St. Pius X’s To Have the Confidence of a Man served as an ode to the beauty of Irish culture | Cappies

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Show #11   St. Pius X High School

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To Have the Confidence of a Man

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Teacher Director: Alisia Cardinali

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Student Director: Maeve Ludmer

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Sophia Di Iorio, Critic
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School

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Recounting a chilling myth set in Northern Ireland, St. Pius X High School’s original play To Have the Confidence of a Man explored the strength it takes to stand tall under the stress of society’s expectations.

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Inspired by an old Irish folktale, the student-written production follows the headstrong and erudite Maeve Rua McQuillan. In an act of defiance, Maeve rejects the older man she was betrothed to, wishing to wed fellow rebel Reginald Ó Catháin instead. Angered by her refusal, Maeve’s father imprisons her within their residence of the Dunluce Castle. However, not even a storm can deter the star-crossed lovers’ determination to escape from familial pressures.

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Written by Maeve Ludmer, the two-act play was professional and evidence of numerous months of refinement. Incorporating thought-provoking soliloquies, witty exchanges, and feminist themes into her adaptation of the Celtic legend, Ludmer’s script told an intriguing story of love, tragedy and what it means to have the confidence of a man.

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At the forefront of the narrative, Bella Menjivar gave a strong performance as Maeve Rua McQuillan. With a regal manner of speech and a self-assured demeanour, Menjivar effectively embodied the elegant damsel’s assertiveness. In addition to her commanding voice, Menjivar’s animated facial expressions and bold physicality communicated an array of emotions. Whether it was storming off in ire, articulating endearment with a passionate cadence, or expressing harrowing pain through banshee-like wails, Menjivar’s acting demonstrated versatility and authenticity. Depicting Maeve’s lover, the charming Reginald Ó Catháin, was Em Roach. The young man’s overt sarcasm was evident in Roach’s line delivery, while an intense monologue revealed Reginald’s hidden vulnerability.

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Favour Agbesua’s portrayal of Lord Ó Catháin was punctual; the arrogant noble’s heartlessness expressed through Agbesua’s haughty voice and sharp gestures. Conversely, Elianna Johnson as Lady Ó Catháin initially portrayed a reserved wife, but later transformed into a grief-stricken mother during a rageful outburst. Together, their tense interactions convincingly portrayed the dysfunctional Ó Catháin household. To alleviate the sombre mood was the blissfully oblivious Brian Ó Briain played by George Al-Bsharaa, whose expert comedic timing and flashy body language created several comical moments.

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The string-focused music composed by the Bards of the Northern Tower was enjoyable and complex, clearly discerning the Irish location while providing instrumental interludes between scenes. Costumes by The Silk Sheet Seamstress were visually stunning and historically accurate; a standout amongst the 24 garments was the dilapidated wedding dress. Adorned with blue and green embellishments, the gown had the appearance of ragged satin drenched in water. The Lords of Lighting superbly executed the 51 cues and made clever colour choices. Different hues were assigned to the rival families, and an azure shade held foreshadowing purposes. Overall, the technical aspects solidified the production’s setting and tone.

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The culmination of a dedicated cast, an efficient crew, and a skilled playwright, St. Pius X High School’s To Have the Confidence of a Man concluded on a poignant and eerie note.

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Ariana Guerra-Nguyen, Lead Critic
St. Patrick’s High School

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If the dictionary defines confidence as a feeling of firm trust, then the cast and crew at St. Pius X High School transcended the concept. With their original production of To Have the Confidence of a Man, these talented students were constantly elevating expectations, taking to the stage with radiating aplomb.

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Putting on a production is a major feat in itself. Anyone who’s partaken in such an endeavour can confirm its required discipline and artistry. Maeve Ludmer clearly recognized the magnitude of the project, yet dared to go above and beyond in her fearless fruition of creative ingenuity. Drawing inspiration from an Irish folktale, The Banshee of Dunluce Castle, To Have the Confidence of a Man is a Ludmer original production. From months dedicated to script development, to the long rehearsal process to materialize the vision, Ludmer’s hard work is commendable in every aspect.

