She learned to horse ride during childhood summers in Ireland and is now using those skills as a strong woman in a Western —an experience she is relishing, Olivia Wilde tells Will Lawrence

The star of last year’s mega-money sci-fi hit Tron: Legacy and the forthcoming Daniel Craig blockbuster Cowboys + Aliens, Olivia Wilde is one of Hollywood’s hottest properties, and yet the 27-year-old star says that she feels a closer connection to Ireland than she does to the US.

“Ireland is such a big part of who I am,” the actress tells me. Her father, journalist Andrew Cockburn, was raised in Youghal, Co Cork. “Not only as an actor but as a human being. I am very aware of my Irish blood.” She laughs, “I really believe that, not only in my capacity for alcohol, but also being able to sense certain values, I think these elements come from my Irish blood.”

Indeed, for all the celebrity garnered by her high-profile movies and her starring turn opposite Hugh Laurie in hit American TV show House — where she plays an inscrutable young woman who sufferers from Huntington’s disease and a propensity to self-destruct — Wilde remains a warm and open interviewee with a hearty laugh and a spirited demeanour. She’s a classic car fan, too, owning a 1958 Chevy Biscayne, and, like many Irish folk, she adores horses.

Her love for the country, and for its equine passion, was fostered in her youth — her parents, who eventually settled in New York, would return to Ireland in the summers.

“We grew up going to a little village called Ardmore,” she recalls. “It is on the coast quite near Youghal, about an hour or so out of Cork.

“I went to acting school in Dublin, too, but I haven’t been back to Ireland in a few years. It is something I am really looking forward to doing this summer because I miss it so much.”

With dual-citizenship, and a family home in the country, Wilde trained for a while at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and when choosing a stage name she opted for her favourite writer Oscar Wilde. “I came and trained as an actor every summer in Ireland,” she continues, “and my sister and I worked in a stable, so that’s where riding became such a part of my childhood.”

She says that riding gave her courage. “When you are teaching a kid to ride a horse you are teaching them about conquering their fears, about having respect for animals and it is very humbling, too, to work with horses because you are acknowledging how much more powerful this animal is than you.

“You realise that if you can learn how to behave around a horse you can develop a sense of self-control over your fear. Horses can smell fear. Also my parents used to say that you are not a real rider until you have fallen off a hundred times. You fall off and scramble to get back on the horse and that’s a good life lesson.”

Her riding skills proved a boon when shooting her latest movie, the blockbusting Cowboys + Aliens, which starts as a straight-up Western film before transforming into an Earth-based sci-fi adventure at the end of the first act. With 007 (Daniel Craig) and Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) for co-stars, Wilde is in the company of some fairly august adventurers.

“When it came to doing a cowboy movie, I am very appreciative of all that training I’d done with horses over the years,” she says, “although in Ireland I had ridden English-style, but in this movie I had to learn how to ride Western, which is vastly different. But I am really happy to know how to do it now. It is a great skill to have, which is what is so cool about making movies. You develop these skills.”

Wilde’s new film also gives the actress the chance to expand those talents, taking on the rare role of a strong woman of the West.

“I have always been such a fan of genre movies, although as a woman I struggle to find female characters in a lot of Western films that I relate to, really strong female characters. In sci-fi, I can find more women to relate to, just think of Sigourney in Alien.

“That said, Westerns have had such an effect on my taste in movies, and my favourite genre is the gangster movie and really they all are Westerns. I realised that a lot of the elements in the films that I loved came from the Western.”

In her Western, directed by Iron Man head honcho Jon Favreau, Wilde plays Ella, a rough-and-tumble cowgirl with a decent gun arm and a strange and startling secret. “I think the film’s great,” she says, “and Jon did such an amazing job keeping this entire story in his head with these two giant genres, weaving them together so elegantly. And I hope that what we have created in this movie is a female character in a Western that other young girls out there will be inspired by.”

