Dublin Theatre Festival

Manchán Magan, Fabulous Beast Board Member Talks About Rian

2011-10-05T15:19:00.004+01:00

“Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre’s new show Rian will change everything. It is likely to become a sensation, in my opinion – finally, a show from Ireland that can fully, proudly and potently represent us on the world stage. It may be as era-defining as the original ‘Ó Riada sa Gaiety’ show over 40 years ago. Describing it without succumbing to hyperbole is difficult.

As a show it’s closer to ritual or sacrament than standard theatre. It outstrips any previous Fabulous Beast show in terms of integrity, performance, subtlety and choreographic beauty. It has a visceral, almost spiritual, impact on audiences, without being in any way manipulative or sensational.

Watching it is a cathartic experience – it seems to somehow bypass the rational mind, hitting home somewhere far deeper. Rian is by far the fullest manifestation of what Michael Keegan-Dolan and Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre has been trying to achieve.

There are only 4 performances of Rian in the Gaiety starting this Thursday. It is going to be an exciting week! Something very special is being born.

Manchán Magan, author, Fabulous Beast Board Member.

Venue: Gaiety Theatre
Dates: Oct 6 - 8
Price Range: €15 - €35

It’s Competition Time!

2011-09-26T09:39:00.000+01:00

It’s the week the Festival all kicks off and there is great excitement not to mention loads of drama on offer! We have lots in store for everyone but first comes first, it’s COMPETITION TIME!

We have a fabulous competition currently running on facebook where the makings of a great night at the theatre is up for grabs - tickets to see the spellbinding Donka, A letter to Chekhov at the Gaiety Theatre and dinner for two at Café Novo Bar and Brasserie in The Westbury Hotel!

To enter is simple, follow the link below to our facebook page and answer a simply question. Closing date is this tomorrow - Tuesday September 27th so no dilly-dallying, enter and be in with a chance of winning. Remember it could be you!!!!!

To enter the competition click here.

Family Season Shows

2011-09-21T14:48:00.002+01:00

The wonder of theatre doesn’t have to be for just the adults in this world, it can be for the little ones too and Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival has just what you need. The 2011 Family Season offer shows that are a nice gentle introduction to theatre and will entertain all your little mites this Autumn. Take a look at these three shows on offer that will make enjoyable Family days out for both adults and children.

A SONATINA

A Sonatina from Denmark tells the tale of Little Red Riding Hood sparing none of the grisly bits with a very ferocious wolf. However, it’s not the classic version of the story as we all know it; a LIVE chicken and a newly laid egg play the main part in this gripping version where the beast that eats the granny and granddaughter is a potato ricer!

Gruppe 38 Theatre Company are well-travelled with their shows including Norway, Croatia, Estonia, the USA, Canada, and Japan and was last seen at the Festival with Hans Christian, You Must be an Angel and the mezmerising version of Hansel and Gretel (2009 Festival). A Sonatina which was nominated for the theatre award in the category Best Performance for Children in 2001 will be a very fine example of excellent theatre with a fresh approach to storytelling not to mention exceedingly funny. This performance is suitable for 6years and upwards.

The star of the performance, the real –live chicken will be taking up 5 star lodging at the Ark with servants waiting both claw and beak on Dublin’s new celeb. We hope she enjoys her stay in Temple Bar and enjoys her new found fame.

BERNINNA

Berninna by Belgian theatre company Studio ORKA tells a story about finding the courage to start all over again and letting go the past. Berninna, the main character was a world famous pianist who made hearts beat faster and ice caps melt everywhere she played but now her fame is gone and she spends her days in a musty old house filled with mothballs and dusty trophies.

Studio ORKA thrilled audiences at last year’s Festival with Lava and are back with the same cast for this Festival. Berninna will be an exceptionally funny performance mainly to do with the male actors, who play an eccentric cook and butler. This animated family performance, suitable from 8 years and upwards, is set in a big old house and succeeds in introducing children to some classical music. This will be a fun site specific performance!

KALEJDOSKOP

Danish theatre company Carte Blanche presents Kalejdoskop, a must see production that is taking place in the Banquet Hall at Smock Alley Theatre this October. Kalejdoskop is an interactive performance that is set in a sensorial labyrinth, a chamber of curiosities with art, nature, science that stimulates all the senses. Kalejdoskop will have you travelling inside a kaleidoscope where everything transforms into patterns, embarking on an expedition where you will be walking through crooked doors and crawling through narrow tunnels, to a never-ending universe.

If your family is fan of the Alice in Wonderland story this is definitely the adventure for you and is suitable from 8+ years. Carte Blanche have previously charmed Dublin with the 2008 The Attic Under the Sky and have returned to charm again with a performance like no other and an experience you will never forget!

The Family Season will run from Sept 29 – Oct 8 and for more information check out www.dublintheatrefestival.com

Behind The Scenes at the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival Part 2

2011-09-15T15:27:00.004+01:00

Still not sure what you want to see and time is against you? Not to worry, here are some more suggestions from the UBDTF staff and their reasons are to be taking very seriously!! A little reminder also, Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival kicks off with a jump and a leap this day two weeks so get onto buying your tickets before it's too late!

Sarah Durcan, General Manager– Rian

The show I’m most excited about this Festival has to be Rian as I’m a big fan of Fabulous Beast’s work. For me, Fabulous Beast create such extraordinary moments on stage and it’s always an unforgettable experience.

Fabulous Beast has a long association with the Festival starting with the magnificent Giselle (2003) which blew everyone away and is still talked about to this day.

I’m particularly looking forward to seeing how Michael Keegan-Dolan fuses new movement with the traditionally inspired music of Liam Ó Maonlaí, I think it will be quite an event to behold.

I was lucky to see Fabulous Beast's Rite of Spring in the London Coliseum, approximately a 30 minute piece playing to a packed house of over 2,000 people where each moment seemed to expand in the most powerful way, and the audience was left enthralled and buzzing at the end, and this what I am expecting for Rian.

Aoife Van Wolvelaere, Development Assistant – The Blue Boy

The show that I won’t be missing this Festival has to be The Blue Boy. I happened to catch an open rehearsal piece before Brokentalkers headed off to Noorderzoon Festival in Groningen in August and I was utterly moved by it. I think Brokentalkers are extremely talented in how they combine dance with a multimedia piece in a way that still feels incredibly well connected. The short snip of the performance I saw gave me goosebumps.

The Blue Boy is a visual a concept and will be breath-taking despite the subject matter. You will be moved beyond words.

Soracha Pelan Ó’Treasaigh, Finance Assistant – Laundry & Trade

I’m really looking forward to Laundry and Trade in this year’s Festival. They are representative of the trend of site specific work emerging in Irish theatre and are part of the Behind Closed Doors season. I am familiar with Mark O’Halloran’s excellent films Adam and Paul and Garage, and have not seen his previous theatre work so I’m interested to see how his unique voice will transfer to theatre. Trade is a thisispopbaby production, and they are one of the most exciting theatre companies working in Ireland today, and I expect that they will not disappoint. The location is particularly interesting as it takes place outside the theatre space in a room in a bed and breakfast.

Similarly, in Laundry, the play takes place in the Magdalene Convent. This is the second part of ANU Productions’ work about an area in North inner-city Dublin, following on from World End’s Lane. In the wake of public revelations of the institutions and stories about the women who lived there, it is interesting to see how art can respond to this history, and how they choose to represent this history to audiences. These are two of my favorites in this year’s Festival as they promise to offer a unique and exciting experience, and hopefully a real insight into the hidden stories of Dublin.

Aoife Glenn, Marketing and Development Intern – Revolution Now!

