May the Road Rise comes to Strabane this week, for one night only.

Audiences and critics across Northern Ireland have been heaping praise on the work of Sinead O’Donnell Casey from Donegal Town in a new theatre production.

Sinead is the creative mind behind the set of May The Road Rise Up – a one woman play tackling the issue of homelessness head on.

May the Road Rise Up. Photo: Neil Harrison Photography

This week will be a unique chance to see the Donegal woman’s striking work on display close to home as May the Road Rise Up comes to the Abbey Theatre in Strabane on Thursday 19th April.

Sinead is a freelance designer who joined the C21 production company to develop striking scenes of the play by Rosemary Jenkinson, Directed by Stephen Kelly.

May the Road Rise Up. Photo: Neil Harrison Photography

The play is said to be a fast-paced, comedy rollercoaster about a young woman’s descent into homelessness.

Speaking to Donegal Woman, Sinead describes the inspiration behind her set:

She says: “The set is made entirely of cardboard boxes, a material we chose to represent the cardboard life of homelessness.

“The boxes are then used as other props and furniture throughout Mia’s journey from relatively comfortable life to the streets of Belfast.

“We also used projected visual imagery to portray Mia’s world as the actor Christine Claire plays many different characters.”

May the Road Rise Up. Photo: Neil Harrison Photography

May the Road Rise Up. Photo: Neil Harrison Photography

The background projection has been praised as a clever means to add context to the play and Mia’s life. This is the final week of the play’s tour as it comes to Strabane and on to Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick on Friday 20th April.

Sinead will soon be setting her sights on the upcoming DYMT (Donegal Youth Musical Theatre company) production of Jesus Christ Superstar. The show will be coming to An Grianan Theatre at the end of August, with auditions taking place next weekend.