Gripping drama unfolds at mullingar arts centre for culture night with fallen

The Mullingar Student Players latest production - Fallen - shines light on the Magdalene scandal.

“Those women can’t be trusted! They’re weak, Sister! No control! We protect them their passions! You see, this to sins of the flesh stays in the blood for generations! Remember the garden! Eve started it.”

Running for four performances on September 16, 17, and two performances taking place on Culture Night September 17, Fallen is set in a convent laundry in the west of Ireland, and explores the shocking scandal of the Magdalene Laundries.

This heartbreaking story follows the lives of four unwed Irish mothers working as “penitents” in an institution run by the church. Here they were forced to wash the sins of lust from their souls while conveniently washing the country’s laundry.

Their babies were taken from them and put up for adoption in the United States and other countries. The last of the Magdalene Laundries closed in 1996.

Fallen immerses us in the lives of these passionate young women and their caretakers.

Fallen is directed by Sean Lynch. The cast includes Rebecca Heery (Bridget), Megan Ayers (Nellie-Nora), Rachel Thompson (Mandy), Zoe Collins (Katy), Ievta Jonusaite (Julliet), Niamh Mahon (Rosa). Although Fallen is a Student Player production; two strong adult female roles were needed for contrast. Reverend Mother will be played by Irene Brennan and Olga Aughey will play Sister Virginia.
A compelling production that brims over with darkness and light, not to be missed.

The Mullingar Student Players perform Fallen in the Mullingar Arts Centre on September 16, 17, and two performances taking place on Culture Night September 17.

- Tickets are €15/€12 and are available by calling 044 9347777 or online at www.mullingarartscentre.ie