THE BOY WHO TALKED TO DOGS
“This is a place I can be. This is a place I can be me”.
Young Marty is a triplet. One of three, only he is the odd one out, the runt of the litter. No one understands him, except his dogs. Locked in the coal shed at night, Martin finds solace from the iciness of a troubled home in 1970’s Ireland, by cuddling up to his German Shepherds, Major and Rex.
When he runs away at thirteen, Marty is adopted by a pack of six stray dogs. Together they survive on the road, ignoring “do not enter” signs, dodging trains, stealing milk bottles and meals from open kitchen windows, fizzing and whizzing with energy - outcasts on the outskirts. Emerging as pack leader, Marty discovers deeper ways to communicate with the dogs, learning tricks that lead him back to human company - and a new place where he “can be me”.
Based on the true story of Nimbin’s famous “Dogman”, who grew up in Garryowen, Limerick, this tough but tender tale is a celebration of the love of animals we share our homes and lives with, starring acclaimed Dublin actor Bryan Burroughs amidst a dazzling array of shadows, songs and stellar musicianship.
DIRECTOR: Andy Packer
SONGWRITER: Lisa O’Neill
COMPOSER: Quincy Grant
DESIGNER: Wendy Todd
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Chris Petridis
COSTUME DESIGNER: Ailsa Paterson
STARRING: Bryan Burroughs, Victoria Falconer, Quincy Grant and Emma Luker
Adapted for the stage by Amy Conroy from the book "The Boy Who Talked To Dogs" by Martin McKenna with Skyhorse Publishing and developed with the assistance of Draíocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown, Ireland