Looking forward to tomorrow night is exactly what we’re doing, just like this portrait of the cast of Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! as they all sneak around the corner of a pillar, keeping an eye out for well, each other.

The shifty shenanigans and madcap marital meltdowns of Dario Fo’s 1974 comedy masterpiece could have been written last week, such is the topicality, and we hope very much that they’ll prove to be right on the bone. Most particularly, the funny bone. Come and see it for yourself when Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opens, yes, tomorrow night in Set Theatre, Kilkenny.

Tickets can be purchased in Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street, Kilkenny and Set Theatre Box Office, John Street, Kilkenny. Bookings can be made on 056 – 7765133 and for online purchasing just click on the above link. Tickets are priced at 13 Euro and the show commences at 8pm nightly.

Ross Costigan previously appeared with us in Heart Shaped Vinyl, Cannibal! The Musical, Trainspotting, Smitten and The War Of The Worlds. He plays Luigi in Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!

1. So, what’s your hair up to in this play?

Why does every interview I do, start with questions about my hair?!

Okay, I’m not going to lie, this is probably my favourite character look so far, hair included. It’s better than the punk look, the cowboy look, the farm boy look and the ginger junkie look. I’ve got an Elvis-style-do, it’s pretty awesome!

So if you’re a fan of my hair or collect pop-out articles about my hair then you won’t want to miss this play… because of my hair!

Are we done with the hair now?

2. For now. So, you play the part of Luigi. What’s his deal?

Luigi’s a nice guy although he’s not the brightest. He’s a newly-wed and I think he’s still getting used to being married. He relies on Giovanni for a lot of advice in the ways of women and the world in general. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have his own ideas, they tend to disagree on politics but he’s a bit naïve and tends to follow Giovanni in the end. I suppose he’s like a side-kick. Also he likes cowboy films and colouring books! Well… my version of the character does anyway. Colouring books are not mentioned in the script but I think Luigi likes them.

3. What’s been harder, massive physical comedy or going cold turkey on stage?

Going cold-turkey in Trainspotting was tough, there was a lot of dribble involved, some people still look at me funny in the street and think I’m a junkie! This is a lot more fun but just as challenging, the bigger the physicality the better but it can be hard not to worry that you’re overdoing it.  Hopefully people will look at me in the street after this and go “oh there’s that lad with the hair, he’s some lad for the massive physical comedy, he is!”

4. Can you give us five words you think describes the play?

There’s no nudity in it!?

5. What’s it like to play a married man? Does it make you want to get married? Right now?

I don’t think so, I’m a catch but I’m not really marriage material to be honest. Seriously, if you were a parent and your daughter brought me home, how would you react!? You’d be all like “oh jesus, she brought home that lad with the hair!”

6. Have you ever shoplifted? Honestly?

No. For some reason my general appearance tends to attract security guards. Every time I walk in to a shop, they follow me around. It means I never get the chance to steal anything. Although I’d probably make a good decoy if anybody is interested in setting up a partnership, just get in touch after the show.

7. Do you think the play is going to hit a nerve?

It might if loads of people decide to start shoplifting around the town! Then we’ll probably get the blame for it as usual. The authorities will be all like “oh it was them Devious lads and your man with the hair! They put everyone up to it!”.

Like that time we did Cannibal! The Musical and some idiot went around sticking animal organs on fences and everyone was like “oh it must have been them Devious lads and your man with the hair!” and all we were doing was singing about snowmen and eating each other!?

We might also offend the Italian community. You never know with them lads, one minute you’re ordering an onion ring and chip, the next minute you’re getting the kiss-of-death and sleeping with the fishes!? I know what you’re thinking but that’s not racist, I know how these things work. I did some character research before the show, went undercover working in a chipper as Luigi. It was mainly peeling spuds but every once in a while we’d whack a lad!

8. How about those unions eh?

I’m tired of the bloody feckin unions!

9. What are your hopes for this production?

I hope my fans will like my hair!

10. How are you finding orange dungarees?

I feel like a cross between a kids tv show presenter and a low budget horror movie psycho. And when we invaded the town in full costume and makeup on Saturday it was brought to my attention by several chav young ones that I have no ass in them! So my feelings on orange dungarees are pretty mixed I suppose!?

Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opens this Wednesday March 10th in Set Theatre, John Street, Kilkenny. It runs until Sunday March 14th at 8pm nightly. Tickets can be purchased in Rollercaster Records, Kieran Street, Set Theatre Box Office and bookings can be made on 056 – 7765133. For online bookings, please click the above link.

Hazel Fahy has previously appeared with us in Heart Shaped Vinyl and Cannibal! The Musical. She plays Margherita in Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!