I’m most looking forward to seeing Revolution Now!, with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The company behind it, Gob Squad, are real theatre revolutionaries so there’s a feeling that anything could happen during the production. The fact that they combine audience participation with television, music and even slices of cake means I’m sure this is going to be nothing like any theatre I’ve been to before. The events going on in the world around us at the moment give real resonance to Gob Squad’s ideas about peaceful protest and the use of the media so hopefully there will be much food for thought. I’m going to be brave and immerse myself fully in the experience and if I get too carried away and become a full blown revolutionary UBDTF may be without an intern….

Aisling Mulhall, Marketing Assistant – She She Pop & Their Fathers: TESTAMENT

I will be making time during the Festival madness to see She She Pop & Their Fathers: TESTAMENT which is part of the Radical Mind programme. I think this German production will be truly unique as it’s based on Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, King Lear and the cast are accompanied by their real fathers on stage. The show will be to emphasising the issues of ageing and parenthood that affect us all but are seldom spoken. I think it will be witty, soul-baring and therapeutic and mid-way through the Festival madness that is exactly what I need!

Ruth Gordon, Show Programmes Editor – Donka, a letter to Chekhov

I’m most excited about seeing Donka, a letter to Chekhov. It is the perfect escapist piece. Ethereal and dream-like, filled with music, dancing, acrobatics, it’s a front-row seat inside the head of director Daniele Finzi Pasca as he portrays the effect Chekhov has had on his imagination.

Pasca has previously directed work for Cirque du Soleil which speaks volumes for what sort of a spectacle to expect and you don’t need to have seen any Chekhov’s plays to enjoy this piece for what it is.

The cast are exceptional - singing, dancing, clowning musician-acrobats! I’m expecting to be dazzled.

Marie Breen, Production Manager – Testament

I’m really looking forward to Testament. I think the collaboration of three extraordinary people - writing by Colm Tóibin, direction by Garry Hynes and performance by Marie Mullen will have an amazing outcome.

I’m very excited about Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival hosting the world premiere and the first Festival commission in 11 years of this one women play. The subject matter will be intriguing, witnessing Marie Mullen play the most famous mother of all time – Mary the mother of Jesus Christ, one of the greatest characters whose story has never been told on stage. I will definitely be putting all my money on this show.

Shauna Lyons, Marketing Manager – Peer Gynt

I’m most looking forward to Rough Magic's brilliant new version of Peer Gynt. I’m a big fan of Arthur Riordan and having followed the rehearsal tweets and updates from the cast, I’m getting more and more excited about it. Asides from an amazing cast, it has the wonderful Tarab playing live and will have spectacular design by the multi-talented John Comiskey and Alan Farquharson. A production packed with lots of laughs, this could be the most fun production in this year’s Festival. A perfect antidote for a cold Autumn’s evening.

Behind The Scenes at the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival

2011-09-08T14:27:00.015+01:00

Still haven’t booked your tickets for the 2011 Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival and need help deciding on what show you should go see, fear not the UBDTF staff are here to the rescue!

Here is an opportunity to get the inside load-down about the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival programme and to see the people who work extremely hard behind the scenes to make this Festival happen. Take a look at what the UBDTF Box Office and Admin staff recommend and why they are so excited about their choices.

Theresa Garrihy, Box Office Assistant – I ♥ Alice ♥ I
I’m very excited about I ♥ Alice ♥ I by Amy Conroy, a fantastic writer and director who has won two Absolut Fringe awards in 2010 including the Fishamble New Writing Award. The diversity of the show has completely drawn me in given the era that the two ladies who this love story is based on are from. I think I ♥ Alice ♥ I will be a fresh and human love story that defies all stereotype and will appeal to a broader spectrum of audience. This will be exactly what I need after a hard days work at the Box Office!

Aoife Madden, Box Office Supervisor – La Voix Humaine

I have to see La Voix Humaine by Toneelgroup this Festival, a play that was originally written in 1930, particularly as Loughlin, the Festival Artistic Director has been trying to programme them for the past 5 years so it must be worth the wait! I have always been interested in Jean Cocateau’s work and the various mediums that he uses as modes of expression especially his use of the telephone in this work as a single prop to investigate human communication.

I’ve heard such great things about this play in how it relies on a delicate balance between silence and the voice of Halina Reijn. I think La Voix Humaine will be affecting and exciting and one of the best performances of the Festival.

Lisa Towell, Office Assistant – 16 Possible Glimpses

16 Possible Glimpses is the show that I will be definitely catching this Festival in between all the madness. I’m a huge fan of Marina Carr and I think she is one of the best female playwrights in Ireland. I’m very excited about the fact that this production is based on the life of Anton Chekhov, an individual who fascinates me. In my opinion Marina Carr’s work is magnificently dark, introspective and absorbing. I think this particular production that reimagines life and death of the elusive Chekhov through glimpses into his world will be no exception. It also helps that this performance is running for the entire Festival which makes it that bit easier for me to get to it!

Danielle Lynch, Box Office Friends Specialist – The Wild Bride

I’m really looking forward to seeing Kneehigh’s The Wild Bride this Festival.It is going to transform the Gaiety like nothing we have seen before. The storyline sounds like really good fun and the fact that it’s a dark fairytale makes me want to see it even more!

If online images and reviews on our website and Facebook are anything to go by, it is going to be a very magical performance. This is the show I’m recommending to all the Festival Friends!

Adam Eager, Box Office Supervisor – The Lulu House

I first saw Camille O’Sullivan perform at the spiegeltent as part of the Fringe Festival and I thought she was excellent. The Lulu House is definitely at the top of my list for this years Festival. I’m looking forward to seeing Camille alongside Lorcan Cranitch in the extraordinary venue where The Lulu House is set – The James Joyce House (The Dead), one of the most important literary and Historic buildings in Dublin. This is the house where James Joyce set his famous story, “The Dead” so it will be interesting to witness this house first hand.

The fact that there is a multimedia aspect to the production also intrigues me, with the use of film, music, performance, installation, I am looking forward to seeing how this is going to be presented within this unique, historic building.

Geraldine Fitzsimons, Administration Intern – Slattery’s Sago Saga

Slattery’s Sago Saga, set in the Rathfarnham Castle sounds like the best fun ever! Adapted for the stage by Arthur Riordan from the unfinished novel by Flann O’Brien, the plot involves a Scotswoman’s evil attempt to eradicate the potato from the Irish soil and replacing it with Sago: a glutinous creamed substance sourced from the Sago tree. Add in a politically correct leprechaun and a tycoon TD to the mix and I think it’s going to be an absolutely hilarious set up for her downfall. Set in the supposedly “haunted" Rathfarnham Castle adds a little bit of extra excitement to this site specific show and it’s a wonderful opportunity to see the castle from the inside. The inner kid is definitely coming out in me and I really cannot wait to see this show!

Ciara Harrison, Box Office Assistant – The Speckled People

Having read Hugo Hamilton’s memoir The Speckled People, I was delighted to hear that a stage adaption would feature in the Festival programme. I am excited to see how Hamilton’s parents will be portrayed on stage and the approach Hamilton will take to show the audience the core of the story which deals with the connection between language and the home. The book is a captivating read and with Hamilton’s own adaption combined with the skills of Director Patrick Mason, the play will be an engaging and enthralling performance.

Caoimhe Mac Andrew, Sponsors, Funders Specialist – Gardenia

If I had to choose one show from the 2011 programme that I’m most excited to see it would have to be Gardenia. This will be my first time to see any work by les ballets C de la B but I’ve heard amazing things about them not to mention their famous director - Alain Platel.

I’m really interested in the fact that it will be documentary theatre where the performers are portraying their drag queen stage personas and their real live stories. I’ve heard it’s supposed to be a really moving and uplifting performance, and it looks like a lot of fun too!

