Rose+Bud at Dublin Fringe
This September, Commedia of Errors will be heading to Dublin Fringe Festival for the first time to debut Rose+Bud, a play by rising playwright Rose Coogan. Developed through Scene+Heard, this remarkable production has evolved into a deeply personal and poignant story, now set to captivate audiences across Ireland.
Rose+Bud will open with a six-show run at the Dublin Fringe Festival before traveling to Belfast’s Lyric Theatre for another six performances. The journey concludes with two nights at the Playhouse in Derry, bringing the story full circle to where it all began.
Starring Rose Coogan as Rose and Conor Cupples as Bud, and directed by Benjamin Gould, Artistic Director of Commedia of Errors, this innovative play delves into the depths of self-discovery, identity, and the complexities of being true to oneself. Notably, Rose+Bud also marks the first time Commedia of Errors has brought a production to Dublin, making this a milestone for the company as well as for Coogan’s debut. Gould’s directorial vision promises to elevate Rose+Bud into a theatrical tour de force, blending emotional intensity with dynamic storytelling to bring Rose Coogan’s vivid narrative to life.
The story follows Rose as she embarks on a journey of realisation, confronting her identity as a transgender woman. The play explores the unique—and often hellish—challenge of finding oneself in the most unlikely of places: a nightclub smoking area in Derry. With trauma, questionable men, and an enduring love of mirrors in the mix, Rose+Bud promises an emotional rollercoaster infused with raw humour and unapologetic honesty.
This is not just a coming-out story but a deeply introspective journey into the mind of its creator. Through Rose’s reconciliation with her other self, Bud, the play examines the multifaceted nature of identity, asking profound questions about who we are, who we were, and who we aspire to become.
Under Gould’s expert direction, Rose+Bud becomes a queer comedy that balances heartfelt moments with heart-breaking truths, capturing the highs and lows of self-acceptance in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As audiences follow Rose and Bud’s path to understanding, they are invited into a world of struggle, laughter, and, ultimately, love.
Don’t miss this extraordinary debut from Rose Coogan—a voice to watch in contemporary theatre. Rose+Bud is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.
Mark your calendar for its six-show run at the Dublin Fringe Festival 2024, its six nights at the Lyric Theatre, and two performances at the Playhouse in Derry. A journey of realisation, transition, and reconciliation awaits. Will you join Rose+Bud?