Hey guys,

Here is the deal. We were screwed over.

I have been in contact with the DLI for the rights to this show since the summer, to which we all received positive confirmation ie "Yes you can do it".

Declan sent off for the rights on the 19 of January.Before he did he received confirmation once more that we could do the show.

Thinking everything was grand, I asked The DLI to advertise on their website. A week late, we received these emails. First they claimed that they never got the cheque and we would need a license to perform.The further development  mentioned in the emails, was that Martin McDonagh's Agency had got in contact and didnt want a production of The Pillowman in Dublin at this time.
Since we have no contract, from a legal stand point we have nothing. They are covered, we are in the wrong, we herefore can't do the show in the Helix without performance rights.

If you want my opinion on the matter, DLI are idiots. They said that we could do it and then realized they were wrong.Maybe I should have secured the rights for the show before starting full production, but in order to apply for the rights, I needed a venue, so it was a catch 22 situation. The fact that I had been told that the rights were no problem, I hope you can understand, why we acted in what we though was the appropriate manner. However I do apolgise to the committee.

However this leaves us in an awkward position, we have booked four nights at 600 euro and put down a deposit for 60 euro for the Space and have begun advertising.

The best case scenario is that we get the rights. We have set ourselves a deadline of Friday in order to secure the rights for the show. I have contacted Martin McDonagh's agency by email to ask for leniency.In this regard we are basically flying on a wing and a prayer.

We have contacted the Helix, and are hoping to arrange a sit down meeting with them to discuss our options. We might be able to get some money back. If not we could possible put some shows on. during that week.

As you can imagine this came as shocking news for me personally. I think everyone knows how much time Declan, I and in particular the cast have invested into this show so far, but there is no point getting crying about it. As the cliche goes, "The show must go on."

We are looking for loopholes, by rest assured "The Pillowman" will be performed by DCU Drama at some stage this year.

Thank you

Pauric