For more information check out www.dublintheatrefestival.com

A Drastic Warning from Gob Squad!

2011-09-06T16:43:00.000+01:00

LISTEN UP EVERYONE, Gob Squad have been in touch with a warning and it sounds serious!

A feeling for revolutionary action is spreading. Gob Squad's Revolution Now! is coming to the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival and is an ideal opportunity to activate and prepare your own, and our collective, revolutionary spirit.

We must work out what we want, and how we're going to get it. We will storm the theatre, gaining access to props (weapons) and pyrotechnics. Inside we will re-enact revolutionary moments in an attempt to make history. Armed with video cameras and very long cables we will move out into the streets of Dublin in search of one symbolic act of insurrection. Something we can all believe in. Incidentally, the revolution will be televised.

Hurrah it’s September and we have Flags!

2011-09-01T11:44:00.003+01:00

To celebrate it being September 1^st, the 244th day of the year and simply for no other reason than we at Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival are feeling tremendous generous today – we want to give you a prize! A pair of tickets to the opening of Peer Gynt in the O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College on September 30^th is up for grabs and to be in with a chance of winning is easy.

Simply take a picture of one of the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre flags that are now displayed around the city centre, upload and post the picture on our facebook and tell us why you love the month of September.Hint Hint - the Festival starts in September!

Get snapping and remember Dublin Loves Drama!

World Premiere of The Blue Boy

2011-08-31T11:10:00.002+01:00

Brokentalkers have not long returned to Dublin from Noorderzoon Festival in Groningen after spending the month of August rehearsing and further developing their production of The Blue Boy. Originally featured in the 2010 Development Strand, we are so excited to have Brokentalkers as part of the 2011 main programme. Brokentalkers set up in 2001, their work responds to the contemporary world - their 2009 production, Silver Stars, based on the real life stories of Irish gay men, performed by a community cast, received rave reviews and toured round the world.

Earlier this year, the Festival and Brokentalkers were part of the first 5 projects to go live with the new Irish crowdfunding website, Fundit. After having the piece in Development last year, we were anxious to see how we could get it to the Festival stage for the 2011 Festival and needed to look at other forms of Fundraising. One thing that Brokentalkers required was time and resources, and in particular, to work on the choreography. That’s where Fundit came in. Due to the generosity of over 80 donors, we were able to have a week of rehearsal time with renowned choreographer Eddie Kay which added another layer to an already extraordinary piece of work.

Gary Keegan Directing

The Blue Boy, brainchild of Feidlim Cannon and Gary Keegan, was devised in response to the Ryan and Cloyne Report but it also touches on a more personal level - Gary Keegan’s grandfather was an undertaker who occasionally needed to visit in the Artane Industrial School and part of his job was measuring out coffins using folding rulers for those children who died while in institutional care. The school plays a large part in the lives of anyone who has grown up in the area and it is with this, a very personal piece for many.

This production deals with the experiences of men and women who were incarcerated as children in Catholic residential care institutions. Using recorded interviews, live performers in handmade masks, music and film, The Blue Boy attempts to give fresh theatrical voice to recently revealed stories of childhood abuse in Ireland. Have no qualms, The Blue Boy is a strong and emotional piece of theatre that confronts the current Catholic Church abuse scandal head on but Brokentalkers through their unique sensitive approaches to express what can often be hard to articulate create a sense of reflection and succeed in informing society on the past event.

Do not miss the world premiere of this astonishing piece of theatre!

The Wild Bride

2011-08-22T14:55:00.004+01:00

After weeks of rehearsing intensely in a barn in South West England, Kneehigh have finally premièred their brand new show, The Wild Bride, at the Asylum in Cornwall. Kneehigh, one of Britain’s most innovative and exhilarating theatre companies have time after time pulled quirky and profound productions out of the bag such as The Red Shoes (2002) described as “stunning” by The Times and saw Artistic Director Emma Rice win a TMA Award for Best Director Award and the remake of the classic film Brief Encounter (2008) which is currently touring the US.

Kneehigh, renowned for their magical and creatively ingenious shows promise to bring to Dublin a fairy tale with an edge, a story of hope and healing that will take the audience on a journey of beauty and wisdom. This show is definitely one to catch if you want something more inspiring than the current doom and gloom.

Adapted & directed by Emma Rice, be expected to be blown away with incredible movement and dance, instinctive storytelling, devilish humour and a heady mix of live and found music. Charting a life from girlhood to womanhood using three women to represent the different chapters of life, this is a grown up romance for brave children and adults alike set in a stunning elemental world of leaves, petals, snow and flowers.

Attracting glowing praise and reviews from their recent première, this is the show to catch if you want to experience a Kneehigh production. Go wild and see The Wild Bride!

Take a look at the trailer

Donka, A Letter to Chekhov

2011-08-19T13:02:00.010+01:00

With the Box Office just open, excitement is building for our 2011 opening show in the Gaiety Theatre, non-other than the breathtaking Donka, A letter to Chekhov. Directed by the world renowned director, author, choreographer and clown, Daniele Finzi Pasca, who also directed highly acclaimed productions such as Rain, created for Cirque Eloize, Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo, which opened in April 2005 and is still touring the world and he was also responsible for creating and directing the Closing Ceremony of the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. Let’s be honest, it’s a pretty impressive CV!

Promising to be a truly spellbinding production full of dazzling aerial acrobatics, multi-media illusion and circus magic, the show will draw on the plots of Chekhov’s plays as well as his short stories and personal diaries. Donka, A Letter to Chekhov was originally commissioned to open the prestigious Chekhov International Theatre Festival in 2010 celebrating Chekhov’s 150th birthday and received a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation from European theatregoers.

Another fascinating fact about this production is that “Donka” translated in Russian is the little bell that would be fixed on to a fishing rod, which rings whenever a fish bites. Chekhov adored fishing, and for him it was a way of abandoning himself to meditation and Finzi Pasca was fascinated by this image.

Think aerial acrobatics, melting ice, breathtaking illusion and pure escapsim... this will be a night of sumptuous entertainment unlike any other. Its plays for 5 performances only, don’t miss it! Donka, A Letter to Chekhov will run in the Gaiety Theatre from Sept 29-Oct 2. Check out www.dublintheatrefestival.com or call 01 677 8899 for more details.

Take a look at the trailer

BECOME A VOLUNTEER AND JOIN THE TEAM!

2011-08-08T14:25:00.002+01:00

So, you’re thinking of becoming a volunteer but not sure what to volunteer for? Well let me introduce you to the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival!

It’s that time of year again when we have our big recruit on in search for potential volunteers! Our Festival volunteers play a huge part in the success of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival and the Festival would not happen without the hundreds of people who donate their spare time to volunteer. We truly appreciate everyone who come on board and offer their support and expertise for free. Young, old, we welcome all walks of life!

We want to make volunteering with the Festival a worthwhile and an enjoyable experience for you. As a token of our appreciation for all your “hard earned” work we will arrange for you to see shows for free and attend Festival events. Not bad eh! Also, it gives folk an opportunity to learn and see how on the world’s old Festivals operates.

So if you have a passion for theatre, would like to meet similarly minded people, have free time to give, or simply want to live the festival life we would love to hear from you!

So what are you waiting for? Join the team and get involved!

Click here for an application form.

2011 Programme Launch Looms!

2011-07-20T13:01:00.004+01:00

With ONLY 6 more days to go all is heating up in the Festival office!! On Monday, we announced our new Artistic Director, Willie White, who will be taking over from Loughlin Deegan. Former Director of Project Arts Centre, we are delighted to have him on board knowing all the great work he has done in theatre so we are looking forward for him to join us. Our new Box Office staff have all started and have begun the numerous theatre tours around the city.

