Four souls. Each searching for something they have lost. Each trying to make sense of the road they have chosen.
Why you need to see…
From a Low and Quiet Sea
Decadent Theatre’s captivating new adaptation of Donal Ryan’s prize-winning novel is a profound exploration of disparate yet interconnected lives. Here’s why you need to see this stunning new production at Backstage on
Tuesday, May 23rd and Wednesday, May 24th.
It’s adapted from the Booker Prize-nominated novel by Donal Ryan
Donal Ryan is one of Ireland’s major literary talents. Since the publication of his first book The Spinning Heart in 2012, which won both the EU Prize for Literature and Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards, the Tipperary-born author’s work has continued to garner widespread critical acclaim. His subsequent novels include A Slanting of the Sun (2015), All We Shall Know (2016) and From a Low and Quiet Sea (2018), the latter of which has now been adapted into a major new production by Decadent Theatre, exploring themes of loss, redemption and the universal yearning for connection.
The cast is incredible
From A Low and Quiet Sea weaves together four interconnected stories performed by four incredible actors.
Eva Bartley has built an impressive resumé of stage and screen roles spanning over 20 years, amassing a list of credits including Dancing At Lughnasa, The Song of the Sea and The Merchant of Venice. In From A Low and Quiet Sea she portrays Florence, a woman grappling with a shocking past and its continuing affects on the lives of her and her troubled son.
Rising star Aosaf Afzal is refugee Farouk, recently displaced by war, whose decision to flee his homeland results in devastating repercussions for his young family. A relative newcomer to the world of acting, having enjoyed a stellar 20-year scientific career, Aosaf has gone on to tour extensively throughout the UK and Ireland with several successful productions and continues to forge an impressive body of work as a performer.
Conscience-stricken John (Denis Conway) is nearing the end of his days. He yearns for forgiveness for his past misdeeds – but will anyone offer redemption? Denis Conway has enjoyed a hugely successful stage career, twice winning the Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Actor for his roles in Richard III and The Gigli Concert. More recently, television audiences will be familiar with him for his role as Sgt. Egan in the acclaimed crime drama North Sea Connection.
Rounding out the impressive cast is Offaly native Darragh O’Toole who takes on the role of Lampy, a young man fighting a losing battle with his own personal demons while searching for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Darragh’s profile has been growing steadily since he hade his film debut in the award-winning short Toy Soldiers in 2011. His other credits include roles in Peaky Blinders and the IFTA-winning A Date For Mad Mary.
It’s directed by former Backstage Activate Resident Andrew Flynn 
In 2021 Andrew Flynn used his Activate Residency here at Backstage to develop this stage version of Donal Ryan’s From A Low and Quiet Sea, a collaborative process that allowed him the creative freedom to adapt the unique characters, narratives, and environment of the novel to a theatrical setting. Outside of Backstage, his directing credits include Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan and The Lieutenant of Inismore, as well as over 70 productions for Galway Youth Theatre.
From a Low and Quiet Sea is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatrical experience, exploring themes of displacement, identity and belonging. It’s a night of theatre that will leave you spellbound. So make sure to grab your tickets now.
From a Low and Quiet Sea
Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th May @ 8pm
Main Auditorium