If not, then those young girls could perhaps draw inspiration from one of the many characters Wilde is bringing to cinemas once Cowboys + Aliens is off screens. She’ll soon be seen in the likes of the comedy film The Change-Up with Ryan Reynolds, the sci-fi thriller In Time with Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried, and the bleak and brutal thriller Blackbird, with Eric Bana. She is also hoping to make a movie set in Ireland. “That’s exciting,” she coos, “but it’s too early to say anything about it yet, I’m just enjoying doing all this work.”

Indeed, if the truth be told, work is proving a welcome distraction for Wilde, who has suffered a difficult time personally, filing for divorce from her husband of eight years, Italian-American filmmaker and socialite Tao Ruspoli, in March of this year. She filed papers at a Los Angeles Superior Court on March 3, citing irreconcilable differences.

Wilde and Ruspoli eloped in 2003 when Wilde was just 19, got engaged at the Burning Man festival in Black Rock, Nevada, and married in a bus on Venice Beach, California.

The couple enjoyed a happy relationship until they started to drift apart. They mutually agreed to separate earlier this year and have no children.

“Even though it didn’t work, there is nothing I regret about any of it,” Wilde says in the July edition of American Marie Claire. “We’re friends; his family is my family. You always have a choice to feel angry and not be friends, but I can’t handle the idea of walking into a room and seeing someone I have bad blood with. I can’t keep any negative relationship with anyone.”

Wilde has been linked with a number of suitors — including fellow A-listers Bradley Cooper and Justin Timberlake — but while she says that she is taking the plunge into dating, it isn’t easy. “I’m trying to be adult, entering the shark pool of dating,” continues the actress in that interview, “but I’m hopeless at it.”

That seems unlikely, given her stunning looks, innate charm and bright mind, fostered by parents that both work in the media. Her mother, Leslie, is an American journalist, and a producer on TV news magazine 60 Minutes. Wilde grew up surrounded by high-profile names, and Barack Obama once called her mobile to thank her for the support she lent during his campaign: “I was professional on the phone, then I hung up and started squealing like a school girl.” But the phone wasn’t off. “I had a friend at the campaign office and they said that they could all hear me — that’s embarrassing.”

The actress, however, has overcome her mortification. She is plucky, after all, an attribute she ascribes to her Irish blood, and to her determined mother. “My mother taught me a lot about being a woman,” she says, “like how you can be sexy and beautiful and yet still be the smartest person in the room.” Olivia Wilde, it appears, is the living proof.

Cowboys + Aliens is in cinemas next Friday

 

By Will Lawrence

Friday August 05 2011

Originally published in

Hi all – a big well done to the cast and crew of The Clearing, directed by Jack Ahern, who’s currently touring the play around the Festival Circuit.

Jan O’Sullivan has picked up a raft of Best Actress Awards, with Emily Ahern winning a Best Sound award and Martina Cullinane getting a Special Adjudicator’s Award for Lighting, leading her to win a week away in Limerick this year at the Drama League of Ireland Summer School – always great fun.

Also, a big congrats to Emily and Martina (and their friend Lorna Cullen) who won a national song-writing award last weekend on Radio Ri Ra for their Irish language tune Briongloid Alainn. It’s going to be released later on a CD, so thanks to everyone who helped vote them into first place via the the Ri Ra website.

All the actors in The Clearing have got fine mentions at many festivals and what really has been good, has been the universally excellent reception the play has got from audiences. Every house has been near full and the play has been regularly applauded from scene to scene. This Thursday night is the last of our shows, at Holycross, Co Tipperary, so a big well done to Jack, who has done his usual amazingly energetic and detailed preparation and delivery. The Clearing is a play with a complex form and setting and Jack’s direction has been excellent.

Also, here’s a useful website with lots of reviews from all sorts of media around the world, for those on the lookout for a good play to produce: http://www.complete-review.com/maindex/maindex.html. If you search by play authors or titles, it lists all the major newspapers and media outlets that have covered productions in the UK, US and elsewhere.

If anyone’s a short-story writer, remember that entries for the Co Waterford Molly Keane Short Story competition close on March 31. See www.waterfordcoco.ie for details (under the Arts page).