Programme content is currently being uploaded onto the website, and after spending Monday night at the printers bringing the 2011 Festival brochure into the world, we can safely say we are getting very excited to announce the 2011 Festival programme next Tuesday.

In our excitement, we think it’s time for a competition. We want to invite you and a friend to our opening night show on September 29th. Just answer the questions below in the comments section and the closest answer wins!

We promise we'll keep you all updated more on the blog and will have more exclusive blogs from Festival artists in the coming months. Keep in touch and don't forget, Dublin loves DRAMA!

How many performances are in this year's Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival?

Help Support Irish Theatre!

2011-03-24T14:21:00.002Z

All has been pretty quiet on the blog front of late but now as it’s starting to feel like spring out there, we thought we’d let you know what has been going on at Festival central. Asides from working a planning the beast that is the 2011 programme, we have had two phenomenal NT live screenings at the IFI with FELA! in January and Frankenstein last March. Both were a huge success and justly show the appetite for drama in Dublin no matter how it is presented.

The Blue Boy

Next up in an exciting project that we are undergoing with the wonderful Brokentalkers and Fund it. Launched on Tuesday evening, Fund it is a brand new crowdfunding website created by our good friends in Business to Arts inspired by the phenomenally successful Kickstarter website in the US. Essentially the aim is to provide a platform for the general public to donate to a specific cultural project. Each project has a target to reach, every donation will get a reward. If the target is reached the project happens and if its not met within a certain timeframe, quite simply the project doesn’t go ahead.

We have five weeks to raise €3,000 to go towards funding a four week workshop for The Blue Boy by Brokentalkers. We first showed a work in progress of this phenomenal piece during the 2010 In Development and now we need your help to bring it to the next stage. €3,000 will essentially pay for of the cast and crew and will include an intense focus on the show’s choreography with the world renowned Scottish choreographer, Eddie Kay (DV8 /Coisceim) taking part. With original music by Sean (Doctor) Millar, take a look at this clip and please help us bring this show to the next stage. We’ll send some updates shortly and give more information on the show and its background. Please give what you can - 300 people give €10 or 600 people donate €5 each, we will reach target. That’s not too hard to do is it?

DONATE

We’ll be in touch with more updates very soon!

Shauna

Marketing Manager

FELA at the IFI

2010-12-16T12:50:00.000Z

As 2010 comes to an end we would like to wish all of our loyal customers, friends, supporters, funders and sponsors a very Merry Christmas and thank you for all of your support this year. It is only with your support that the Festival thrives and we hope that in 2011 you will be with us more than ever!

Something to look forward to... FELA! January 13th at Irish Film Institute

We are delighted to announce our next NT Live screening at the Irish Film Institute
is the Tony Award award-winning FELA! which explores the life of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk, African rhythm and harmonies), FELA! reveals Kuti's controversial life as an artist and political activist. After taking Broadway by storm, FELA! is stunning London audiences and with this special one off screening will certainly put a bounce in your step this January.

More Info

' There should be dancing in the streets. There has never been anything like this.'
Ben Brantley, New York Times

Book Tickets

Its going to be quiet on the blog front for the next month but we'll be in touch in the new year to start working on presenting another explosive 18 days of theatre in Dublin. Thanks again for all your amazing support this year and don't forget Dublin loves DRAMA!

Its all over

2010-10-29T16:21:00.001+01:00

And so we've reached the end of another Festival, another year done. A huge thanks to everyone who made it possible. Our Friends, sponsors, funders and supporters - and of course the theatre makers, dreamers and achievers.

As you can imagine, with over 400 events at this year's Festival our thank you list is quite long. Firstly a big thanks to all the Irish companies who participated and thanks to those who also travelled to be here with us in Dublin. To all 22 venues who participated in the Festival, to all of our volunteers who provided tremendous support and energy assisting us in all levels of the Festival. THANK YOU!

The blog may be a little bit quiet over the next while as we bury ourselves in the post-Festival clean up but don't forget us and remember Dublin loves DRAMA!

Hugh Hughes - Get In, Out and Shake It All About!

2010-10-12T15:29:00.003+01:00

Today we had a brief visit from Hugh Hughes in the Festival HQ. Hughes has arrived in Dublin to begin his run of shows in Smock Alley at the Festival over the next few days including 360, The Story of a Rabbit, Floating plus the special events 'Stories from an Invisible Town' and 'How I Got Here'.

Book for all three shows in the trilogy and get 20% off! Book Now!

Festival Feeds Competition

2010-10-08T16:10:00.001+01:00

Festival Feeds is the perfect way to sample some of the best restaurants in the city as exclusive menus have been created at unbeatable prices for Festival goers. Treat yourself to the best the city can offer at a fraction of the price. Special promotional rates are available to Festival goers from a range of the city’s best restaurants over the Festival period. Just mention Festival Feeds when booking to avail of this special offer!

To celebrate our Festival Feeds programme, The Church have offered us a voucher for Dinner for 2 in the Gallery Restaurant. Located in the heart of Dublin’s shopping district, with five distinct settings on four levels, with over 450,000 visitors annually The Church has wowed guests from all over the globe.

Answer this question in a comment below:

What is the name of the Polish Director of Factory 2.
(hin - have a look here)

View List of Festival Feeds

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Hugh Hughs

2010-10-07T16:36:00.005+01:00

Next week sees the arrival of Hugh Hughes at the Festival direct from Wales... via a short trip to the Traverese Theatre, Edinburgh.

The Wonderful World of Hugh Hughes is a collection of three shows 360, The Story of A Rabbit and Floating plus some new events including Stories from an Invisible Town and How I Got Here.

Why not pop over to their site where you can join Hugh Hughes for a cuppa. Or you can follow him on Twitter at @HughHughes or even check him out in his Dressing Room..

The Wonderful World of Hugh Hughes at the Festival

360 Oct 12 - 17
Story of A Rabbit Oct 13 - 17
Floating Oct 14 – 17

Competition Time - Lying Down

2010-10-06T13:06:00.001+01:00

The Festival is delighted to announce a competition in association with The Ark for a family pass, that's four tickets, to ‘Lying Down’ on Thursday October 14^th in The Ark.

All you have to do is answer this simple question

Where is The Ark situated?
A) Dun Laoghaire
B) Temple Bar

C) Blanchardstown

Email your answer to marketing@dublintheatrefestival.com with your name and contact details.

About Lying Down

When you’re lying on your back, the world looks, sounds and smells totally different…

Three cheeky sisters live in a magic house, a house where nothing is what it seems and sometimes the most unlikely things come alive! Lying Down is about small fears, big dreams and the power of imagination. An enchanting, thrilling fairytale for everyone who loves exciting bedtime stories, wild goodnight songs and a little magic in their life.
Lie flat on your back, doze off with your eyes open and let your dreams carry you away with this deliciously lazy show.

The Ark will have a big bed of mattresses so children can watch this show sitting up or lying down!

Lying Down is at The Ark Oct 14 – 17. Suitable for 5+.

More Info | Book Tickets

Druid's 'The Silver Tassie' Opens Tonight!

2010-10-05T16:13:00.002+01:00

Winner in 2009 of 12 major international theatre awards in 2009 including Best Production, Outstanding Director and Outstanding Ensemble, Druid is back at the Festival with a production you simply won’t want to miss. Using all the resources of the theatre including live music and dance, this is an epic staging of one of Sean O’Casey’s greatest plays ‘The Silver Tassie’ which opens tonight at The Gaiety.

