The Devotions
Part biography, part testimonial and part imagined queer heavenly utopia, The Devotions explores the intersection between queerness and Catholicism.
5 years ago, I met Bernárd. Both of us Irish, gay, and culturally Catholic. I’m a performer from Carlow. Bernárd is a priest from Ennis. He lived in NYC during the 80s and became an AIDS and LGBTQIA+ activist. The meeting inspired me to dive into my own experiences of religion, sexuality and growing up gay in rural Ireland. This short piece bring elements of both our stories together.
Through collaboration with a director and visual/aural designers, I’ve repurposed some of the piece as a short digital piece. Movement, sound, text, video and design combine in a visceral exploration of queer spirituality.
Expect house music. The Virgin Mary. Latex. And running.
Written & performed by Barry Fitzgerald
Directed by Mia Georgis
Produced by Ged Boden
DoP Simona Susnea
Designer Rūta Irbīte
Music by Jane Deasy
Edited by Sophie Jane Park
Grade by Alex O’Brien
1st AC Emily-Jane 'Emmy' Robinson
2nd AC Max Openshaw
Camera Trainee Alfie Brown
Titles by Cecil Fenn
Line Producer Inès Georgis
Crew Holly Wilson-Guy & Soha Salem
Special thanks to Fr Bernárd J Lynch
Supported using funding from SHOUT Festival & Arts Council England.
Thanks to Outbox Theatre, Dominic Kennedy, Shoreditch Town Hall, VISUAL Carlow, Battersea Arts Centre, Yard Theatre, MAKE Residency & partners (Cork Midsummer Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, Project Arts Centre & Theatre Forum)
Festival screenings include: