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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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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Lord Ó Catháin played by Favour Agbesua (L), Lady Ó Catháin played by Elianna Johnson (2ndFL), Reginald Ó Catháin played by Em Roach (2ndFR), Domhnall Ó Catháin played by Favor Dugbor (R). Photo by Rovin Dewan /Student

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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.