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To Have the Confidence of a Man follows the story of Maeve Rua McQuillan, daughter of the esteemed Lord McQuillan. Maeve lives her life under her father’s control, all the while under the eyes of the rigid societal standards during the 15th century. Despite the stringency of her daily life, Maeve remains an articulate and willful young woman. Hastily upon refusing to marry her betrothed, Richard Óg de Burgh, she finds herself feeling imprisoned to the commands of her father. However, love’s ability to manifest in any environment proves itself once again as Maeve falls in love with the charming rogue, Reginald Ó Catháin. Motivated by their newfound love, Maeve and Reginald abandon their lives of societal constraints in pursuit of freedom. Their tragic love story ends in freedom after all, but not in the way anyone would have desired.

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The poise of a lady but the spirit of a fighter was beautifully embodied by Bella Menjivar as Maeve Rua McQuillan. Formidable displays of Menjivar’s acting included a monologue showcasing impressive memorization, coupled with intense poignancy that marked this performer as positively unforgettable. The ability to balance both scenes of blooming romance to ones charged with resentment, fueled Menjivar’s performance with authenticity and a clear understanding of the role. As Maeve’s love interest, Em Roach’s portrayal of Reginald Ó Catháin contributed an air of playfulness to the production. Roach maintained unwavering charisma that successfully made them stand out from within the cast and to Maeve, her other suitors.

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Overbearing fathers are a frequent archetype and Everett Hockey-Arsenault demonstrated a strong understanding of this role through his portrayal of Lord McQuillan. Hockey-Arsenault’s acting showcased versatility through the transition from an authoritative parent to one aching with grief. In theatre, it is said that there is no such thing as a small role and George Al-Bsharaa was an exemplary attestment. As Brian Ó Briain, Al-Bsharaa took ownership of the role with great comedic timing and animation. Overall, garnering a profound sense of admiration and memorability with every scene.

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While the stage shone with the talent of the actors, it was the transitional moments in between where the music could seek its well deserved praise. The Bards of the Northern Tower composed twenty numbers with a high level of expertise. Each piece captured not only the beauty of Irish culture, but was period accurate as well. Marvellously executed by the Dunluce DJs, the accuracy of the 146 sound cues secured fluidity throughout the production.

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Beyond the unwavering confidence on stage, it was impossible to ignore the steadfast diligence, creativity, and professionalism that the students of St. Pius X High School put into To Have the Confidence of a Man, from the first draft to the closing curtain.

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Paige Hall, Critic
St. Mark High School

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A haunting cry echoed through Dunluce’s Castle as love, defiance, and Irish folklore intertwined throughout St. Pius X High School’s original student-written production of To Have the Confidence of a Man.

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Inspired by the folktale of the Banshee of Dunluce Castle, the play follows Maeve Rua McQuillan, a young woman determined to shape her own future, despite the expectations of family and tradition which are heavy upon her. Living within the walls of their family castle, Maeve struggles against her father’s insistence that she marry a much older man, a decision meant to honour tradition. Yet Maeve’s heart belongs elsewhere. When she meets Reginald Ó Catháin, the youngest son of a rival family, their connection deepens into a captivating romance, one that struggles to flourish beneath the weight of their families’ expectations. As their families tighten control over their lives, the two lovers attempt their daring escape, one which carries inevitable, shadow-drenched momentum as their fate is sealed.

