New show remembers the magic of Leonard Cohen

ROYAL OAK residents Angela Keogh and John MacKenna are the co-writers of a new show which can be seen at St Mary's Church, Haymarket, Carlow on Sunday 29 September at 8pm as part of a national tour of the work.

Talking about the new show, MacKenna says: At war with mercy is a co-operative 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.” The show has 16 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 dieand some ideas from his Book of mercyand developed them into theatrical pieces which sit side by side with the music. 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 Keogh adds: “ At war with mercy is a musical and dramatic exploration of war, peace and mercy through Leonard Cohen's songs and the characters 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. And, appropriately, it's touring in the month of what would have been Leonard's 90th birthday.” At war with mercy is a life-affirming and thought-provoking journey that echoes with hope, redemption and peace.

Tickets for the St Mary's, Carlow show are available through Eventbrite or on the door on the night, priced €16/€14 (seniors and under-16).