Finally, Kevin McCormack of Fermoy (and Ballyduff Drama) would like to invite everyone to his latest production: “Hi, I hope this email finds you well.  I would appreciate your help in letting the world and his uncle know about the upcoming musical comedy The ‘ALL STAR’ Wars! The show runs at Cork Opera House from April 19th to 23rd 2011.  The ALL STAR Wars is written by Bryan Flynn and myself and we would really love to have full houses for the five nights as we premiere what we promise will be a superb night’s entertainment. Warm Regards, Kevin”

AUDITION NOTICE

Men Should Weep

Saturday, March 5th 10:00 to 16:00

Auditions are by appointment only

call Tess 086 2776029 for an appointment or by email at menshouldweep@gmail.com

Actors 8 years of age and up to 14 … total cast size 14 …

2 parts for children available.

AUDITION

1 minute prepared comedic or dramatic monologue or poem.

Please bring a brief bio and a recent headshot/photograph

( does not need to be professionally done).

Rehearsals begin March 12 for April (Easter) performances.

Rehearsal Schedule available to view at the audition.

Children’s Audition Notice
for
Men Should Weep
Written by Ena Lamont Stewart  Directed by Marion Wyatt

Saturday March 5 2011

Performances: April 24 – 30 inclusive

Stage Centre is currently seeking applications from girls, ages 8 – 14, who are interested in performing in Men Should Weep by Ena Lamont Stewart, at the Cork Arts Theatre.

Children who are cast will be expected to attend a special workshop in preparation for the production. This workshop will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday March 12.

Parents who would like their children to audition should bring to the audition or email in advance to menshouldweep@gmail.com, a photograph of the child, along with height, age, clothing and shoe sizes, address and parent’s home and work phone numbers.

Children should also include a brief note telling the director/producer about themselves and why they would like to be in Men Should Weep.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, March 5 between 10.00 and 16.00.

Callbacks will be held later on the same day.

No one will be seen without an appointment.

Men Should Weep rehearses Saturdays and Sundays from March 12 to April 23

and performs April 23 – April 30 at the Cork Arts Theatre.

AUDITION NOTICE

for

Child Actors

For

Men Should Weep

Written by Ena Lamont Stewart  Directed by Marion Wyatt.

Auditions:    Saturday, March 5, 10 AM – 4 PM

Callback Auditions:   Later the same day.

Location:    The Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork.

Requirements:  Actors should come prepared to perform a short (under 2 minutes) monologue from any play or recite a poem of their choice.

Be prepared to sing Away In A Manger.

All children’s roles open:  Seeking young non-equity actors aged between 8 and 14 years, with a strong voice and the ability to do a Cork accent.

Rehearsals:  Rehearsals commence March 12 and will be held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons; however you will not be required to attend all rehearsals.

A Rehearsal Schedule will be finalised as soon as the casting is complete. A draft rehearsal schedule will be available for perusal at the auditions.

All rehearsals will be held at the Lough Community Centre.

We move into the theatre (April17).

No weekday or weeknight rehearsals until April 17.

Men Should Weep

Writer: Ena Lamont Stewart     Director: Marion Wyatt

Auditions

The Metropole Hotel

Sat. March 5

10:00 – 16:00

Children’s Roles

Playing Range 6-12

Appointments : Tess 086 2776029

Email resumes/headshots to: menshouldweep@gmail.com

About The Director

Marion Wyatt’s directing credits include: The Good Sisters (Cork Opera House), An Enchanted Evening (Everyman Palace Theatre), Anne Frank and Me,               ( Everyman Palace Theatre, Cork Arts Theatre), The Sunbeam Girls, (Cork Opera House), 12 Angry Men, (Everyman Palace Theatre), Romeo and Juliet,           (Half Moon Theatre), Man of La Mancha, (Cork Opera House), Singin’ In The Rain, (Everyman Palace Theatre and Olympia Theatre).

Other productions (a selection): Eclipsed, Agnes of God, Nunsense 1, The Woman in Black, Kindertransport, A Galway Girl, To Kill a Mockingbird, Moll, Once a Catholic, The Plough and The Stars, Nunsense: The Second Coming,

A Kind of Loving, Torch Song Trilogy, The Miracle Worker, Men Should Weep, Lovers, Shakers and The Conference of The Birds.

