Taking inspiration from his Irish upbringing, Ronan has a unique interpretation of Irish culture, writing from an Irish perspective as an emigrant. Drawing on these experiences and influences, Ronan brings his plays to life in his writings to a sometimes difficult and demanding American audience. Normally, one could be forgiven to ask: will they get it?, and that these type of plays would be more at home with an 'in tune' Irish audience - apparently the American pundits are getting it and loving it!
Ronan's most recent play "The Lepers of Baile Baiste", was staged at the Boston Playwright Theatre and directed by Sidney Friedman. The play has been described as follows - "'The Lepers of Baile Baiste' is a come day, go day until Daithi O'Neil returns to sort things out. A violent church-yard theft and the requisite sip of stout unleash a backlash this quiet Irish town doesn't expect."
One report goes like this. A friend of mine was just getting back from a friend's wedding in Boston. On the way into his apartment he bumped into a roommate in the hallway. He notices her eyes are puffy as though she had been chopping onions. She explained to him she had just been to see Ronan Noone's play and told him that it was a real tearjerker and she "totally loved it".
Hopefully in the not too distant future we will see Ronan staging one of his plays on our side of the Atlantic. Until then, Ronan will continue to 'break many legs' in Boston with his forthcoming productions.
The Lepers of Baile Baiste, Boston Playwright Theatre's nominee for the American College Theater Festival Kennedy Center Awards, 2001-2002.
Noel Mannion, 01/12/01