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In a world where obedience is expected and marriage is treated as a duty rather than a choice, Maeve’s quiet defiance becomes a compelling force. Bella Menjivar embodied Maeve with striking emotional honesty, capturing both her strength and vulnerability, revealing a far more layered frustration, rooted in independence and longing. Every movement across the stage and every facial expression reflected a beautiful understanding of the character’s inner struggle of defiance. Her vocal range was equally impressive, as she moved effortlessly between softer, reflective moments and bursts of fierce resistance. By the play’s final moments, the emotional journey reached its peak as Maeve’s grief erupted into a piercing, and unforgettable cry, one which haunted the rook and perfectly echoed the banshee legend.

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Em Roach brought a remarkable emotional depth to Reginald, creating a tender connection with Maeve. The chemistry between them was poetic, each moment of interaction carrying an authenticity that made their love one of deep emotion and profound despair. Lord McQuillan played by Everett Hockey-Arsenault projected authority and command, his presence underscoring the challenges Maeve faces, while Alice Menzies rendition of Richard Óg de Burgh was drenched in remarkable talent, bringing both humour and accurate moments of discomfort to the interactions with Maeve.

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George Al-Bsharaa as Brian Ó Briain and Eman Albadleh’s Úna formed one of the most delightful duos on stage. Brian’s expressive mannerisms, effortless comedic timing, and heartfelt charm paired perfectly with Úna’s warmth and guidance. Their interactions brought lightheartedness while still deeply supporting the lovers’ journey. Their classic “guard and maid” relationship felt both entertaining and essential to the storytelling of such a beautiful play.

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The production design elevated the performance at every turn. Painted set pieces, detailed props and moveable elements allowed seamless set changes. Despite the 51 lighting cues, they were expectantly accurate and shaped the mood in every scene. The student-composed music added a rich, immersive layer to the production, perfectly capturing the Irish folktale atmosphere. From lively, playful melodies to sombre, haunting tones, the score supported the emotional highs and lows of the story.

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Through thoughtful performances, meticulous stagecraft, and an original student-written script, To Have the Confidence of a Man brought humour, heartbreak, and folklore vividly to life. The combination of compelling character work, strong chemistry and immersive production elements left a haunting resonance, capturing the enduring tension between personal freedom and societal expectation, and ensuring the play’s impact lingered long after the final scene.

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Nevaeh Vieira, Critic
St. Mark High School

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Love, rivalry, and the rigid expectations of family have inspired countless tragic tales. Set in the enthralling medieval period, St Pius X High School’s production of the student-written play To Have the Confidence of a Man brings this conflict into focus through a heart-wrenching story of desire and defiance.

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Written by the brilliant student Maeve Ludmer, To Have the Confidence of a Man transforms the Irish folktale The Banshee of Dunluce Castle into a riveting stage production. This adaptation traces the tale of two lovers, separated by the strictures imposed by their families. Maeve McQuillan wants nothing to do with marriage, especially with the older man to whom her father has promised her hand. In an unprecedented twist of events, Reginald Ó Catháin, a member of a rival family, captures Maeve’s affections and the two fall fervently in love. Their unorthodox romance, framed by family discord, fuels the ardor and intensity in which the story unfolds.

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What made this production so wonderful was the vivid, powerful writing of Maeve Ludmer. This student exceeded all expectations in regards to crafting period-appropriate dialogue, a heart-wrenching plot, and scenes so poignant their impression lasts long after the curtain closes. The feat of writing an entire play as a student is truly incredible and not one to be taken lightly. Furthermore, Ludmer’s admirable commitment to the project was not only demonstrated in the creation of the script. This student took on the responsibilities of designing the production’s poster, creating many of the costumes, and designing the set, demonstrating an extraordinary level of creativity and dedication. Together, these accomplishments are a testament to a student whose devotion to storytelling shaped the production from start to finish.

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Bella Menjivar channelled the fiery spirit of Maeve Rua McQuillan through her fantastic performance of each and every line. Maeve has, since the beginning of her story, been a young woman marked by a fierce defiance toward her father’s authority. Menjivar captured this rebellious spirit with confidence, delivering her lines with a conviction that one could only applaud. Even a single glance at Menjivar’s face revealed the depth of her character’s emotions, from sorrow to fury. Lord McQuillan, played by Everett Hockey-Arsenault, delivered a commanding portrayal, capturing the character’s unyielding nature with impressive authority. Hockey-Arsenault brought McQuillan’s rigid persona to life, making his refusal to bend under any circumstance feel formidable.