Awards include the Lord Mayor’s Cultural Award 2005, the Cork City Council Drama Award 2002/3, the Media Critics Best Director Award, Best Producer Award, and the Cork 800 Award.  Marion is the recipient of the Performance Fellowship, London College of Music, the LAMDA Teaching and Performance Diplomas, and the Master of Arts Degree (Drama Theatre Studies) UCC.
ABOUT THE PLAY

Men Should Weep

by

Ena Lamont Stewart

Ena Lamont Stewart’s Men Should Weep, was voted one of the top hundred plays of the last century in the NT millennium poll.

Despite cramped tenement living and the turmoil of seven children, there is laughter and strength in the Morrison family. Tough and tender mother Maggie, one of the great stage roles for women, just about holds together her unruly brood against wretched poverty.

But sniping neighbours, the flight of daughter Jenny, and the unexpected return to their overcrowded quarters of Maggie’s son and his sexually restless wife erodes her spirit. And then, just as temporary employment for beloved husband John affords a decent Christmas, wayward Jenny returns with new-found wealth, offering them the chance of escape and one big moral dilemma.

‘Superb…A vivid portrait of poverty. I loved this play.’ Daily Mail

‘Wholly engrossing.’ The Times

‘This telling combination of pathos and comedy is Men Should Weep at its best.’ Financial Times

‘A superb, surprisingly uplifting production…One of the dramatic highlights of the year.’ Daily Telegraph

The Clearing, Brideview Drama’s new play is on again this week and next, Thursday February 10, then Thursday and Friday, February 17 and 18, 8.15PM each night at Tallow Community Centre. After its great opening weekend, where this big historical drama was very well received, the show is now settling in very nicely and gives everyone the chance to see a love story set in one the most important periods of Irish history.

Jan O’Sullivan, John Baldwin and George Peet lead a big cast. The Clearing is set in seventeenth century Ireland, as Cromwell’s men systematically transport women and children, and force royalists off their lands. Robert Preston, a Cromwellian sympathiser disinherited in England but possessed of lands in Ireland, is married to Madeleine, an Irish woman. When Madeleine’s childhood friend, Killaine, is taken by English soldiers she pleads to the English governer, Sir Charles Sturman, for her release. Sturman’s cold response is to order Madeleine and Robert to be transplanted to barren Connaught, in the west of Ireland. The cast also includes, in very fine form, Colm and Sean Ahern, Donal Howard and Alison Lewis, Caitriona Howard and James Lenane.

Throughout the show (suitable for all ages) Jack Aherne, the director, explores the themes of conflict and how cultures differ from each other, even as they try to share the same land. The prosperous landowners of the play quickly become refugees when the English take over, and suddenly find themselves with their lives at risk. It is the inherent differences in the culture and upbringing of Robert and Madeleine that strain everyone’s relationship. Also, we see how fear drives people into choices and actions that appear to offer a short-term solution but, in the long run, have terrible and permanent consequences for all.

The Clearing is a rollercoaster of action and emotion and the cast and crew are very much enjoying the ride. The show sees a great addition to the crew in Martina Cullinane, who has taken on sound very professionally. She is also an accomplished photographer and it’s great she’s able to juggle school and theatre so well.

This is Brideview Drama’s ‘Festival play’ for 2011 and is being taken on tour to 7 competitions around Ireland next month. Romance, passion and treachery enhance this riveting work right up to its breathless final curtain as Englishman Robert Preston and his Irish wife, Madeleine, have a tempestuous relationship that leads to questions of patriotism and family loyalty.

With humour, love, drama, fighting, all sorts of action, a wonderful set with beautiful lighting, costumes absolutely right for the era, tight direction and a exciting story, The Clearing is a great night out.

This weekend sees the premiere and first ever Irish performance of The Clearing, a huge love story set in 1652, in the middle of Cromwell’s invasion and clearances of Ireland. Written by Helen Edmundson and directed by Jack Aherne, Brideview Drama is very pleased to present this very active and exciting drama.