1. What’s been the most enjoyable thing about rehearsals? Being greeted with a cup of tea when you arrive and whatever tasty snack that’s on offer that day. Sometimes it might have been a slice of ginger cake or a cadburys chocolate finger. Other times a mini chocolate muffin. More recently a chocolate kimbererly. Oh and sorry..the chance to do some acting after being out of action for a long while.

David Thompson last appeared for us as the Madman in Dario Fo’s Accidental Death Of An Anarchist. He previously appeared in Heart Shaped Vinyl, Cannibal! The Musical and The War Of The Worlds.

1. You’re back in a multi tasking role. Anything different this time?

This time it’s personal.

2. What have you been doing to pull off multiple characters?

I haven’t used my real name in 7 weeks, I never wear the same outfit twice,  I sleep to a recording of the Origin of Species and spend my days in coffee shops trying to absorb the energies of those around me that I hope to embody. There’ll probably be a little bit of you in all my characters.

3. What’s the biggest thing you’ve ever shoplifted?

I think shoplifting is directly related to the surge of R ‘n’ B music. To both of them I am averse.

4. What’s the smallest thing you’ve ever shoplifted?

A Jay-Z record. Only to burn it and prevent further shoplifting.

5. Brendan Corcoran played this part in the last Kilkenny performance. Big shoes to fill, eh?

Yes. . . I hope we never meet. Unless at an anti-shoplifting convention. Non-personal, y’know?

6. Do you have a new found respect for the police force?

I did until they stuck my head into a tree for making art. MAKING ART!!

7. If this play was 5 words what would they be?

I will fuck the horse….

8. What are you most looking forward to on the week of the show?

….wearing make up? Isn’t that…what all guys do plays for?…

9. What politician gets your goat?

All of them. They should never be seen by the public. Mystery will keep communism at bay.

10. What cracks you up in rehearsals?

When people fall over. No that’s everyday….I’m partial to freudian improvisation.

Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opens Wednesday March 10th in Set Theatre, Kilkenny and runs until Sunday March 14th. Tickets can be bought in Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street, Set Theatre Box Office, John Street and online here. Bookings on 056 – 7765133.

Angela Barrett is a founding member of Devious Theatre. She is making her debut appearance with us in Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!

1. You’re one of the founding members of this company and this is your first play with us. What’s taken you so long Angela?

I think the real question here is what has taken you all so long to cast me in anything? I mean sure, I have been living in London and New York for the past three years and have not been in the country while the shows have been going on but really you could have at least offered me a part so that I could come home for once!

2. You play Antonia. What’s she like?

She is very like me. She is really good at making up lies and passing them off with conviction. She loves telling stories and being in the middle of whatever is happening and most of all she is really funny, again just like me. But on a serious note she is a very strong individual who is willing to fight for what she believes in, she just hopes that her husband won’t find out.  Margherita is her best friend and although it seems like she plays her a lot I think she is just trying to push Margherita to do something for herself.

3. What’s been your favourite thing about working on this play?

It has to be actually performing again. It has been over a year since I have acted in a show and it is so nice to be heading back onto the stage. This is completely different than anything i have ever done so I am finding it really challenging which I think is really good for me. I’m used to doing Shakespeare and Ibsen which I keep being reminded we are not doing. You have to play everything large, it’s not natural in the slightest which I find really scary as it is against everything I have ever been told before but it’s really good fun.

I am also really enjoying working with people my own age again. Its lovely working with Dreamstuff but sometimes its nice to be the youngest person in the room rather than the oldest. It makes me feel youthful.

4. How has the make up helped your performance?

It gives the final touch to the overall look of the actors I am playing against which really helps me to get into the performance. It really exaggerates everything the other actors are doing and when you see them being big it makes you start to get bigger as well.

5. Can we please have a description of the play in 5 words?

crazy, fun, colourful, funny, amazing.

6. What do you think people should take from this play?

Programmes and a fire inside them to change the world one small step at a time.

7. Have you ever shoplifted?

My lawyers have advised me against answering this question for the time being until the shoplifting case with that unnamed shop has been sorted. Ask again in two months.

8. Would you ever kiss a guard? Really?

It depends, I have pretty low standards when it comes to men. If he is really really really good looking and has lots and lots and lots of money then YES! If he is only okay looking and has some money but not enough for me to live off for the rest of my life then NO, that would be disgusting!

9. Which politician would you love to slap round the face with a wet haddock?

If I was to answer this I am afraid I would be taken away and killed during the night.

10. Nerves?

Nerves? What nerves? God John I don’t know what you are talking about… I always look this colour… I always speak this fast… I am always about to get sick… I’M FINE STOP ASKING ME IF I AM OKAY!!!!!!

Angela Barrett appears in Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opening this Wednesday March 10th in Set Theatre, John Street, Kilkenny. Tickets can be bought in Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street and Set Theatre Box Office, John Street. Bookings on 056 – 7765133 and online at the above link.

