Catch John MacKenna’s new show on Culture Night

CASTLEDERMOT-born writer John MacKenna is one of the co-writers of a new show which can be seen at Athy Library on Culture Night (20 September) at 7pm; St Mary's Church of Ireland, Carlow on Sunday 29 September at 8pm; and The Moat Theatre, Naas on Friday 4 October at 7pm as part of a national tour of the work.

Talking about the new show, John explained that ‘At War With Mercy’ is a cooperative work for theatre.

“Back in 2016 when I worked with Leonard Cohen on ‘Between Your Love and Mine’ the idea was first mooted but, sadly, Leonard died later that year. More recently, working with writer Angela Keogh and musicians Dave Day, Shane Sullivan and Katie Jacques we put a shape on the idea,” he said.

The show has sixteen Cohen songs – including one never released by the singer.

“Angela Keogh and myself took some Cohen songs, including 'Story of Isaac' and 'A Singer Must Die' and some ideas from his 'Book of Mercy' and developed them into theatrical pieces which sit side by side with the music,” John said. “The result is a theatrical work that runs for 80 minutes – filled with stories and Leonard's songs on the themes of war, peace and mercy.” Co-writer Angela added that ‘At War With Mercy’ is a “musical and dramatic exploration of war, peace and mercy through Leonard Cohen's songs and the stories we developed from his work. It really is a tonic for the mind, soul and body and an affirmation in theatre and music of Leonard's lifelong commitment to mercy and peace in the world. It's a totally unique kind of performance and the voices of Katie Jacques and Shane Sullivan and the percussion work of Dave Day are incredibly powerful and so moving."

‘At War With Mercy’ is a life affirming and thought-provoking journey that echoes with hope, redemption and peace.

Tickets for the Athy Library Culture Night show are available through TicketTailor or Athy Library; tickets for the St Mary's Carlow show are available through Eventbrite or on the door on the night, and tickets for the Naas show are available through the Moat Theatre.