Pauline Grogan - 500 Letters

500 LETTERS

Starring Pauline Grogan, directed and adapted by Margaret-Mary Hollins.

Catch this rare opportunity to see Pauline Grogan, one of New Zealand’s most enchanting storytellers tell the inspiring tale of her life in “500 Letters”. This extraordinary one woman show, is kicking off its 10 centre North Island tour on September 13th

“While Grogan’s experiences alone (Irish catholic upbringing, nun for 12 years, abuse from a priest, MARRIAGE AND 4 CHILDREN, 10 year old daughter’s stroke, MEETING THE SEVERELY DISABLED JAMES LYNCH), give much food for thought; the enduring message of 500 Letters is, quite simply, how much we undervalue the power of listening and being listened to.” - Theatreview, 2006

Taking to the stage at 60, this natural born storyteller captures the unique experiences that enriched and shaped her life – from her secluded life in a convent through to her friendship with James Lynch who lay bed bound and motionless for 44 years in the Tauranga hospital.

These are stories that have left audiences stunned and inspired- in the same vein as Pauline’s best selling books: “Beyond The Veil” and “A View From Within” now crafted into an intimate theatrical experience by director Mary-Margaret Hollins.

Premiering in October 2005 at the Herald Theatre in Auckland, the show has gone on to garner both strong audience feedback and critical acclaim. The 2006 tour around the North Island cemented Pauline’s media presence and her role as a charismatic performer.

Weaving together truth, memory, imagination and reality on stage, “500 Letters” masterfully crafts puppetry and projection and with no formal training or theatrical background, Pauline Grogan proves how compelling and natural she is as a performer and how spellbinding her life story is.

Simply put, “500 Letters” is a story of an ordinary woman opening up her extraordinary life to audiences around New Zealand.

"Grogan is a charismatic performer who connects easily with the audience from her first step on to the stage.’ - Shannon Huse, NZ Herald

“it will go any where… any life story is worth listening to and she’s got one that’s tremendously fascinating… she’s a very engaging storyteller and that’s where the charm of the show is” - Natasha Hay, National Radio

500 LETTERS – North Island Tour 2008

September
13th – Hawkins Theatre, Papakura
16th & 17th – Playhouse Theatre, Hastings
19th & 20th – Lawson Field Theatre, Gisborne
23rd – 25th – The Globe, Palmerston North
27th – The Little Theatre, Matamata

October and November
3rd & 4th – 16th Avenue Theatre, Tauranga
10th – 12th – Centrestage Theatre, Orewa
18th – The Centre, Kerikeri
31st – 1st – Playhouse Theatre, Glen Eden
18th – 23rd – Herald Theatre, Auckland

For ticketing information and details on other projects Pauline Grogan in involved in, visit www.paulinegrogan.co.nz

For more information contact publicist:
Michelle Lafferty, elephantpublicity@paradise.net.nz
Or +64 9 3684180

Pauline Grogan

MEETING THE SEVERELY DISABLED JAMES LYNCH

In 1986 our only daughter Mary, aged 10, collapsed at school after the cross-country. She had suffered a brain haemorrhage which caused a stroke and we took her home from hospital paralysed on the right side and without speech. I had to take her to Tauranga hospital every day for therapy. One-day a friend, told me to give a message to a man she used to nurse called James Lynch.

The next day as I walked through the ward I felt resentful about agreeing to visit. When I drew back the cubicle curtain, I was completely taken aback by what I saw – the man looked to be late 60s. It was obvious he was paralyzed. His mouth was gaping. He had no teeth. His tonsils were visible. He was wearing dark glasses. I felt uncomfortable, because I had never seen anyone so physically disabled.

I moved toward the bed and gave him the message. To cover up my embarrassment I told him my daughter had a brain haemorrhage and stroke and I hated it. I was so uncomfortable I wanted to get out of that cubicle as quick as I could. As I backed out of the cubicle I had a sudden desire to kiss him. I hesitated. Where do you kiss a guy whose lips are that far apart?! I moved forward and kissed him on the forehead. When I touched him I experienced a rush of warmth in my body. I was bewildered. I looked at him, but he was just still with no expression.

On my way out of the ward I asked a nurse to tell me about James. “He’s been here for 30 years!” she said. She showed me a cutting from the Bay of Plenty Times that told the story of James, a 14-year-old boy who went on a school field trip to visit a ship called the HMS Veronica in the Tauranga Harbour. As he wandered around he came across a sailor who was being electrocuted.

James had rushed over and grabbed the sailor who died and James could not break free. By the time he was found and the electricity turned off, his nervous system was damaged for ever. His brain was perfect, but his body was useless, he could do absolutely nothing for himself. He lay on the bed for 44 years. I felt irresistibly drawn to him and when I couldn’t cope I would sit by his bed. James became my still point - I would go into his cubicle and just sit beside him. I would just sit there and hold his hand, and say nothing.

Other times I would tell him everything. He became my best friend over 17 years. He rarely spoke as it was too difficult, but when I told him I was terrified to write about the abuse in my autobiography he said, “Tell the truth.” He taught me through silence and stillness. Sitting by his bed began to see a lot of pretense in my life. I wanted to please the people. I wanted to be liked and accepted. Sitting beside James I learn something of the meaning of, "to thine own self be true." For over 16 years he became my mentor.

print