Our upcoming production isn’t the first time that Dario Fo’s Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! has been staged in Kilkenny before.

A highly regarded production of the play took place in 1992 performed by the New Theatre Group in the Friary Hall, Friary Street.

This version was directed by our old mentor Mike Kelly and had a fine cast, some of whom we’ve become well acquainted with over the years!

It was relocated to a block of Dublin flats and the central couples were rechristened Angela, Anthony, Mags and Larry.

It played in the Friary Hall from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th November 1992 with the following cast:

Angela – Virginia Bohan

Mags – Roisin McQuillan

Anthony – Fergus Heffernan

Sergeant / Inspector / Undertaker / Old Man – Brendan Corcoran

Larry – David Heffernan

Ken McGuire has previously appeared in Devious Theatre’s productions of Heart Shaped Vinyl, Cannibal! The Musical, Trainspotting, Smitten, The War Of The Worlds, Shakespeare In Bits, Stags and Hens and Accidental Death Of An Anarchist. He plays Giovanni in Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!

1. You play Giovanni. What’s he like Ken?

He’s a bastard. He comes home drunk, cheats on his wife, he’s communist, and I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that he has an eye for Luigi’s missus. That said, in a lot of ways we’re similar.

2. Has it been difficult to pick back up the physical style after Accidental Death Of An Anarchist?

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. Christmas ruined it for me. All those chocolates, drinks, beers, cocktails, crisps… I could barely pick up anything in January, never mind the physical style of Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! But I tried these magic beans some ould lad was flogging on the main street, next thing you know I’m lifting cars, knocking over trees for sport, so I feel I could pick up anything. How you doin?

3.  Grand, thanks. So what have you found to be the biggest difference between the two plays?

The story. Otherwise they’d be the same play, wouldn’t they?

4. Have you ever shoplifted?

Me? A child of innocence! Not that I can recall anyway. Is it still shoplifting if the cashier undercharges you, or gives you back more change from the till than you had going in?

5. Do you think Ireland could do with the self reduction movement?

It could do with a kick in the arse to be honest, whatever about self reduction. We’ve been going through a rude awakening over the last 18 months. I’m delighted that the word “recession” hasn’t been bandied around the news much of late, I figure people are sick of hearing it anyway. I don’t think I’d agree with the whole self reduction movement
though. Unless Ireland had a dedicated Apple store. The one in the north is too far north.

6. Describe this play in 5 words?

Accidental Death Of An Anarchist.

7. Would you rob from the rich to give to the poor?

My middle name ain’t Robin Hood for nothin’. It’s actually James. Took Robert for the confirmation so I’m kinda have way there. Just doesn’t have the same ring to it though.

8. What politician would you most like to hang out to dry?

Jesus, where do you start? I’d take them all, well, most of them anyway, and pack them off on some island. I’d possibly start with that Kenny fella. Though I’ve a feeling I’d be waiting in line yet.

9. Do you have the fear yet?

Try me again on opening night. Though fear in that instance turns to adrenaline. The rush of the opening night of Accidental Death was one of the best I’ve felt over the last few years of Devious production and if things go according to plan, Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! is gonna top that ten fold. Of course, I should really get around to reading my
script…

10. What’s your favourite line in the play?

Well, as of last week it became “when a man and a woman love each other”, one of Giovanni’s mutterings. Favourite would be the exchange between Giovanni and Luigi in the closing scene. Don’t think I’ve had to play a character before who delivers the line “Get the fuck off me ya cunt” with so much affection. Though that might not – technically -
be in the script.

Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opens Wednesday March 10th and runs until Sunday March 14th in Set Theatre, Kilkenny.  Tickets are onsale in Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street and Set Theatre Box Office, John Street. Booking on 056 – 7765133. Bookings online can be made above.

We’ve been upping the promotional stakes this week as we’re now exactly a week off the opening of Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!

As you can see above, we completed a fairly elaborate window display yesterday in the window of St. Canice’s Credit Union on High Street, Kilkenny. What we’re really hoping is that it will stay intact for the entire week and not fall apart on us… it’s happened before. Blu tac everything heavily!

Also, our first major press interview hits the stands today with myself, Hazel and Angela interviewed by Tess Felder in today’s edition of the Kilkenny People. So please, check it out. I’m sure you’ll find us witty, articulate and way less rambling than we were at the interview. Thanks Tess!

We’ll also be hitting the streets of Kilkenny this weekend. So if you’re scared of people in white facepaint running around interacting with you, maybe give our city streets a miss this Saturday afternoon. There’ll be shoplifting women, sneaky men and pursuing guards all running around. Keep an eye out!

To round off our PR onslaught, Ken, Ross and Dave will be hitting Edwina Grace’s show on KCLR next Tuesday afternoon to chat about the play and perform an excerpt from the production using their very best voice acting.