The show programme for The Silver Tassie (available at the Gaiety) features a number of contextual short essays by Keith Jeffery and Frank McGuinness and include some very interesting World War 1 facts.

Did You Know?

Between August 1914 and November 1918 approximately 210,000 Irish served in armed forces engaged in the First World War.
During the First World War there were three distinctly Irish Divisions, the 10th (Irish), the 16th (Irish) and the 36th (Ulster) Division. Within these were nine Irish infantry regiments, the Irish Guards and eight regionally-raised ‘line’regiments. Most Dubliners would have enlisted in the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, or ‘Dubs’ as they were known.30,000 Irishmen died in the war: Ireland’sgreatest demographic catastrophe since the Great Famine.
The Queen’s Theatre, the home of melodrama in Dublin, throughout 1915 almost exclusively staged plays about women (A Woman’s Hour, Her Luck in London, Only A Woman, The Shop Girl and Her Master, The OId Wife and the New, The Queen of the Redskins, The Mother’s Heart) and
none about the war.

The Silver Tassie shows at The Gaiety Theatre Oct 05 - Oct 10.

Book Tickets | More Info

TALKING THEATRE: Members of the company. Oct 6, Post-show 10pm (approx.)

Phaedra Review

2010-10-05T11:01:00.001+01:00

By Darragh Doyle.

I have only one regret about Phaedra.

I'm not sure why I'm so surprised by the play. I have seen Rough Magic's work before and it's always been of great quality.

I'd also watched some of the cast in other productions so knew their pedigree. It is the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival after all, the show has sold out and I've rarely seen anything in the Project Arts Centre that I didn't like, so my reaction to the piece, some 24 hours on, still bemuses me.

I hadn't read beyond the brochure description - "the placing of a Classic story in modern Ireland ". Phaedra is a woman who loathes her husband, the scurrilous Theseus, but is in love/lust with her stepson, Hippolytus. The basic story is how all characters react to this.

This new version by Hilary Fannin and Ellen Cranitch does bring it to a modern setting, but with no compromise on the strength of the story. Very relevant, it focusses on the damage that excesses can bring, even if you don't think you're dependent on them. It's a sobering, chilling tale - no light hearted drama this, yet the theatrical experience overwhelms all that. The standing ovation at the end was well deserved.

The story is important in this play and is treated with the respect it deserves. I wonder if this is the influence of Lynne Parker. This has been a project in development for years and it shows. From the entirely impressive spectacle of the set to the fantastic live soundtrack performed by onstage musicians to the incredible costumes, I was instantly bewitched by it all, seduced by the language and feasting on the sumptuos spectacle presented to me.

It never lost me, even for a few minutes. Admittedly I scribbled notes, but haphazardly, afraid I'd miss something on stage. The script for Phaedra is magnificent - it's one of the few I'd reread to enjoy the turns of phrase. This isn't classical speak - there's plenty of modern references and you don't need to even know who Euripides is to get this. Instead sit back and let the vista presented to you wash over you like the sea we never see.

Of all the characters and actors on stage yesterday, I have to single out Sarah Green's portrayal of Ismene. I'd previously seen Sarah in Gúna Nua's Little Gem at the Peacock and thought she excelled in the role but yesterday, for me at least, she was the one grounding factor in the play - in a funny way her character was the story - as damaged as we are by our own actions, as affected as we are by others, as many mistakes as we learn, see and experience, we're still greedy, hungry or stupid enough to attempt gain at the expense of others and ourselves. Ismene was lewd, crude and common and Sarah was a wonderful choice to bring this to the stage. Definitely one to watch.

That's not to diminish in any way the other performances. Stephen Brennan's Theseus was abhorrent, while Michéle Forbes was a wonderful casting as Enone - perfectly played. Gemma Reeves and Allen Leech had a believable and enviable chemistry as Hippolytus and Aricia while Catherine Walker's Phaedra was a pathetic creature, perfectly pitched and acted; wonderfully performed.

Fionnuala Gill as Artemis too put in a brilliant performance - and the inclusion of the singers - Rory Musgrave and Cathy White - added an unexpected dimension that reminded me of the story's origins. This is a hugely ambitious production that is professionally done - a true testament to the quality and experience that Rough Magic has.

My one regret about Phaedra - other than that I won't get to see it again at this Festival (and I would) - is that I sat too close to the stage. Sit at least five or six rows back to get a full view of the stage and incredible set. You won't regret it.

Well done Rough Magic. Theatre at its finest.

Darragh is Communications Manager of Boards.ie, entertainment and events blogger in Ireland.

Phaedra runs at Project Arts Centre Sept 30 - Oct 10

Book Tickets

Behind the scenes of Pan Pan's 'The Rehearsal, Playing The Dane'

2010-10-04T12:47:00.008+01:00

Pan Pan’s 'The Rehearsal Playing the Dane', opens at the Festival tomorrow following a number of successful previews over the weekend. To audition or not to audition that is the question though. Over the weekend all Hamlets performed. So now it's your turn, come see and vote for who you wish to play the Dane.

Susan Conley took a ‘behind the scenes’ trip to the rehearsals of ‘The Rehearsal, Playing the Dane’ for the Irish Theatre Magazine.

Gavin Quinn appears to be the last director in Ireland who would throw his book across the room. As the second act of The Rehearsal: Playing the Dane unfolds, from time to time Quinn gently insinuates himself into the set, and guides the action along the way in which he would prefer it happen. Actions are repeated, by actors who are happy enough to do so, and the work flows, with very little intervention from any of the production team.

In a play that’s already well-haunted; each audience member is bound to bring in the spectre of the Dane that he or she has seen and admired, and has designated as the “perfect Hamlet”; upon seeing the play anew, many may wonder if the actor who is about to tread the boards can meet the expectations of the beloved shade (mine is Ralph Fiennes, in the Almeida production directed by Jonathan Kent in 1995; the production was excellent, but I also had a terrible schoolgirl crush on the actor, so take it with a grain of salt.)

The Haunted Prince, In Triplicate, Irish Theatre Magazine

‘The Rehearsal Playing the Dane’ shows at Samuel Beckett Theatre Oct 1 – 10.

Book Tickets now.

+565 Review

2010-10-01T13:37:00.000+01:00

By Darragh Doyle

I would love to meet Marie O'Rourke's doctor. Any doctor who'd advise theatre as a therapy is okay in my book.

565+ is an interesting premise. Marie O' Rourke, a school teacher living in Bray takes the stage to share her love of theatre and why she's seen over 565 plays in the last seven years. I sat in the Cube at Project Arts Centre, notepad on lap taking notes and at one stage scribbled "I really want Marie not to be a character, I want her to be REAL" because she seems like a lovely person, someone with natural flair who sits well in front of a crowd - or a classroom.

I've experienced Director Úna McKevitt's work before - Victor and Gord was a highlight of last year's Absolut Fringe for many and the most recent version at the Kilkenny Arts Festival was a delight. Úna seems to value real life, real people and exposition of what really motivates people on stage and she does it in a distinctive, intimate and sometimes disconcerting way.

I was at the opening night last night - it's important to note that for the rest of my review. The play is Marie's story about why she's been to the theatre so much in the last seven years. Emotional, interesting and engaging, there's a lovely concept here.

565+ made me think "If I was put on stage, how would I act? What would I tell people about?" and at times the simplicity of the set - chair, desk, piano - and the transition between scenes or stories made me think of plays I'd have put on with my little sister at home. Marie has a talent in telling a story - the image of polishing the floor was particulary lovely and her own talking style - her choice of words, of expressions - all endeared her to me. Simple statements were often disarming: "The Pope came to visit Ireland and we all got a bit over excited" provoked a guffaw of laughter.