Starring John Baldwin and Jan O’Sullivan in the key roles of young lovers, they are very ably assisted by Caitriona Howard, Rachel O’Connell, Alison Lewis, Donal Howard, Sean Ahern, George Peet, Colm Ahern and James Lenane.

The Clearing starts three years after the execution of King Charles I, following a long and bloody civil war. The Parliamentarian who was in the forefront of the anti-king struggle, Oliver Cromwell, is Lord-General and Commander in Chief of the Commonwealth and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. The play’s three year span parallels a reign that embraced a policy of execution, forced relocation, and English colonialisation in Ireland.

With its pro-Irish point of view, and special strength of the three female characters, The Clearing gives audiences a character-rich story that engages hearts and minds of all ages.

At Tallow Community Centre this Friday and Saturday nights, 28 and 29 January, at 8.15PM, the play is stage managed by Judy Burton, with a beautiful, emotionally satisfying set designed by Mary Colette Sheehan.

The Clearing is all about Robert and Madeleine, who have dared to step beyond the boundaries of their daily lives in Ireland. Robert is swept off his feet by a gorgeous Irish woman, and his youthful sense of adventure allows him to go with it. Madeleine is much more connected to an ideology of life – she has seen the damage done to her family and to the Irish people by the perpetuation of mistrust and hatred, and she is determined that the cycle can be broken. The play explores personal and social struggles, as the characters do their best amidst battles over land, conflicts between religions, the things people caught in the middle do to survive, and how love needs always to conquer, no matter the cost.

Noted British director Polly Teale said, when her theatre company first performed the play to full houses and critical acclaim, that “The Clearing is an extraordinary achievement. It captures both a great sweep of history and the intricacies of a marriage between an Irish woman and an English man. We are made to feel the effect of history through the lives of the characters. Edmundson explores with great subtlety the way in which racial hatred springs from fear. We see how a fear of ‘the other’  lies at the heart of the play: the desire to crush or destroy what we cannot understand (and perhaps secretly yearn for). Madeleine represents everything the English could never allow themselves to be. She is passionate, sexual and unafraid of life. Robert is hugely drawn to Madeleine because she is so different to everything he knows.”

This is a big play with huge themes and a great find for Brideview Drama. All are welcome and the play is suitable for all the family. As always, Tallow Community Centre will be fantastically well heated, with lots of great refreshments on offer. Tickets are available on the door and all are welcome.

Parents don’t forget about the summer drama workshops that will be running in the Cappoquin Community Centre each Wednesday 7th, 14th & 21st July and 4th August.

Classes will be for 6 – 8yr olds in the morning (10am – 1pm) and 9 – 12yr olds (2pm – 5pm). These will be a fun way for your children to develope their imaginations, creativity, self confidence and social skills – all while expending energy and having fun! Places on the workshops MUST be booked in advance – the workshop costs €60 but there are reductions for families (€100 for 2 children, €150 for 3).Parents will be invited to attend a portion of the final class to see what their children have been working on while on the summer workshop! Vanessa Hyde who holds a Fellowship in Acting will be in charge for the 4 weeks and is looking forward to having loads of fun with the actors of tomorrow! Contact Cathy McGrath at 058 52746 to book places

An evening of hilarious comedy with the inimitable Jon Kenny, who performed to a capacity audience, at The Mall Arts Centre, last Saturday night ( Nov. 28th 2009). Jon started his career as a front man for a glam rock band in the 1970s. From there, his career path travelled through the varied acting arenas – stage and film, comedic and tragic, mime and dance, characterisation and stand up.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

He has been amazingly successful in all of his chosen fields, winning numerous awards along the way, including a meteor award for the biggest-selling DVD and a nomination for the prestigious Irish Times Best Actor Award.

Kenny’s present show, ‘I’m not says I … I’m Fine’ heralds a return to the type of work that made his reputation as one of the most talented comedians in the country. He uses the changing face of contemporary Ireland as the scaffold on which to build his hilarious observations and characters. Running through such contrasting experiences as supporting Munster rugby to visiting a health spa, Kenny takes no prisoners and delights in emphasising the humour in everyday 21-century life.