So it’s all kicking off here in Devious Towers* as we march towards opening night. If you haven’t already booked your tickets you can do so at tickets.devioustheatre.com, Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street and Set Theatre Box Office which can be contacted at 056 – 7765133.  Roll up! Roll up!

*Devious Towers doesn’t actually exist. We wish it did though. And had ensuite bathrooms.

Rebel against prices! Kick inflation in the gut!

Can’t pay? Won’t pay! Can’t pay? Won’t pay!

Take up the battle call of beleaguered housewives!

Only pay what you feel products are worth! Make self reduction permanent!

Take matters into YOUR own hands! Let those hands grab what belongs to THEM! Stick it to the MAN!

Co-Operation is all you need!

Shoplifters of the world UNITE!

Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opens on March 10th and runs until March 14th in Set Theatre, Kilkenny. Tickets are 13 Euro and can be bought at the Set Box Office or booked on 056 – 7765133. They can also be bought in Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street. For online bookings, click on the link above.

As we approach the finale of our Dario Fo Season with Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay! opening up in the Set Theatre on March 10th, we take a further look at the man behind the plays.

Dario Fo was born into a world of stories and has spent his life storytelling, culminating in his Nobel Prize for Literature in 1997. Born in 1926 near the Lago Maggiore in Northern Italy, the village of Fo’s childhood was a hive of storytelling, a place of smugglers and glassblowers, travelling storytellers and skilled puppeteers. This is the environment that Fo grew up in and it was one that also developed his knack for humorous irreverence of authority.

His father Felice was an amateur actor and that same strain of storytelling was a strong part of his family. In 1940 he moved to Milan to study architecture but as soon as he got involved in the piccoli teatri (small theatres) movement, his interest soon turned to constructing his own comic monologues and stories. He worked in revue and began to make his mark as a startlingly original comic and mime. He found a voice for his comic monologue on radio as a Poer Nano, a style of character he would continually adopt, a sort of foolish simpleton who in recounting Bible stores, gets things humorously wrong, often in a very satirical way.

The most important relationship of Fo’s life, both professional and personal, was cemented in 1954 when he married the beautiful and talented actress Franca Rame, who like Fo came from a strong theatrical lineage, having grown up in a family of travelling players and making her stage debut at the tender age of 8. Together, they took on and transformed Italy’s theatre scene over the subsequent 50 years.

Italy in the 50’ was a place of tight right wing censorship but at the first sign of any relaxation of the stifling laws, Fo would strike. It was his intention to attack the sacred cows in Italian life, the myths that ‘Fascism had imposed and Christian Democracy had preserved’. He had mixed together his love of commedia dell’arte, the form of improvisational physical theatre of the 16^th century, with high spectacle and social commentary. His works were extremely popular with the masses but a familiar element of his career soon emerged: the authorities were nervous. Soon, the police were showing up at performances and scripts were being followed with pocket torches so as to ensure there were no deviations from the submitted texts.

Throughout the 60’s Fo built up a strong body of work and experimented with new modes and forms of theatre, all the while keeping a comic style and a strong sense of disregard for authority. In 1967, he put on his last performance for the bourgeois theatre, The Lady’s Not For Discarding, which saw him brought in for questioning for ‘offensive lines’ attacking a head of state, in this case the US President Lyndon Johnson. At this stage Fo was so fed up with the restrictions imposed on him by mainstream theatre that he decided to set up his own new movement, the co-operative Nuova Scena, a theatrical collective which brought new works to working class estates, factory clubs and trade union halls. It was theatre for those who did not attend theatre. Nuova Scena fizzled out in the early 70’s and in its place Fo and Rame set up La Comune, a company now politically linked to the new Left movement. It was this group that produced Fo’s Accidental Death Of An Anarchist in 1970. Both he and Rame became heavily involved in politics. This had an adverse affect as Rame was kidnapped and assaulted by a fascist gang commissioned by the federal police in 1973 and Fo himself was arrested in Sardinia for refusing to allow police be present at his rehearsals. He was no longer just an actor. He had crossed the divide of mere entertainer and was now a political figure who troubled the authorities gravely. Throughout the 70’s his work remained resolutely anti fascist, anti government, anti church, anti authority. Indeed, it still does.

Over the past 30 years, the importance of Fo’s work has become clear worldwide and despite travel restrictions, censorship and death threats, he and his plays have reached out all over the globe, not least in places where they can politically make the most impact. His Nobel Peace Price was validation of his impact, as was his listing in The Telegraph’s list of 100 Greatest Living Geniuses, where he was ranked joint 7^th with Stephen Hawking.

Dario Fo currently lives with his family in a valley outside Perugia. His work still has the capacity to trouble, challenge and question the authorities and the political systems that govern us. Long may it continue.