Pittsburgh Happening: PICT Theatre Celebrates 5th Anniversary
- John O'Brien
- April 27, 2022
- Edited 5 months ago
Table of Contents
Pittsburgh Happenings: PICT Theatre Celebrates 25th Anniversary
By Diane Byrnes
Patricia Sharkey, news correspondent from Donegal, has completed twenty years on Echoes of Erin and The Ireland Report.
She presents the news from Ireland and specifically Donegal. Her reports provide the news of the day throughout the island, plus she shares many human-interest stories. You can listen to Echoes of Erin and The Ireland Report every Wednesday online at www.kdwradio.com at 1:30pm, then click on Listen Live.
PICT Classic Theatre is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and has scheduled an impressive line-up of programs. The Endgame, written by Samuel Beckett, has changed its opening Run to May 14-28 at the Fred Rogers Studio at WQED. Starring in the performance are Martin Giles, James FitzGerald, Karen Baum & Ken Bolden. Endgame is an exploration of ending – ending life, ending time, and what we find at the conclusion. The magnificent and timely production will be directed by Alan Stanford.
In March I attended the PICT 25th Anniversary Gala, here I met some of the talented actors. Several prestigious awards were presented to the artists.
One of the amazing things I have found with PICT is that all of their actors have moved to the Pittsburgh area. Years ago, they came in from New York or maybe Chicago. They find it a most livable city in which to dwell.
PICT has also expanded the staged reading series, “Expand the Cannon Titles” with a final two programs. All readings will be presented under the beautiful atrium at Rodef Shalom including, “A Bold Stroke for A Wife” by Susanna Centlivre on May 8, and “The Black Eyed” by Betty Shamieh on May 29.
Closing out the inaugural season is Betty Shamieh’s riveting ‘The Black Eyed.’ Four strong Arab women from different eras find themselves occupying an anteroom of the afterlife, hauntingly connected by violence. Written right after September 11, 2001, this political abstract piece echos with ancient choruses and modern themes. A thought-provoking and powerful experience.
PICT is a very strong theatrical company that not only brings us marvelous entertainment they are also very dedicated to education. With us being involved in Irish programs, isn’t it vital to the prosperity and continuation of such to encourage our youth to learn, and involve themselves in the lessons available? Go out and support your local theatre and artists.
Gaelic Arts Society of Pittsburgh
On April 24th, the Gaelic Arts Society of Pittsburgh had Rebecca Kitcha Miller as a speaker from the Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society (WPGS). Rebecca is the President of WPGS and has been involved in genealogy for many years.
She visits the various festivals and events around the area and makes a fabulous presentation. WPGS is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization of amateur and professional family historians and genealogists dedicated to the study and preservation of family history mainly in Western Pennsylvania.
On Saturday, April 30, the LAOH St. Bridget Division 4 in the North Hills sponsored a ‘Spring Paint Par-Tea’. The Ladies made a beautiful “Wine Glass Centerpiece.”
That evening, the AOH Monsignor Charles Owen Rice Division 1 in the South Hills sponsored their annual fundraiser, “Night of Irish Music & More.” Irish Ballad singer Mark Guiser started the night off with ballads, then was joined later by John McCann and Hamish.
A very enjoyable feature was Julia McManus, a stand-up Comedian. Julia is daughter of AOH Division 1 member Ed McManus. Other activities included an Irish Auction, 50/50 Raffle, and a Basket of Cheer & Culture. Cancelled the past two years, this year it was a sell-out crowd. Chairman Rich O’Malley ([email protected]) assembled a great committee.
May 7th is “The Walk for a Healthy Community” to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and pantries at St. Mary Magdalene Parish, St. James Pantry in Wilkinsburg and Holy Rosary Pantry serving Homewood and Lincoln-Lemington. Joyce Rothermel, previously the President of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, is requesting donations to help her and her husband, Michael Drohan, raise funds as they walk the route.
The Documentary, “Ireland” is still being viewed through July 31 at the Carnegie Science Center. Liam Neeson narrates, and the film is family friendly. Check out www.irelandmovie.com.
The Daughters of Erin will host “A Night at the Races” on Saturday, May 14 at the Ross Community Center in the North Hills. Ticket price includes liquid refreshments and food (BYOB & snacks). Raffles will be held throughout the night. Info & Reservations: 412.735.5893.
*Diane V. Byrnes, Producer & Host, Echoes of Erin on WEDO 810AM, Sunday 12:30pm. Online on Wednesday www.kdwradio.com @ 1:30pm (then click on Listen Live). [email protected]
