Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Based on Brian Friel's moving stage play, PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! follows Irish Gareth "Gar" O'Donnell as he prepares to emigrate to America. Gar's feelings about the impending change in his life come to life through dual actors -- Donal McCann portrays Gar's public persona and Des Cave portrays his turbulent inner emotions. Unhappy with his current life, Gar believes the move to America will provide a fresh start, as his public boasts recount. Privately, however, Gar feels rage and sorrow at the state of his life and the people who have contributed to its current state. In learning about Gar's relationships with Madge (Siobhan McKenna), a mother-figure, his cold, distant father (Eamon Kelly), and his ex-fiancee (Fidelma Murphy), we glimpse the complexities behind Gar's gradual detachment from his family and community, and the impulse to immerse himself in new, anonymous country.