The Parting has been written by celebrated playwright, Jonathan Burgess, and already has a packed touring programme, which starts with a north-west tour from early February. John Kerr, the Alley Theatre Manager stated: "The play looks at the story of Sir John Cameron who has arrived in the Finn Valley having received 2,000 acres under the new Plantation of Ulster scheme in 1610, a scheme devised by the British King, James I, intended to bring prosperity and peace to a troubled province.”

“Sir John’s plan does not go smoothly, as he faces tough challenges from Dermott O’Neill, a veteran of The Nine Years War and typical of the resentment borne by the native Irish towards the new Planters. The play looks at the relationship between the two men and their grown up children, Sir John’s son Alexander and O’Neill’s daughter Dervla. A love develops between Alexander and Dervla, however will the vast divide of religion, loyalty and land be too much for the young couple?"

James Kee, from the award winning Solus Centre in Bready, who will be hosting the production on February 18t, stated: “The Parting has been written by celebrated local playwright, Jonathan Burgess, author of the hugely successful Theatre-in-Education play Fair Faa Ye. The production looks at the challenges faced by the native Irish and British Planters, challenges that have been seen as the root cause of disharmony between the communities in Ireland over the last 400 years. This play offers a unique view on the plantations, offering both perspectives entwined with a gripping love story.”

The play is set to tour the north-west schools and community groups and local dates include February 8: Glenfin; February 16: Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey; February 17: Killeter; February 18. For more information contact the local venues, visit www.alley-theatre.com/about-us/the-parting or contact Lisa Finn at Balor DCA on (074) 91 30424.