Drawn to drama

By Sonia Clark

ARRIVING in Australia just prior to the covid pandemic, Ireland’s Theresa Horgan has fallen in love with the hinterland while at the same time continuing to celebrate her Irish heritage.

In the midst of rehearsals for the upcoming performance of Maleny Players’ production of Dancing at Lughnasa, Theresa has also been competing to be named the ‘Queensland Rose of Tralee’.

Theresa was being co-sponsored by the Maleny Players and Patricks Irish Bar and Grill Tranquil Park in her bid to become the Queensland ambassador.

While ultimately unsuccessful this year, she said she was extremely honoured to have been selected for the competition that acknowledged the ambitions, intellect, social responsibility, and Irish heritage of modern young women.

“I think it a beautiful celebration of women and Irish heritage,” she said.

“It showcases aspects of our intrinsic values, with an emphasis on social and community contributions. It’s a wonderful opportunity to promote, preserve and share our culture with the world.”

Theresa first arrived in Australia in 2019, and although trained and currently working as a primary school teacher across the region, she said she had always been drawn to creative pursuits and in particular acting as a side hobby. Originally from County Cork, Ireland Theresa has previously attended the prestigious Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin and is a proudly fluent Gaeilge speaker.

“English is actually my second language! I grew up in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh which is a native Irish speaking village and one of only a small pocket of places left in the country that still predominantly speak the national language, so all my primary and high school

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 22

This week Virgos learn about the mystic dimensions of their lives. If you feel more spiritually protected - you probably are; and if you need to be taught or healed, a guardian angel or new mentor will be close by. The really lovely news? If and when you truly need help, it’s likely to arrive - perhaps from the most unexpected sources.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 23

Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to acknowledge your talents - especially in moments of doubt. You know your true potential, and now’s not the time to downplay it. There’s also a financial flavour to this week, with enough interested forces ready to boost your cashflow. It also wouldn’t hurt to spruce up your image.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 22 lessons were in Gaeilge” explained Theresa.

This week, the planets show you who you actually are, as opposed to what you once aspired to be. Any discrepancy between the two may prompt a sobering review of your accomplishments to date. Should some areas of your life reach their natural conclusion, deal with any loss or disappointment in a quiet way.

Theresa said she had contemplated following a drama and theatrical degree at Uni, however decided to become a teacher.

She is currently living in Australia on a career break from her teaching position in Ireland.

While visiting her sister in Victoria, Theresa got involved in a local theatre company; the Torquay Theatre Group who were producing an Irish Play called Harp on the Willow which told the incredible true story of famous Irish singer and harpist Mary O’Hara.

The production garnered seven Victorian Drama League nominations and Theresa was nominated for best actress in a supporting role which she said felt like being nominated for the Oscars.

Theresa said soon after arriving in Australia she met her Australian partner Riley Oborne and around 12 months ago the adventure and outdoor loving couple relocated to Landsborough. A keen hiker who has also traversed mount Kilimanjaro, Theresa said she was drawn to the region because of the beautiful landscape and access to the mountains. “We love living here, the hinterland is just stunning,” she said.

“We both love hiking and to be able to have the Glass House Mountains on our doorstop is incredible. We appreciate where we live every day!”

Wanting to get involved in local theatre, Theresa said it was entirely by chance that she came across a flyer calling for auditions for an Irish play to be produced by the Maleny players.

“I was so pleased to be able to become involved in a local theatre group again and I think when I auditioned director Andrew Wallace was quite delighted to have an Irish actor playing one of the key parts,” said Theresa.

“It is an amazing play that was written in the 1990’s and has won load of awards, with Meryl Streep in the film version. Anyone interested in Irish family life and a snapshot of the 1930’s would enjoy the production which has beautifully poignant characters and captures a particularly bittersweet time in Irish history,” explained Theresa.

Theresa said she personally loved Irish history and was extremely proud of being an Irish woman.

She said she enjoyed how the play depicted strong characters who dealt with the brutality of life but still prioritised the importance of family bonds and connections which still ring true today for many Irish people.

Dancing at Lughnasa is on at the Maleny Playhouse, Maleny Showgrounds from Friday June 16-18, and June 23-25. malenyplayers.org

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21

There’s no denying that it’s wonderful to feel totally in sync with life. Now you can go one better. Imagine the possibilities that arise when you meet someone on exactly the same wavelength. At work, too, radical changes are likely. Perhaps, too, you should ditch anything that’s unproductive or outmoded.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 20

Yours is a straight-down-the-line sign - never afraid to tell it like it is. You want only the very best and, this week, you intend to get it. Your heart is pounding, your mind is racing - and you’re ready for change. The cosmos also introduces much-needed playfulness, as well as the kind of good fortune that affords a few luxuries.

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 18

Some weeks seem to wave the insanities of the universe in your face, and this week looks happy to heckle. You will have to accept that not everybody can keep up with your pace - some may even disagree with your thoughts and ideals. But you can’t just ignore this: the cosmos calls for cooperation and insists that you act responsibly.

Pisces

FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20

This week finds you taking a chisel to long-held beliefs that no longer serve a purpose. Your attention now shifts away from the inner world and towards the outer. Should emotional issues chip away at your relationships, new ground rules will need to be applied. Unfortunately, this may mean that some ties are broken.

Aries

MARCH 21 – APRIL 20

Ariens step into a week packed with ambition. Don’t worry about any extra duties - you have all the right qualities to meet most challenges. After all, you’re used to switching from low to high gear, and then back again. Your driving force? The promise of financial independence. Just don’t forget to stop for the occasional breather.

Taurus

APRIL 21 – MAY 20

So many areas of your life have been left simmering, with your career also in the melting pot. Take heart. This week encourages physical, mental and spiritual renewal - this time, with you as an active contributor. And when feeling this vibrant, it stands to reason that your sexual magnetism is at its full strength. Embrace life, and it will love you back.