There were other parts of 565+ too that have real potential. The reason Marie goes to the doctor in the front case. Her first experiences of the theatre and what she loves and hates now. Her connection to the audience - at one point she says "You have to have a very honest relationship with 10 year olds, else it doesn't work" and that, for me, became the great part of the play. Marie is the school teacher you loved in primary school - the one who told the best stories.

That's why, perhaps, despite the above, 565+ in its present form just didn't work for me. Every story has a start, middle and end but 565+ jumped (fell?) between the cracks and the resulting piece was a bit all over the place. We were brought high too quickly with Marie's enthusiasm and then dropped very low with the harsher stories. It was a bit too disconnected for me.

There were gaps in the narrative that seem less like a theatrical device than an ommitance. If the story was put more in order, the relationship between Duncan, the Stage Manager and Marie explained earlier - and, strangely - if Marie had explained how this came to be a piece at all, it would, in my opinion, have created a much better play. Marie was very brave to give the performance and this should be appreciated.

As it is, I'd love to see 565+ again when it's had a bit more time to mature, to settle, to get organised. I notice it's already been through "many tweaks, changes and running order rearranges" which is great to see. There's a great concept there and the necessary structure the play requires is attainable, with a bit more work. There's story to be told here, but it could be told in a slightly different way. Like a story you'd tell a 10 year old.

Darragh is Communications Manager of Boards.ie, entertainment and events blogger in Ireland.

+565 runs at Project Arts Centre Sept 28 - Oct 3.

Book tickets for +565

Special Events at the Festival

2010-10-01T11:35:00.003+01:00

Alongside the thirty one shows at this year's Festival, we also have a programme of special events featuring performances, post-show discussions, the Theatre Censorship Conference, The Next Stage and In Development.

Tonight the first of our Special Events takes place following T.E.O.R.E.M.A.T. in the O'Reilly Theatre. Druid's Literary Manager Thomas Conway will be in conversation with Grzegorz Jarzyna, writer and director of the show.

There will also be another discussion at 9.10pm (approx) following CIRCA in the Gaiety Theatre with Director Yaron Lifschitz and members of the company.

If you can't make these events you can still participate in the conversation by following our Special Events twitter hashtag #ubdtfse or leaving us a comment here on our blog.

The complete list of Special Events can be found on our website here.

CIRCA Review

2010-09-30T14:24:00.011+01:00

By Darragh Doyle.

What do you think "Theatre" is? What is a show at a "Theatre Festival" going to be about? What will it feature? Will you get it? Will you enjoy it?

What if I told you it was this?

There was a moment watching CIRCA last night where the fantastic action on stage, the huge skill, choreography and strength on display and the gasps and audible silence (bear with me) from the audience took second place to a thought in my head: How could I describe this to someone who couldn't see?

CIRCA, from Australia, is not easily definable.. It's not a "show", a "performance" or a "piece". It's not what you might consider "classic" theatre. There's no actors, no narrative or "story". It is instead something completely different - and I think this is why the audience loved it so much.

The programme for Circa describes it as "a new kind of circus ... combining acrobatics, dance, light, sound and video [where] seven performers move from highly complex tumbling sequences, to fast-paced flashes of great intricacy." and really that's a good description, while completely limiting it because words can't describe it well enough.

There are seven performers and they move around the stage, but it's HOW they move that made the show such a visual treat. "That's how the body should move" I scribbled, afraid I'd miss something on stage. Lots of it made me want to shout "Do that again!"

This isn't circus - it's circus PLUS. Watching the strength, the skill and the fun on stage last night made me want to get up there and join in. Jumping, leaping, falling, tumbling, dancing, balancing, swinging, hula-hooping - Circa shows how it can be done - with years of training and skill. I'd love to be able to do it. There's no way I could.

The audience loved it. They laughed, gasped, cheered, looked disblelievingly at some of the acts (How did you ever think of doing that?" and participated fully in others.

The audible silence I spoke of was the sound of the full Gaiety holding their breath watching some of the acts, or holding their applause in case it interrupted the massive concentration on stage. Some of the simplest looking acts - hands in the light, free-standing somersaults, swing balancing - were the ones that commanded the most attention. Silencing the entire theatre with just a click of the fingers is a skill all on its own. The lighting and sound too were superb.

I wrote on my notes last night "Don't think of this as "theatre, think of it as an experience, a celebration, an example of what the human body can do, what years of training, practise and enjoyment brings. See the trust the performers have for each other. Watch the fun they have." - and maybe that's the best thing to do. It was for me the best possible way to start the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival - a visual spectacle of beauty that everyone enjoyed. I met friends last night who would gladly have sat down and watched it again, right there and then. Wonderful.

Darragh is Communications Manager of Boards.ie, entertainment and events blogger in Ireland.

CIRCA takes place Sept 30 - Oct 3 at the Gaiety Theatre.

Don't miss out - book tickets for CIRCA now

Festival Opens Today!

2010-09-30T12:27:00.005+01:00

We're delighted to welcome you to Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival 2010!

It's all systems go with 31 shows from 10 countries in 22 venues across Dublin City over the next 18 days! Check out the full programme online now.

Last night Ulster Bank's 'A Night for Dublin' was held in The Gaiety Theatre with a special performance of CIRCA. The show received such a great response from Dublin audiences with a standing ovation and lots of great 'tweet reviews' flying in! Make sure to tweet at us @dubtheatrefest or include the hashtag #ubdtf10 . Here are a few from last night;

DHRComms Thank you to @DubTheatreFest for a great show - 'Circa' - last night. Would highly recommend it!

johnfrankIII @DubTheatreFest Amazing night @ Circa. Open-mouthed awestruck audience and standing ovations. Thanks for a wonderful night of theatre/circus

desfitzgerald Just in from preview of 'Circa' @dubtheatrefest. Truly extraordinary performances. I'm worn out just watching such physicality #ubdtf10

darraghdoyle @loughlindeegan Jaysis Loughin, if @dubtheatrefest is all as good as Circa, people are in for a HUGE treat! #ubdtf10

Cloudsteph My God, Circa was superb. Who knew serious acrobatics & dance could get along so fabulously?! #ubdtf10

CailinCymraeg: If you go to one show in the #ubdtf10 I recommend you see Circa: http://wp.me/sQY4k-circa

thegreatestberk CIRCA - If only everyone danced and threw themselves around like that all the time #ubdtf10 #CIRCA

AoifeDonohoe CIRCA is incredible. Up there with Cirque du Soleil. Had such a brilliant night at the Gaiety #ubdtf10 #CIRCA

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Meanwhile, in venues and theatres across Dublin city the tech get-ins and rehearsals are taking place. One show kicking off tomorrow is T.E.O.R.E.M.A.T. written and directed by Grzegorz Jarzyna who's work has been astonishing audiences in Edinburgh, LA and beyond. T.E.O.R.E.M.A.T., described as the standout work of the 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival, is a hypnotically beautiful exploration of the social, political and religious ideologies which made Pasolini one of the revolutionary thinkers of his time. If you, like us, can't wait to see it then check out the Festival Video on this page.

As the Festival is in full swing, you can now check the day-by-day calendar of what's on. Some performances are selling out, you have been warned! You can book tickets online here, by telephone on 01 677 8899 or drop into the Festival Box Office at 44 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.

Enjoy the Festival!

Total Theatre Award winning production The Author set for Dublin audiences

2010-09-27T17:02:00.012+01:00

The Festival is delighted to welcome back Tim Crouch who captivated Dublin with his sell-out hit ENGLAND in 2008.

