Footsbarn Travelling Theatre and Glen Hansard adapt Stephens' The Crock of Gold

In a stunning collaboration, the Footsbarn Travelling Theatre and Glen Hansard will be performing an adaption of Irish author James Stephens' 1912 novel, The Crock of Gold. The production, directed by Paddy Hayter and Vincent Gracieux, will be put on at the Irish Cultural Center in Paris on July 15-19.

Footsbarn co-founders Paddy and Freddy Hayter first concocted the idea for the adaptation when they met Hansard in Ireland over 10 years ago. Both parties bonded over their love for the comic novel, which features elements of philosophy and traditional Irish folklore and themes in its storytelling.

Hansard, an actor and songwriter who is best known for his Oscar-winning performance in Once and membership in music groups The Frames and The Swell Season, has described The Crock of Gold as a "curious book" that is often forgotten in Irish literature.

"Part of the reason I am involved with Footsbarn on this is because The Crock of Gold is one of my favorite books and I have bought many copies through the years and gifted them to people," explained Hansard. He hopes that audiences will appreciate the book's magic after viewing the performance and feel a sense of lightness and gentility.

Though the novel is often forgotten, the Footsbarn Theatre says that it gives them a chance to "restore it to the place where it should still be – a vital part of Ireland's rich cultural heritage which can only deepen the connection between people, place and the past."

In addition to Hansard's music, Kerry accordion player Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich narrates the story and adds to the traditional Irish music. Both he and Hansard will perform the music on stage as the Footsbarn actors use their charm and talent to tell the story of The Crock of Gold.

During the production's five-night run in Paris, Hansard will also perform a solo show of his own music and music from the show on Saturday, July 17. Plans are in place for the adaptation to tour in Ireland and Europe once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Tickets for The Crock of Gold can be found on the Centre Culturel Irlandais website.