WHEN Crossgar teenager Ruth McAteer takes to the stage of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast this week she will be playing for more than just the audience in the room.
Rut (19) who has a starring role in the Lyric Summer School’s Greek tragedy Oedipus The King will be remembering her late grandfather, Matt McAteer, who inspired her to become an actor.
“My granda acted with Liam Neeson in an amateur group in Portglenone many years ago,” she said. “He would joke that he taught Liam everything he knows. Of course, I knew Liam Neeson went into professional theatre here at the Lyric so I was delighted to get a place in the Summer School. My granda passed away just a couple of weeks ago. He was a very creative person and I think he would be really proud of what I’m doing.”
The former Down High pupil who is studying Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths University in London said: “The Lyric Summer School has been a really great opportunity for anyone wishing to become a professional actor.
“I studied Oedipus The King at university so it is great to actually have a part in it. I think everyone should come to see it because it is easy to understand and very moving.”
The theme of the Lyric Summer School has been the Olympic Games and so the Greek play, written by Sophocles, was chosen as the final project in this summer’s programme for young people. The Lyric Summer School is generously supported by Belfast Harbour.
The production has been given a 21st century interpretation with a contemporary design. It features live theatre and filmed sequences. The story is about the kingdom of Thebes that is riddled with famine and disease. The people, in desperation, turn to their King for help. In taking action to solve the problem, he uncovers a web of murder, conspiracy and a scandal which rocks the Royal House to its core.
Lyric Creative Learning Co-ordinator, Philip Crawford, took his inspiration from the Cultural Olympiad. He said: “The idea behind the Cultural Olympiad is that culture and sport are mutually inspirational,” he said. “The disciplined approach and commitment to training, the striving for personal best are values common to both sport and working in theatre. The young people also get to meet others who share a common interest.”
Philip added that many young people are inspired by television talent shows such as X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, which can be deceptive.
“Many young people have an idea that they would like to go into theatre from watching these shows,” he explained. “This project offers them the chance to fully appreciate the rigorous demands and discipline required to become a professional actor.”
Gilly Campbell, Drama and Dance Officer, from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “The Lyric’s Creative Learning Programme is an excellent way to engage local young people with theatre. The Arts Council believes that all children and young people should have access to quality artistic programmes, and schools workshops like these are central to achieving that goal.”
The company of young actors, aged 17-19, will perform Oedipus The King in the Naughton Studio of the Lyric Theatre on Friday 10 August at 8pm and Saturday 11 August at 3pm and 8pm. Book online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or telephone the Box Office on 028 90381081. Tickets £8 or £6 concession.
Enrolment is now open for the autumn term of the Lyric Theatre School which offers a fantastic range of drama programmes for children and adults.
The Lyric Theatre School requires a weekly commitment across the term which runs from September to December. See the Lyric website for more information www.lyrictheatre.co.uk/theatre-training.
