Memories all the way from Oz - Helena Brosnan

Helena with a furry friend in Australia

“Do not jump over that wall!”
Having pottered into my first audition at the tender age of five, I had no idea that I was about embark on the most amazing journey that would nurture my childhood and life…
The wall I speak of was a four foot high stone creation right between the main training building and the little out-house where Irish dancing classes were held. I was in my second year of training at this point and being the rebel I was at the age of six, I was of course jumping over this very wall!…. Then out came our teacher with a list of names - all of whom had being jumping over this wall!  This is it, I thought, my parents are going to kill me… I was going to be kicked out of Finuge!

In the pink with other Siamsa cast members meeting President Mary McAleese

Instead to my surprise, we were greeted by Mr. Oliver Hurley and asked to audition for him.  I remember so vividly singing “Tioc Tioc” a happy song about feeding chickens as if it were the most sombre tune ever written and also remember being so nervous that I did what I can only refer to as a yodel at the very end! 

Helena in the centre Siobhan Clifford, and Colm Kelliher getting ready to go on as Swans in Clann Lir

Fast forward some months and I was waiting behind the thatch cottage door listening to Jonathan Kelliher whistling, about to burst onto the stage for my first show ever with Siamsa Tíre… I was six and that was 1995.
I am now 25 and it’s 2014 and thinking about that moment still gives me butterflies… 
I have such a clear memory of learning the part of ‘the little wren’ with Oliver Hurley in the circular Siamsa gallery, learning how to move my head, hands and feet and practicing walking around my house at home like a little bird to get the part just right!  
For 13 consecutive years I grew up in, and with, Siamsa.  This is meant in the truest sense.  The core members were my ‘pop stars’, my fellow performers were my truest and dearest friends, the stage was my playground, and as I matured, my nightclub.



At 18, I moved to London to broaden my theatre wings and study Musical Theatre. This added another element to my theatre cake.  However, I can truly say that any other skills learnt are the icing and candles, the fundamentals that you learn from those around you in the Siamsa family are never over- shadowed, Siamsa is my sponge, jam and cream .

On tour with international Irish Dance show ‘Magic of the Dance’

Since completing University I have embarked on many different theatrical and performing ventures, from Irish Dance shows, to Musicals, and from straight acting to Fringe festivals and Rock bands.  At the core of all of these ventures is the professionalism and respect for fellow performers that I learned behind those “Big Red Doors”. The performer I am today I owe to the vision of individuals such as Oliver Hurley and Jonathan Kelliher who have that special gift to see something in you that can be nurtured and encouraged to blossom, long before you see it yourself.

The Sydney bridge climb 2014

For the last year I have been living an adventure in the Land of Oz, and although loving it immensely, I do miss the comfy green couches, the sign-in board, the dressing room banter, the surge to the rehearsal room to make warm-up on time.  Those seconds of preparation just before you step on stage, the special moments, smiles, winks you share with friends and ‘that feeling’ that happens in little fleeting moments throughout the night when you think to yourself, “My God, I’m so lucky”.

Helena on stage with Sean Ahern, Cliona Murphy, and David Heslip.

Trying to describe what it means to be a member of the Siamsa legacy is like trying to describe the colour of water.  The Siamsa legacy is steeped in pure emotion and patriotism and its effect on the members within it is truly indescribable.  It holds a very unique and special place in so many people’s hearts.
For me it certainly does, and I am truly passionate that it deserves to, should, and will continue to create and inspire. To wow audiences and most importantly nurture the hearts and minds of the little singers, dancer and performers to come in the future.

London Calling... Susie Griffin

I grew up in Tralee and as a child I always had an awareness of Siamsa. Like most Irish children, I was taught Tin-Whistle at school. I was fortunate enough to be taught by the legendary Seanie O’Mahoney who suggested I audition for Finuge which was where young children trained in the styles of song, dance and storytelling necessary to perform with the company. But I had no interest. I enjoyed performing in Musicals but if I’m honest, I had written it off as being “diddly-aye”. How naïve I was!! 

This beautiful promotional shot on the Blasket Islands for Oileán was taken by Kerry photographer Valerie O'Sullivan

My Godmother, an Irish dancing teacher took me to see the Siamsa Christmas Show in 1994. It was the first time I had seen the Company perform. I left the theatre that night wishing I was involved. The style of Irish dance fused with styles such as Spanish was so exciting. The music so exhilarating and the standard so professional. I couldn’t believe I had disregarded it all those years.

Ignorance is indeed bliss. But at almost 13 years of age, I knew I would be too old to train at Finuge and training was something I needed. I went to one Irish dancing lesson when I was four years old and had given it up in favour of playing with Star-Wars toys!! 
 

My mind was made up. I was given the opportunity to work with Fr. Pat Ahern in 1995 on a pageant. He asked me to sing a solo as part of the show. This was my “in”. 

“Father, can I talk to you about Siamsa? I’d like to audition but I might be too old.” 

“Have you Irish Dancing?” 

“No.” 

“Start learning.” 
 

I auditioned for Fr. Pat a few months later but he said no. I needed more time to get my dancing to a professional standard.  Fr. Pat then retired and Oliver Hurley was appointed Artistic Director. Oliver was a huge influence on my attitude towards performing, striking the balance of the serious side but knowing when to have fun with it too. Eventually in 1997, I made the cut and began classes in the theatre.  

 

I went on to finish school and spent two summers working for the company as a full-time member, including devising new shows. There’s nothing like seeing a scene that you’ve developed with another performer in rehearsals being performed in front of an audience.  
 

In nine years I toured four times, recorded two albums,  and  devised Oileán and Samhain, as well as being an original company member in Clann Lir and Oisín. 

Susie as Eva Peron in a European touring production of Evita!

I left Ireland in 2006 to pursue my Masters in Musical Theatre. I learned so much in Drama School, but the fundamentals of being in a professional company, for me, came from Siamsa. I learned how to give my energy to performing six nights a week, I learned how being part of a touring company works.,I learned to think on my feet, and I learned that some of the best friendships are forged when people are allowed to “play”. 
 

I live in London now and love it. One day recently however, when I discovered that Sean Ahern had retired from the company and I had missed a momentous event in the history of Siamsa and in the life of a man that I have always admired, I cried wishing to be there for one more night to stand on the stage with him again.  

That’s what Siamsa means to me. The nostalgia. The memories. Realising how special it was then… and now.

 

During her time at Siamsa Tíre, Susie performed in San Am Fadó, Oileán, Christmas show, Gobán Saor, Sean agus Nua, Clann Lir, Samhain, Oisín and Tobar na Scéalta!