By Daniel Casey on Apr 26, 2026.
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Ashton Matters March 2026
‘Sive’: The White Flower of the Everyman by Anouk M. Templin
A play is an experience, a ticket into the playwright’s thoughts, an invitation to discard reality and assume a role ourselves: that of the audience. However, it can be hard to properly take on this role from the confines of a classroom; our desks aren’t exactly stages, light fixtures aren’t exactly spotlights, and printed words on a page aren’t exactly actors’ voices. Crammed alongside homework and exams, literature can often lose its impact; to us sixth-years, John B. Keane’s ‘Sive’ had become a piece of homework rather than a piece of theatre, a box to be ticked rather than a story to take note of. The students were in need of respite and the play itself in need of revitalisation. Fortunately, the actors of the Mallow Patrician Academy were more than eager to provide us with both and on Tuesday the 24th of January, we had the opportunity to see their production of ‘Sive’ at the Everyman Theatre. We made our way to the theatre in the afternoon, abuzz with excitement. Once everyone was seated, the Deputy Principal, James Delaney, briefly introduced the production and I was surprised to learn that the cast was solely comprised of fifth-year students and teachers. Initially, my doubts set in. Could they truly do the play justice? Would they remember all their lines? What if something went wrong? However, I should have known better than to underestimate what a dedicated group of students and teachers can accomplish together. After all, are the annual successes of our own Ashton TY Musicals not proof of this? As this production of ‘Sive’ began, we were gradually introduced to the characters – and the actors performing. And what a performance they put on indeed! The roles were played with such aplomb that it was hard to believe that the actors were simply teachers and teenagers, not seasoned thespians! They embodied their characters marvellously, from Nana hum-hawing and hobbling about the stage, to Pats Bocock and Carthalawn singing their “best, their almighty best.” Even Seán Dóta, with nothing more than a handful of lines and a cheeky chuckle, managed to bring the entire audience to laughter. In particular, I was impressed by Thomasheen Seán Rua. The actor was exceptional, capturing the character’s sneakiness and selfishness. With his flour-coated hair and apt rendition of the “sweet dulcet tones of the Kerry accent,” he was the perfect Thomasheen, and though I admit that I did not understand every word he said – a testament, perhaps, to his ability to adopt this strong Kerry accent – I thoroughly enjoyed his performance. I must also commend the set itself! Designed and built by the Mallow Patrician Academy’s own construction teacher, it was the perfect backdrop as we were transported back in time. The ‘room’ seemed to have been pulled straight out of an old photograph: a warm fireplace, straw-strewn floorboards, a milk tankard standing against the wall. I was so immersed in the scene that later, when leaving the theatre, I was almost shocked to walk out into a bustling street of cars in 21st century Cork instead of rural Kerry in the 1950s! So, in the end, did I enjoy this production? Absolutely. Was my understanding of the text deepened? Without a doubt. Is ‘Sive’ now my favourite text on the English Leaving Cert course? Probably not, however I can confidently say that I have gained a new appreciation for the play and a more positive outlook towards it for the final exams! By Anouk M. Templin – 6th year student
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