Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival Launches

Welcome to the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival Blog. There’s an inspiring line-up this year, bringing you 221 performances over 26 productions, starting Wednesday 23rd September.

Of course, no theatre festival can come to fruition without a dedicated team working hard to create the perfect event. So I’m starting the blog by thanking everyone who has made this year’s Festival possible – an ever-present theme at the Festival launch.

Spirits were high at the Gate Lab as the very glam, very fabulous Panti introduced speakers Peter Crowley (Chair of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival), Senan Murphy (Group Finance Director of Ulster Bank), Pat Moylan (Chair of Arts Council of Ireland) and Artistic Director, Loughlin Deegan (cue Panti: “who, like so many of you, fancies me like mad”).

The current economical climate makes it impossible to escape the word “recession”, but thanks to sponsors and the support of festival goers like you, the Festival is thriving, enthused with energy and optimism.

As Peter Crowley pointed out, the Festival is an integral part of Dublin’s cultural calendar and identity. Applause exploded as he declared, “This Festival is known throughout the world. I’m proud of the Festival and what it brings to Dublin, and I’m proud of Dublin.”

Pat Moylan thanked the Festival for helping to “lift and inspire the nation”, while Loughlin Deegan congratulated the crowd on their efforts “to inspire the city and country to get back on the road again” by supporting the event. It was clear that the Theatre Festival not only celebrates theatre, but also embraces the Irish arts scene and Ireland with pride.

The 2009 Theatre Festival Programme includes an exciting focus on documentary theatre and a strong Irish theme. Productions are also looking to the East for inspiration with shows such as DV8, Radio Muezzin and The Manganiyar Seduction.

This year’s new addition is The Directors Symposium – a workshop which allows mid-career directors the chance to engage with leading actors, designers, directors, playwrights and producers.

The free ticket initiative brings theatre to a wider audience on September 23rd and funding from the Arts Council of Ireland brings a free event for the entire city to enjoy with Playhouse, a light installation at Liberty Hall.

Immersed in the gratitude and passion of the launch, it was easy to see why
Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival has grown in support and reputation over the years. Ulster Bank met with a well deserved round of applause as they announced during the evening that they will support next year’s festival. Bravo!

So thank you to everyone involved in making the Festival possible again this year. I’d particularly like to thank you. Without your interest and support, there would be a gaping hole in Ireland’s cultural calendar.

I can’t wait for the performances to start and I’m certain we’re all going to have a fantastic time. Hopefully, I’ll meet some of you there.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival 2009 runs from Sept 24 – Oct 11 2009. Note: Booking is open to the public on August 19th.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Festival Blogger - Elizabeth rose Murray