The Abbey Theatre presents
In Real Life
1 - 18 October 2024
Written by Erica Murray
Directed by Ursula McGinn
Booking Information
Dates: 1st – 18th October
Running time: 40 – 60 minutes depending on teacher involvement
Please note: In Real Life is designed to be performed in a large classroom with the furniture pushed back or in a school hall (which needs to be closed for the duration). It is for class sizes of around 30 per performance. The show is suitable for primary schools (5th and 6th class).
Costs:
- Non-Deis schools: €250 per class of up to 30
- Deis schools: €200 per class of up to 30
In Real Life Resource Pack: These include pre- and post-show questionnaires and curriculum linked activities. The resources include work you can use during our visit to build on the work immediately.
Based on classics of Irish theatre, the Abbey Theatre’s education work creates new plays based on established work from the canon.
This autumn we are returning to the classroom with In Real Life based on the comedy Spreading the News by Lady Gregory. In Real Life is a contemporary drama exploring social media and identity in the classroom. It uses Lady Gregory’s hilarious take on the dangers of rumour and pompous authority to examine how modern friendships can be threatened by careless communication and clueless adults.
In Real Life follows First Year, Kai, as she starts at her new school. Kai, disillusioned with the move her family made to a smaller town, tries to find herself in the world of social media. There she finds her new school’s Instagram queen, Cleo. But life online and in real life are two very different things and when Kai posts something carelessly, she learns how quickly words can take on a life of their own… especially with the school’s Talent Show just around the corner.
In Real Life showcases two actors portraying multiple characters, vividly depicting Kai and Cleo’s families, teachers, and their lives at school.
The Abbey will perform In Real Life at schools around County Dublin between 1st October – 18th October. We provide online resources with lesson plans to help teachers both prepare and follow up on our visit.
If you would like us to perform In Real Life in your school, or have any questions please contact us at: InRealLife@abbeytheatre.ie.
Kindly funded by an Abbey Theatre patron who wishes to remain anonymous.
Credits
- Kai: Ciara Ivie
- Cleo: Evie May O'Brien
- Writter: Erica Murray
- Director: Ursula McGinn
- Costume: Vicky Miller
- Sound Designer: Leon Henry
- Composer: Alma Kelliher
- Props Master: Eimer Murphy
- Stage Manager: Rachel Spratt
- Photographer: Gemma Bovenizer
