…a hopeful tale of heroin, hooking and happiness
Grit and Grace: Runaway Princess Shines!
“Runaway Princess is a beautiful, vulnerable, and powerful piece. Mary crafts a story that transports us through time and space ~ from seedy bathrooms to new beginnings ~ with poetry, grit, and deep emotional honesty. At its core, this is a story of hope and resilience. Mary’s performance is raw, grounded, vulnerable, and commanding ~ a deeply human presence on stage. It’s definitely a journey worth taking. Go see!” ~Caitlin Hart
O’Malley’s (27th Street, NYC) storytelling Thursday, May 8. My ancestors are there… I’ll be back.
Thank you Wortham Arts Center (Asheville, NC)!
Sold out shows…
Great talk backs after each show…
I felt so taken care of by the staff…
challenged by the talk backs…
and grateful for this opportunity.
On this #NationalHumanTraffickingAwarenessDay, a look back at a talk back following a performance of Runaway Princess, a hopeful tale of heroin, hooking, and happiness in January 2021. The talk back was a partnership between the Cinema Arts Center and the Suffolk County Anti-Trafficking Initiative (SCATI).
“Your story touches deep nerves, hidden secrets, shame, guilt and transformation. The rising of the Phoenix. Very resonant on many levels with the Irish public! Beautifully, vulnerably and very courageously done! You left Ireland on fire!“
~ Ann Tyrell
I’ve been reciting “If you are proud that you are Irish” since birth. I have always been proud to be Irish. After the Sean O’Casey Theatre Festival, I know that the Irish are proud of me. I was told Irish people don’t raise their hands – not true. The secrets are spoken…. and The Magdalene Laundries cleaned up.
Read this interview with Mary Goggin about her show returning to Ireland.
Read this article from The Irish Star.
Selling out shows. Connecting with audiences. Sharing my secrets and giving others permission to share theirs. The Princess was a winner in Winnipeg. Here’s what they’re saying…
“Runaway Princess is a powerful, transformative storytelling experience. Mary Goggin’s performance at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival’s MTC Up the Alley venue left a profound impact, offering a message of hope and resilience amidst adversity. Her honest and heartfelt narrative not only brings healing to those in need but also opens minds and hearts, fostering greater understanding and compassion.”
“At first, I thought it was a retired person doing theatre as a bucket list item. But it got very real, very fast. It made me think that we should all preserve our life stories, every trauma needs a voice….”
“Goggin’s happily-ever-after doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house…”
“Storytelling was on point… the content creates empathy, compassion, and strength…”
“Poignant, deeply personal… Candid and courageous… A cautionary tale and a message of hope.”
“Goggin’s ability to weave elements into a coherent and compelling narrative is a testament to her skill as a storyteller…”
“This brave story is exceptionally told….
Run, don’t walk, to see Runaway Princess.”
Read full review from Broadway World at this link.
“I have a self confidence problem – have my whole life. As I’ve gotten older it’s only gotten worse. I’ve stopped wearing tank tops (bingo wings) and avoid looking in the mirror – another saggy jowl, another grey chin hair. From your first step onto the stage last night you owned every bit of your brilliance and princess-hood. You had us at hello (a trite saying but apt here). I told myself that’s what sober, strong, confident looks like – I can definitely be more like her.”
…Janet Q
“Tears of gratitude flow down my face as I reflect on the profound impact of the live performance I witnessed starring the brilliant Mary Goggin. Her raw talent, authenticity, and captivating presence on stage left me in awe. The story she shared was not just inspiring, but deeply moving and incredibly motivating. I feel privileged to have been a part of such a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.”
…Joanna S-W, educator
**June 2024 Followup News**
RUNAWAY PRINCESS AWARDS PROCEEDS TO
NON-PROFITS ADDRESSING TRAFFICKING
Read story at this link.
The April 28, 2024 show at Cape Henlopen High School, produced by “What is your voice?” and “Fund for Women” in Sussex County, Delaware.
‘Runaway Princess’ spotlights trafficking and addiction crisis, Cape Gazette
The day before Mary spoke at CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Fest 2024, accompanied by her director Dan Ruth and, of course, Joey.
Human Trafficking Presentation set for April 28, Cape Gazette
Several days after the show, Mary was the keynote speaker at the May 1, 2024, banquet celebrating the 127 Year Anniversary of the GFWC DELAWARE STATE FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The focus: Domestic Violence. Trish Rodriguez, GFWC President, asked me.
“Mary Goggin gave a riveting presentation at the GFWC Delaware State Convention. We have never heard such a personal accounting of abuse, addiction, and recovery. Mary gives us hope for a brighter tomorrow. Again, Mary, thanks for coming to Delaware!”
Jan Conant, President
GFWC Delaware
This very exciting news was shared by Jacqueline Sterbach, President and Founder of “What Is Your Voice?” (and fellow woman warrior!), whose connection with Trish resulted in this wonderful invite!
And the origin is this story in the Cape Gazette.
Tuesday night’s performance at the Irish American Writers and Artists. This one’s for you, Malachy. You’re here… You’re in my DNA…
Me and Malachy in January 2024… Last words to me at QED as I got on stage, “Go on Mary…” I will Malachy.