Performed within its audience, The Author at Project Arts Centre, October 12th - 17th, tells the story of another play: a shocking and abusive play written by Crouch who oversteps the line. The Author is a highly original and terrifyingly seductive journey into the horror of our mediated world. See below for a short clip from the production.

'This is a dazzling theatrical experience that lets nobody off the hook, opening our eyes to what should be blindingly obvious: we all have a choice'

Lyn Gardner, The Guardian 30/09/09

TALKING THEATRE: Tim Crouch and members of the company. Oct 17, Post-show 2.20pm (approx.)
PANEL DISCUSSION: WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? Oct 16, 1pm-2.30pm, Project Arts Centre.

Book your tickets now

(Please note -this performance contains material that may be disturbing. Recommended for ages 18+.)

Invitation to Guest Review on our blog

2010-09-22T17:36:00.004+01:00

As well as being a fan of theatre, do you have a passion for music? Well if so, read on!

This year we are inviting a number of you to be a Guest Reviewer on some of the shows during this year’s Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival. This week, we’re selecting 'Małe Instrumenty’ -performing as part of our Lost In Translation series of events celebrating Polish culture in Ireland. 'Małe Instrumenty’ is a band exploring new sounds using a wide array of (very) small instruments, strange musical inventions, children's toys and anything they can find that makes a sound.

If you think you would be up for the challenge of doing a Guest Review for us then drop us a comment below telling us why and we’ll pick the best comment who will receive a set of tickets to the show plus dinner for two at The Church Restaurant, Jervis Street, Dublin 1.

Listen to Małe Instrumenty on Myspace

Presented in association with ArtPolonia.

Proudly supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport and The Embassy of Poland in Dublin

Next Stage participants announced.

2010-09-22T10:57:00.002+01:00

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is delighted to announce those participating in this year’s Next Stage programme.

Described by past participants as "career changing," a "rare amount of inspiration" and "a once in a lifetime opportunity," The Next Stage is the artist development strand of the Festival. The challenging programme, spanning all 18 days of the festival, is an intense combination of exposure to the highest quality theatre and active participation. In addition to a nearly exhaustive schedule of performances, there is a series of talks and workshops led by some of the world's leading theatre makers. Past workshop leaders/speakers include Stephen Rea, Lloyd Newson, Declan Donnellan, Anne Bogart and Tim Crouch. Up to sixteen Irish theatre practitioners from all disciplines have been chosen to participate in this intimate programme.

Participants this year include; Brian Bennett, Louisa Carroll, Edwina Casey, Niall Cleary, Peter Daly, Grace Dyas, Franziska Marie Gramss, Lara Hickey, Louise Lewis, Rosaleen McDonagh, Ruairi O’ Donovan, Christiane O’Mahony, Liam O’Brien, Lydia Prior, Michelle Read and Megan Riordan.

Presented in association with Theatre Forum and supported by Irish Theatre Trust.

For further details on the programme and those participating please visit http://www.theatreforumireland.com/the-next-stage/

The Silver Tassie - What the audience says

2010-09-20T10:22:00.006+01:00

"Garry Hynes has given full rein to the intensity of O’Casey’s message"

Sunday Independent, Sept 5th 2010

“Garry Hynes's fine new production emerges as one of the great (anti-) war plays”

Colin Murphy, The Irish Independent, Aug 30th 2010

Tony Award-winner Garry Hynes directs a cast of 19 - Druid’s biggest ever company of actors - and welcomes back some Druid favourites including Aaron Monaghan, Eamon Morrissey and Derbhle Crotty. It will be performed from Oct 5th - 10th at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin following a recent tour of Ireland. Last week we caught up with it at the Town Hall Theatre Galway, to see what the audience thought.

TALKING THEATRE: Members of the company. Oct 6, Post-show 10pm (approx.)

Proudly Supported by the Irish Times

ENRON - An era-defining, must-see theatrical event!

2010-09-17T17:20:00.008+01:00

It's a sign of Chichester's new adventurousness that, in partnership with Headlong and the Royal Court, it is staging theatre's latest attack on corporate corruption. Lucy Prebble's hugely ambitious play, covering the rise and fall of the Texan energy company, Enron, is an exhilarating mix of political satire, modern morality and multimedia spectacle.

Michael Billington in the Guardian

Lucy Prebble's Enron already looks like the play that all the others will have to beat at this year’s theatre awards. Rating: * * * * *

Enron, at Minerva Theatre in Chichester, The Telegraph

Boasting a host of awards including an Olivier Award, the most talked about show of 2010, ENRON, lands in Dublin direct from an extended run in the West End this October 12 - 16 at at Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival.

TALKING THEATRE: Members of the company. Oct 15, Post-show 9.45pm (approx.)
PANEL DISCUSSIONS: The Smartest Men in the Room?; Oct 15, 5.30pm-7pm. Gaiety Theatre.
No Way To Do Business; Oct 16, 5.30pm-7pm. Gaiety Theatre.

Presented in partnership with the British Council.
Contains strong language and a scene of a sexual nature.

Proudly Supported by The Doyle Collection

Book Tickets Now

Dublin Loves Drama - Festival Photography Competition

2010-09-13T11:45:00.000+01:00

We all know that Dublin Loves Drama and this year we want you to share your snaps from the streets of Dublin!

The theme for this year’s Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is Dublin Loves Drama and we’ve worked with Photographer Matthew Thompson to capture scenes from across the city. You’ll see these images on our website, in our brochure and across the city on billboards and in press. Now we’re turning it over to you. Have you captured drama on the streets of Dublin? If you have, share it with us on Pix.ie and be in with a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Sharing is easy!
Log on to http://pix.ie/group/dubtheatrefest to sign up and share your photos

Prizes
1. A Nikon s1000pj thanks to Nikon & Conns Cameras, 54 Clarendon Street, Dublin 2
2. One Year Membership to the Gallery of Photography and a place on its ‘Creative Approaches to Better Photography Course.’
3. Photographer at the next Phantom First Friday

The competition is open from September 8th to October 17th.

Małe Instrumenty (Small Instruments)

2010-09-06T10:20:00.004+01:00

Building on the Polski Teatr season, Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival in partnership with various arts organisations, presents a city-wide celebration of contemporary Polish culture and investigation of the cultural impact of migration. Today on the blog we take a look at Małe Instrument, a band exploring new sounds using a wide array of (very) small instruments, strange musical inventions, children's toys and anything they can find that makes a sound. They are performing as part of the Lost In Translation series of events at Liberty Hall on October 15th.

The text below is taken from an interview by Joanna Wojdas with Małe Instrumenty Polityka.pl, 20th June 2008.

Small is different: A fantastic five piece orchestra of toys. We do not claim that there’s anything wrong with a double bass or piano but using small instruments brings new, playful and energising performances. This band creates music using toys and exotic instruments in order to find new and innovative sounds. Having to deal with the obstacle that some of the sound devices have very amateur characteristics and do not fit the needs of performances, the band tries to find the middle ground between ‘charming amateurism and shiny perfectionism’. They don’t prescribe to conservative notions of mistakes or good taste. Every sound is equal for them. They accept the grotesque quality created through using these eclectic musical devices. Every performance is being prepared to the highest standards and is not just a concert of novelty music but a conceptual experiment in the field of music. Their work crosses boundaries of classical (with the work of composers such as Igor Stravinsky), improvised, noise music and even pop.

Listen to Małe Instrumenty on Myspace.

Presented in association with ArtPolonia.

Proudly supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture & Sport and the Embassy of Poland in Dublin.

Book Tickets Here

Behind the scenes of 565+

2010-08-27T11:38:00.005+01:00

Over the next few weeks, we take a 'behind the scenes' look at some of the productions participating at this year's Festival. Today we look at the extraordinary story behind 565+.

