DYT Member Róisín interviewed past member Ursula McGinn on her show ‘Dog Shit’ that ran in Fringe.
Four friends and old colleagues are hanging out, but when their afters turns sour, it becomes an evening they’ll never forget.
This is a satirical and comic portrayal of people working in tech and theatre in Dublin. It begs the question – how far will you go for your career?
Expect to laugh at how silly we are when we take ourselves too seriously. (Because) let’s face it, we’re all a bit shitty most of the time. Aren’t we?
4 friends. 3 pets. 2 secrets. 1 big mess.
A play of shits and giggles exploring nationality, belonging, becoming an ‘adult’ and privilege.
What has it been like working to bring “Dog Shit” to life?
So much fun.
Working with the playwright Bellaray, the cast, design team and crew has been such an
enjoyable and collaborative experience. The show was an exciting and rewarding challenge.
What has been the most satisfying part of the rehearsal process for “Dog Shit”?
Hearing the script out loud on the first day of rehearsals. It was a moment of “okay cool, this
is actually happening”. Bellaray and I had so many conversations, meetings and voice-note
exchanges in the lead-up to rehearsals kicking off, that it was so great to finally have
everyone in the room to tackle the show together.
What is the message that you think “Dog Shit” is aiming to put out?
Dog shit is a satirical and comic portrayal of people working in tech and theatre in Dublin,
questioning how far will someone go for their career.
This play isn’t meant to make the audience pick sides but to question their own ways of
thinking and seeing the world. It asks the audience to think philosophically and at the same
time to look within themselves, by questioning their own morals and ways of life. The
themes it addresses is nationality, belonging, becoming an ‘adult’ and privilege.
We want to give audiences the he space to laugh, to question and to discover.
Has the satirisation of those working in theatre changed the dynamic of the rehearsal room for “Dog Shit” in any way when comparing it to other rehearsal rooms?
Although it’s a comedy, the script is being honest about the negative sides of working in the
theatre industry. I think this has opened the rehearsal room up to speaking truthfully and
sharing our own negative (and positive) work experiences. The fact that we are creating
something satirical has allowed us to talk about taking our work seriously without talking
ourselves too seriously.
As a director it is often your job to bring the stories and ideas of others to life, how does it feel for you to be in that position when working on various projects?
Working as a freelance artist in the theatre industry is a constant juggle. It is a juggling act
that I really enjoy and feel very lucky to be part of. Like all jobs, occasionally it can feel a
little overwhelming, but I love working with artists and writers to bring their ideas to life.
As Artistic Director of Bombinate Theatre, who primarily focus on creating plays and workshops for families and young audiences, what do you think is the primary difference in creating work for a younger audience as opposed to an older audience?
I think I’m still trying to figure that one out.
I think my process is the same, but my approach is a little difference depending on the
target audience for the piece.
As someone who specialises in creating work for teenagers and young audiences, do you have any advice for teenagers and young people looking to create their own work?
Just go for it. I know it can be scary and shit sometimes but give your ideas a chance.
Everyone has made a show that they look back on and wonder “why?!”, but that’s how we
learn to make better work.
I think its important to take care of yourself and the people you are working with. Kindness
goes a long way in this industry.
Do you think being a part of Dublin Youth Theatre has shaped or influenced your career. If so, in what way?
100%.
DYT introduced me to the world of the theatre in a way I never encountered before joining.
It showed me that working in the arts was a possible career path. I learned what directors,
designers, stage managers and production managers do. Through DYT, I’ve met so many
wonderful people and collaborators and have worked on some great projects.But mostly DYT made me realise being an artist means being brave, curious, and humble.
What type of work are you hoping to create in the future?
I want to make work that explores thought-provoking themes in playful and absurd ways. I
want to make work that reflects the world we live in. I want to make work that is
collaborative, curious and connects with audiences.
You can keep up to date with ‘Dog Shit’ through their instagram page here