Click on image to enlarge

BIOGRAPHY
Jon’s career in entertainment started at her age of sixteen as lead singer in the glam rock band called GIMIC, who toured extensively in Ireland and the UK, and were also one of the first bands to tour Eastern Europe.
Leaving the band in his early twenties, Jon joined Theatre Omnibus, a dance and classical mime company. They toured throughout Ireland, England and America, one of the highlights being their critically acclaimed performances at the prestigious Lincoln Arts Centre in New York.
In the mid eighties Jon left Theatre Omnibus to embark on a solo career where his madcap blend of music, comedy and theatrics began to emerge and he was soon seen on RTE , on the Davis At Large show where he wrote and performed his own comedy sketches.
In the late eighties Jon formed the D’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt and proceeded to write and perform the shows; The Cattle Dealer’s Lament; Mad Jax Show; It’s My Shout; One Hell Of A Do; I Doubt It , Says Pauline; and D’Ats Life. D’Unbelievables proved to be Ireland’s most popular comedy duo ever. They performed their shows to sell out audiences all over Ireland, Great Britain and America.  They also produced four chart topping Videos;   D’Video, D’Telly, D’ Mother and D’Collection.
He also performed on stage with Theatre groups such as The Island Theatre company, Limerick; The Actors Company, Dublin and Druid Theatre, Galway. In 2005, he was nominated for the prestigious Irish  Times Best Actor Award for his performance in Under Milk Wood with The Island Theatre company.
Jon’s film work includes parts in Angela Mooney Dies Again, The Van, Les Miserables ( where he acted opposite Liam Neeson) , and a cameo role in Angela’s Ashes. His television work includes; Father Ted (Channel 4), The Fitz (BBC) , Gortnaclune(RTE)  and various other personal appearances.
Recently, Jon has toured Ireland with his one man shows; ‘ I’m Not Says I …I’m Fine’ and his new show simply called ‘ Jon Kenny – live’.

Both of these short pieces will be performed on the two nights at Bru na Si, Youghal on the 11th and 12th of August. Tickets are €8 and are available from Cree’s Card Shop at 024 93899 or on the door. Refreshments will be served at the interval!
This is a two night only event so book now to avoid disappointment!

Two one act plays will be performed in Youghal this month. The first piece is the well known and much loved ‘First Confession’ by Cork man, the late Frank O’ Connor.
Picture Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

First Confession was to be recited by Mark O Shaughnessy. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, Mark is unable to perform the part of Jackie in First Confession. The part will now be played by Cork actor Brian Fenton. Brian, 20, trains at the Cork Arts Studio & Montfort College and recently received his Gold Medal in Acting from LAMDA. His recent work in theatre includes Michael Collins (Cork Opera House & Olympia Theatre, Dublin); Maximilian in Candide (Cork Opera House); Jordan in the recent critical sensation I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Cork Arts Theatre & Half Moon); Ulrika’s Servant in The Masked Ball (Cork Opera House & UCH Limerick); Thenardier in Les Miserables (Cork Opera House); David in Anne Frank and Me (Cork Arts Theatre); Dave Moss in Glengarry Glen Ross (Granary); James Joyce in James Joyce: A Dubliner In Cork, Charlie Bates in Oliver! (Everyman). Brian has been awarded numerous bursaries from Feis Maitiu Corcaigh. Aside from acting, Brian recently directed Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train for the Granary Theatre to great critical acclaim. The play subsequently toured to the Millenium Theatre, Limerick, where it received an ISDA award. Radio: Shamey in Series 1 of  ‘The Malleys’  (c103FM), which is to be aired from September 2009. Film: Becoming Jane, Three’s A Crowd; So That’s The Way It Is? Girl in the Golden Dress.

The second piece is the Irish Premiere of ‘Still Life’, written by Danusia Iwaszko and performed by well known Youghal performer Ruth Hayes. Ruth trained with the Montfort College of Performing Arts and received Bronze medal in Acting from LAMDA.  Ruth has appeared on the Youghal stage many times playing such roles as Eliza Doolittle in the Youghal Musical Society’s production of Read more