Mercury tells the story of Jane, a young woman who goes missing on a camping trip. Era, her friend, struggles to cope with what has happened. Gradually Era’s memories unearth the complex relationship she had with Jane and the challenges of grieving for a friend who was never supposed to die.
Mercury is a play about astronauts, cookie dough ice cream, and the woods. About peer pressure and mental health. About what happens when you think your friend might have been murdered.
Mercury originated in workshops conducted with community mental health volunteers. In a time when 44% of people in Ireland will have direct experience with mental health issues, James felt it was an important topic to address through his writing. The testimony he gathered from volunteers now forms the basis of the play.
Director: Sophie Cairns
Assistant Director: James Ireland
The New Theatre supports New Writing with the assistance of Dublin UNESCO City of Literature & The Arts Council Ireland.
Cast and Creatives
Sophie Cairns
Director
James Ireland
Assistant Director
Luke Casserly
Set Designer
Ellen Gorman
Lighting Designer
Kate Bauer
Costume Designer
Sadie Devane
Puppetry Construction
Jack Nolan
Puppetry Construction
Jen Aust
Stage Manager
Allie Whelan
Assistant Stage Manager
Alanna Lawlor
Producer
Dónal Kennedy
Photography & Video promotion
Jamie Hooper
