Footlighter Interns Present "A Man of No Importance" in August

The Intern Company at the Burlington County Footlighters chose a play that hits on themes of love and acceptance to reflect their own efforts to create art this summer.

The youth theatre group, made up of students age 15-20 from around Burlington County, is staging “A Man of No Importance,” Aug. 6-9, 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 9. Tickets are $10.

“A Man of No Importance” is set in 1964 Dublin , which was a difficult time for artists looking to express themselves.

Alfie Byrne is the director of an amateur theatre group (much like the Interns themselves) who try to create art while the Church frowns down at them.

Alfie, who is in love with his best friend, struggles with his identity as an artist, as well as with his sexuality.

The Interns chose “A Man of No Importance” because they saw the parallels in their own work – giving their all to perform, light, publicize and create plays that are frequently misunderstood and rarely performed.

“The characters we play are very relatable,” Sarah Peszka, 17, of Cinnaminson, said. “I think everyone feels trapped sometimes, and has secrets they’d like to run away from. But we all have to embrace our mistakes sooner or later, just like the characters in ‘A Man of No Importance’ do.”

Burlington County Footlighters Intern Company was established in 2002. The goal of the program is to hone and nurture young adults’ theatrical skills and interests by placing the show’s creation and development in their hands.

Each summer, with the guidance of experienced staff members, the students design and stage every aspect of the show, including sets, costumes, and lighting. Burlington County Footlighters Playhouse is located at 808 Pomona Road, Cinnaminson.