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The sarcastic, lovestruck essence of Reginald Ó Catháin was very well portrayed by Em Roach. They consistently stayed in character, maintaining Reginald’s distinct personality throughout all of their scenes. Timing and tone were executed with precision, creating a performance both lively and nuanced. A standout performance was presented by George Al-Bsharaa, playing the Head Guard Brian Ó Briain. This actor did a phenomenal job at portraying Brian’s silly personality, his comedic presentation so brilliant that laughter seemed inevitable, even in the sternest of souls. Equally impressive was Elianna Johnson, in the role of Lady Ó Catháin. She effectively developed her character’s timid presence, which later builds toward a raw, impassioned outburst that powerfully captures the character’s suppressed rage.

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Moreover, the heart of this production rested in the exceptional craftsmanship of the production team. The set was beautifully painted, stone walls and boats intricately detailed, speaking to the talent and the wonderful designs of The Confident Carpenters. A wide range of time-appropriate props filled the stage, and despite the challenge of moving so many pieces during scene transitions, each item was handled with impressive care. The Bards of The Northern Tower similarly displayed excellent creativity, as their pieces wove seamlessly through the production, elevating the intended atmosphere of the story.

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To conclude, St Pius X High School undoubtedly shone in this performance. Through astounding writing, incredible acting, and dedicated crew, this school’s production To Have the Confidence of a Man served as an ode to the beauty of Irish culture, and to the struggle of love against fate. Perhaps the question that remains is this: when devotion stands against the resolve of family, was tragedy ever truly avoidable?

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Chloe Hickson, Critic
Merivale High School

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Deep within the halls of Dunluce Castle, a Banshee still lingers. At St. Pius X High School’s production of To Have the Confidence of a Man, her tormented spirit recounts the events leading up to her demise, in this tragic love story of courage, strength, and dignity. The cast and crew created a poignant play conveying the power of the female voice, and inspired by the original Irish folk tale “The Banshee of Dunluce Castle.”

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In Ireland, Lord McQuillan resides at Dunluce Castle with his “stubborn” young daughter, Maeve. In the hopes of expanding his dynasty, Lord McQuillan promises his daughter to the well-established Richard Óg de Burgh, an older man of no interest to Maeve. After expressing her discontentment to her father and a room of guests, Maeve wanders the castle and encounters a man held captive in the dungeon. Reginald was ordered by his father, Lord Ó Catháin, to steal an article from Dunluce Castle. As Maeve confronts him through the prison bars, she is smitten by his charisma and falls in love, as does he. In light of Maeve’s new found love, she once more declines her fathers offer to wed. And so, Lord McQuillan banishes Maeve to her room until she is compliant. With a roaring spark of passion fueling Maeve, she is determined to be reunited with Reginald and must navigate the obstacles brought upon by Richard, her father, and copious societal expectations.

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To Have the Confidence of a Man is an original play written by Maeve Ludmer, a brilliant and creative grade 12 student at St. Pius. The masterful work she accomplished in conceptualizing and bringing this story to life was made evident onstage. The virtuous dialogue, staging and blocking encapsulated countless hours of hard work and dedication to the craft, and ultimately amounted to an outstanding final performance, showcasing it all to the audience.

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Bella Menjivar excelled in her portrayal of Maeve Rua McQuillan in the play. Embodying the character’s wit and charm, Menjivar pushed the narrative forward and did not falter in exhibiting every facet of her character to the audience — even her vulnerability. This was seen amply in the final scene, when Maeve’s spirit cries out in agony back in Dunluce Castle. Menj