Rosa Hesmondhalgh. This comic-drama begins on New Year’s Eve with Rosa, a young woman who’s ready to embark on a campaign of self-improvement in the new year. But when the unexpected happens–an advanced cancer diagnosis–Rosa has to re-evaluate priorities and her only goal becomes survival. ‘Madame Ovary’ is directed by Philadelphia actor and director, Charlotte Northeast, and features Satchel Williams. The show runs Nov. 8-19.
Tickets are $32 and include a pie made by Stargazy on East Passyunk and a cold pint at Fergie’s Pub (1214 Sansom Street) in Center City. Tickets are available by calling 215-454-9776 or visiting inisnuatheatre.org.
