Gemma Dunleavy to make theatre debut with He Sits of a Tuesday

Dublin artist Gemma Dunleavy will make her theatre debut with Axis Ballymun’s new commission, He Sits of a Tuesday.

Dunleavy will provide the music and lyrics to acclaimed writer TKB’s play, the first time the long-time companions have collaborated.

The project has been described as “heart-swelling, tear-jerking, side-splitting”, and follows six working class women and a young girl waiting in a local politician’s office, desperate for help with their different situations.

“This project is very close to my heart and our communities,” said Dunleavy. “This marks my first venture into theatre and to be able to do this in collaboration with such a great pal and for our work to find its home in Axis is a dream.”

💥GREAT NEWS💥

We're so delighted to announce a brand-new commissioned piece by TKB and @gemmadunleavy_

He Sits of a Tuesday – a play lost in music - highlights the grit and the graft of women living on the margins in Dublin’s inner city.#irishtheatre #irishmusic pic.twitter.com/0Wz3SUNz3K

— axis Ballymun (@axisBallymun) June 13, 2023

TKB, real name Kane Byrne, said: “He Sits of a Tuesday is a play lost in music, that tells the stories of six women and a girl who wait for a politician that never shows up. Telling the stories of these women from my heartland is an honour and a buzz.”

“Together, through music, text and experience we will explore the dismissive and toxic ‘leave it with me’ culture between working class people and local politicians,” he added.

The play will be shown at Axis Ballymun on 5 October as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival. The even is free but ticketed, for more information click here.