'Children of a Lesseer God' by Mark Medoff will be performed at the Cork Arts Theatre on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th February 2016. Photo shows cast members (L-R) Ellen Quirke, Christopher Doyle and Jonathon Brackett. Directed by Noelle Clarke.

Back by popular demand, Take 5 Drama Group is returning to Cork Arts Theatre this month with their award-winning play, Mark Medoff’s ‘Children of a Lesser God’.

The dates for your diary are 14th, 15th and 16th April. The play has qualified for the All-Ireland confined finals in Castleblaney later this month.

Directed by Noelle Clarke’s, the piece demands a fusion of hearing and deaf actors to authenticate the writer’s intention to portray a love story between a young deaf girl and a male teacher at a school for the deaf.

“For this production we have cast a young girl Sarah Jacob, who has been deaf from birth, to play the role of Sarah Norman,” explained Noelle. “Her dedication and commitment to the role has been amazing and she, along with Nick O’Halloran who is also deaf, have instructed the other actors in the sign language they needed for their individual roles.

“This has been a huge undertaking for each member of the cast; not only have they learned to establish a believable character, they have also learned an entirely new language. Working with these actors has been inspiring and the entire process has been exceptionally rewarding for everyone involved.

“This production has allowed members/actors within the deaf community and hearing actors to work together when they might not otherwise have had the opportunity. It has allowed the actors, most of whom are of the hearing community, the opportunity to learn skills to communicate with the deaf and will, we hope, strive to heighten public awareness of some of the difficulties faced by the deaf community on an ongoing basis.”

Tickets are now on sale and priced at €15 and at €12 (concession). To book call the Cork Arts Theatre box office on 021-4505624 or by calling in person to the Carroll’s Quay venue Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.