Two plays, or not two plays: that was never a question

That’s the question actor and playwright Irene Kelleher says she gets asked most frequently since announcing she would be performing not one but two of her own shows at this year’s Cork Midsummer Festival.

The Cork native will perform her one-woman comedy ‘Footnote’ in the Cork Theatre Collective Studio at Triskel Arts Centre on 14, 16, and 17 June, (performing twice on 16 and 17 June).

Meanwhile, opening on 13 June, she will be performing her chilling play ‘Stitch’ in J Nolan Stationary at 21 Shandon Street twice a day, every day of the festival.

‘Footnote’ is a love letter to bookshops, book lovers, and anyone who’s ever had to smile through a ridiculous customer request. Following Noreen Gilhooly who is desperately trying to make ends meet in a 100 year old bookshop, the play is a riotous exploration of ambition, identity, and the fine art of alphabetising the children’s section.

Switching tone drastically, ‘Stitch’ sees Kelleher embark on a “not for the faint of heart” exploration of the monster and maker in all of us. Set on Shandon Street in 1989 audiences are dragged deep into a world where the past lingers and the walls whisper.

Speaking in the lead up to the festival, which runs from 13-22 June, Kelleher says she is often asked who her acting heroes are but says her answer often surprises the asker.

“People expect me to say someone like Judi Dench, Fiona Shaw, or Cate Blanchett,” she explains.

“All of these people are incredible, and I admire their talent greatly, but honestly, my hero is Ayrton Senna. Yes, yes, you read that right. F1 legend and not a multi Oscar winning actor.

“He had this drive, this passion, and if he had something in his mind, that was it, he wasn’t going to let anyone stop him,” adds the actor.

For Kelleher, rehearsing, preparing, and eventually performing both shows at the same time is both a physical and mental challenge.

“I’m doing the obvious things to prepare my body including trying to get as much sleep as I can. If I go into a full day of rehearsal with a bad night’s sleep, I’m not fully present, my concentration is off, I’m not taking everything in,” she says.

“Sleep is number one. Of course, the inevitable ‘play dreams’ are already happening. Since rehearsals have started, I’m waking up in the night having dreamt about the play. Then I can’t get back to sleep because my brain is too active thinking I’ve made some breakthrough. In the morning, I never think it’s as much of a genius idea as I did at 3am!” laughs Kelleher.

After sleep, the next most important thing for her is to make sure she eats well, which involves a big breakfast and an assortment of healthy and sustaining packed snacks.

“I eat way more during rehearsals because I burn off so much energy. I need to stay strong. I find the mental preparation more essential. It’s about having things between moving from rehearsals – little palate cleansers,” she says.

The third and final crucial element necessary for tackling such a demanding commitment might sound “cheesy” to some, as Kelleher puts it, but to her, it is probably the most important.

She says: “I have to be confident and know I can do this. I’ve achieved marathon sessions of plays before, performing in Edinburgh, and know I have the stamina. I’m extremely lucky to be in a strong enough place physically and mentally.”

Kelleher will perform ‘Footnote’ at Triskel Arts Centre at 1pm on 14 June, and 1pm and 8pm on both 16 and 17 June. She will perform ‘Stitch’ at J Nolan Stationary at 5pm and 9pm from 13-22 June, except for Saturday 14 June when she will perform the play at 9pm and again at midnight.