Catherine Gillet is directing “Dancing at Lughnasa”, which opens Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Tryon Little Theater Workshop, 516 S. Trade St., Tryon.

The play will explore the tensions and joys of a close-knit family in 1936 Ireland. 

“It has been an honor and delight to work on this beautiful play with these incredibly talented actors,” Gillet said. “This play is about love. It’s about what we choose to believe in. ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’s’ message to us all is to strive to live the present moment well — with defiant optimism, laughter and kindness while we are here, no matter the odds.”

Gillet is also a playwright, whose plays have been produced in numerous venues off-Broadway and around the country.  While a member of the Playwrights Project at Circle Repertory Company, she studied and worked with many notable writers, directors and actors. 

Along with directing “Outside Mullingar” for TLT last fall, she is the director/founder of The Dark Horse Theater Project, dedicated to innovative theatrical presentations, including “Lennon, the Mobster and the Lawyer.”

“My biggest thank you, apart from the hard-working actors and wonderful back-stage crews goes to our wonderful audiences and sponsor for supporting this little theater which has been ‘creating magic one miracle at a time’ for 70 years,” Gillet said.

“Dancing at Lughnasa” runs for two weekends, Nov. 8-11 and Nov. 15-18. More information can be found at tltinfo.org or by calling 828-859-2466.

– Submitted by Monica Jones