HILL OF THE HARES

A play by

MARIA TIVNAN

“Genuinely touching… beautifully enacted"

**** stars review The Reviews Hub

In September 2026, Fregoli Theatre in association with The Mick Lally Theatre and Roscommon Arts Centre debuted Maria Tivnan’s new play Hill of the Hares. The production performed to sold out audiences in Galway before travelling to Roscommon - the home of the play.

“After nine years apart, Cass and Michael meet again on the day of a funeral drawn back to the place they call home, and to the night that changed everything between them. Their meeting marks a pivotal moment, heightened by the reappearance of an elusive hare. As past and present intertwine, the play delves into the intimate lives of its characters, tracing their shared history and unspoken wounds.”

Hill of the Hares is a lyrical and haunting exploration of love, loss, and the enduring pull of home from Roscommon native Maria Tivnan. Rooted in the Irish landscape, this evocative new play asks audiences to listen to the earth, reflecting on where we come from, and what may call us back.

Review and Audience Reactions

“Genuinely touching… beautifully enacted”

**** stars from The Reviews Hub‍ ‍

“to capture the essence of human fragility, the yearning for connection, especially amid grief and the solace that we seek in nature and things we may not understand is an incredible talent”

Audience member, Galway

“evokes almost visceral memories whilst guiding us to almost live the reality of loneliness, isolation and a deteriorating mental health. It was superb, very special”

Audience member, Roscommon

“heartbreaking but really uplifting and so thoughtfully written”

Audience member, Galway

“so thought provoking, it’s lingering here with us today. Loss in life and death often left unspoken you created a wonderful platform to explore it all. Huge congrats to the cast, we loved the connection with the animals and nature beautiful portrayed. The Hare was exquisite, those movements amazing....so beautifully delivered captured so well.”

Audience member, Roscommon

Hill of the Hares original artwork by Lisa Sweeney - commissioned by Fregoli Theatre