Sideways on Planet Piano is a unique and original one-woman show. It is the moving and amusing musical story of an ordinary single woman who parties, brings up her son, has various relationships, and struggles with huge problems – like what to do next. Advice is given by the adult son and the very Jewish grandma.
This intimate 50-minute show, written and performed by Ruti Lachs, is by turns comedic, moving, and challenging.The melodic, elements draw on klezmer, folk, jazz, and blues styles.
Ruti has lived for 25 years in Kerry but moved to Cork a year ago.She is well known in Cork county and city, and in Kerry, as a piano accordionist, songwriter, piano teacher, and community musician.
She has an MA in Community Music. Ruti is a multi-instrumentalist, playing the piano accordion, piano, trombone, ukulele, and violin.
Sideways on Planet Piano is her first solo theatrical show. Audience response has been fantastic. This is a story that resonates with adults of all ages. People laugh a lot, cry a bit, and always seem to linger after the performances to talk to the artist.
“It was wonderful. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I was in bits with laughter. Can’t wait for Part 2.” “Amazing! So moving and funny!” “Totally inspired.” “Had the privilege of seeing this amazing lady Ruti Lachs in action last week in The Artists House Cobh. Best I’ve seen in a long time.”
Ruti started working on her show following a residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre (artists’ retreat in Co. Monahan) in autumn 2016, funded by a Creative Work Development Bursary from Kerry County Council Arts Office. In 2017, she did a residency in the Theatre Development Centre at the Triskel in Cork, working with direction from actor Dominic Moore, and with support from Ger Fitzgibbon and others at the TDC. Ruti has received an Artistic Bursary from Cork City Council to research and write her next play.
SPECIAL GUEST Sean Bowman Emerging from the depths of rural Ohio, USA in the mid-1970s, Sean Bowman arrived in North County Cork in 2012. Coming from a musical tradition of American Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, and Hardcore Punk; he has a style that is honest enough to be relatable and gritty enough to keep your toes tapping.
“Sideways on Planet Piano” written and performed by Ruti Lachs. Guest Artist Sean Bowman. Friday, May 11th @ 8 pm in Kanturk Rugby Club. Tickets €10.