Following the success of her sell-out show Victor and Gord, Úna McKevitt continues her practice of making theatre from everyday life, and illustrates how the celebration of theatre can enable us, the audience, to express our longings and needs with dignity and humour, redemption and forgiveness. Below is an excerpt by Director Una McKevitt from the 565+ Blog.

"The idea for this show was formed as a response to Generation 2009, an initiative by Project Brand New in association with The Bealtaine Festival, a celebration of creativity in older age. Project Brand New's approach is to celebrate this creativity through the collaboration of older participants with artists from, usually younger, generations.

I had shown my first work as a Director, Victor and Gord, as a work in progress in Project Brand New in January of that year and it struck me that I knew a woman of a certain age who loved the theatre and who, if the opportunity arose, would get more involved; Generation was the perfect opportunity. I invited Marie over to my house and we wrote our application. In the past 4 years we had spent a lot of time together attending plays and discussing theatre and what it meant to both of us. I was particularly struck by how Marie had a compulsion to attend the theatre, her appreciation of it seemed to go beyond that of a regular theatre goer. Marie doesn't just like the theatre, she needs it. This need became the basis of our appliction and continues to inform our process.

Marie and I researched and rehearsed together for three weeks before the incubation week in Project Arts Centre run by PBN. That week PBN matched us with an artist from London, David Berridge, who we had an immediate affinity with. David's initial interest was in the huge collection of programmes Marie had amassed and in presenting these as part of our design; as an artist he has a specific interest in scores and notations and during the week David worked with Marie filling sheet after sheet with her words which we presented on the stage for people to read after the performance. David also bravely agreed on the first day, despite never having performed before, to join Marie in the piece and both made their stage debut that week. We also benefitted greatly from the input and advice of our PBN mentor Dee Roycroft who gently nudged me out of the director's seat and into the performance on the final day of rehearsals."

To read the rest of this post please visit the 565+ Blog

565+ is at Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival Sept 30 - Oct 3rd at Project Arts Centre, with previews on Sept 28 & 29.

More Info on 565+

Book Tickets for 565+

Úna Mc Kevitt is part of Project Catalyst, a Project Arts Centre initiative.
565+ is supported by Irish Theatre Trust and Project Arts Centre.

Behind The Scenes of 'The Silver Tassie'

2010-08-23T14:08:00.006+01:00

It's the last few days of Druid's technical rehearsals for their production of Sean O'Casey's 'The Silver Tassie' prior to a run at The Town Hall Theatre, Galway. Never fear, for you can also catch 'The Silver Tassie' as part of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival Oct 5th - 10th at the Gaiety Theatre.

Here is a behind the scenes peak at the final preparations as well as interviews with the creative team.

Book tickets now.

Blogosphere abuzz with Tim Crouch's 'The Author'

2010-08-19T18:09:00.004+01:00

The blogosphere is abuzz with reviews on Tim Crouch's 'The Author' at the Edinburgh Fringe. Performed within its audience, it tells the story of another play: a shocking and abusive play featuring a highly original and terrifyingly seductive journey into the horror of our mediated world.

Chris Goode, a member of the cast of 'The Author' has been keeping a daily blog documenting his experiences throughout the Fringe. This provides possible audiences with extra context prior to attending the show, or as The Guardian writes 'if you wait until afterwards, it allows the show to continue to resonate and grow.'

As Pony-Pie writes 'It’s not something to describe in any concise way here – it is an experience of and for the spectator,' so keeping that in mind, we'll keep this post short and let you read some of the reviews;

'Thompson's Bank of Communicable Desire' (Chris Goode's Blog)
Big On Glasglow ****
Theatre Notes

Tim Crouch's 'The Author' is at Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival October 12th - 17th at Project Arts Centre.

Book Now

Box Office Opens Tomorrow!

2010-08-17T12:58:00.006+01:00

Are you ready?
The long wait is finally over. From tomorrow morning at 9.30am the official Festival Box Office will be open. You can book online via dublintheatrefestival.com, or in person talk to the Niamh, Sorcha, Bernie or any of our box office team at the Festival Box Office based here at 44 East Essex Street in Temple Bar.

The first show that we're most excited about is CIRCA, coming to Dublin all the way from Brisbane, Australia.

'Brisbane-based Circa are hailed worldwide as one of the most dynamic forces in new circus. Hard to imagine that a trapeze routine could apparently swing from sensuality to torment? Well this is Circa's groundbreaking forte. By melding circus with contemporary dance and sparking the combination with a mix of new technologies and good, old-fashioned theatrical flair, Circa have evolved a style that probably eludes any concrete definitions. But what they do thrills and delights'

As part of the Festival, CIRCA opens on September 30th and runs until October 3rd . Read more about CIRCA.

Stay tuned to the blog over the next few weeks as we shall continue to preview shows, as well as posting some insights into the productions.

Festival Launch Video

2010-08-12T10:40:00.006+01:00

On July 28th, Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival was officially launched at Civic Offices,Wood Quay, Dublin 8.

View the Full Programme for 2010.

Dublin, a Living Portrait

2010-08-11T14:17:00.008+01:00

Over the next few weeks Matthew Thompson, UBDTF 2010 Campaign Photographer, will be profiling the Dublin Loves Drama campaign. Here is part one in a series of blogposts..

Like many good ideas, this was born in Library Bar of the The Central Hotel, unlike many such ideas, this one came to fruition. I had been called by Alvin Perry, Catherine Lennon and Annemarie Harrington of the Fresh design team to ask what I could bring to the 2010 Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival campaign when it was at pitch stage, it was worth a shot and with a meeting of minds this became the premise of the shoot.

I spent a week in late May with Fernanda Parente my assistant on foot in Dublin City Centre asking random strangers would they be interested in the project, to my joy and relief almost all asked agreed to our escapade.

Blog 1

“So allow me to be honest and tell the truth about our age and its People”. - August Sander

A frozen conversation, decontextualised and re-played, a shard of time and place. The parallels of the photographic portrait and theatre appear at first to be clear. It seemed apt now more than ever to take an honest portrait of Dublin. A city seemingly in dire need of re-definition. The physical city as a definition seemed inappropriate, whose is it anyway? What appeared were more pertinent was her citizens, the real actors of our human drama. If theatre is a living portrait of our society, then portraits reflecting the diversity of its players only seemed right. Direct and honest photography was what we felt would have the greatest impact in a society saturated and numbed with artifice.

It is not only about how a story is told or what a photograph represents but equally telling how it is understood. Though the absence of smiles or any masks of expression. The viewer is free to understand the situation their own way, through their personal experience.

Three dramatic words would be starkly juxtaposed against an apparent emotional vacuum. “Despair, Resentment, Hope" Two teenage girls sit on the public stage after school in Meeting house Square and confront our viewer. Who is judging whom, whom is under scrutiny? Has the obvious relationship been reversed?

The double portrait echoes the iconic classical Grecian theatrical masks. On a practical aural level they would amplifying the actors voice and on the visual one exaggerate a characters’ emotion but our idea was not to define but rather to suggest, allow the viewer to de-cloak the situation. Theatre and the photographic portrait equally facilitate self examining. Through identifying with our actor /subject we are encouraged to empathize with or reject their moral character. Through this process we come to a more concrete or clearer self awareness, like getting to know yourself through the lens of someone else.

Over the following weeks I will take selection of our encounters and try to convey what was happening at the time, the general chaos and that when a special moment arrives should be captured there and then.

Hope you enjoy.

Matthew UBDTF 2010 Campaign Photographer
http://www.matthewthompsonphotography.com/

View More Images From the Dublin Loves Drama Campaign on Pix.ie

Seven days to go until 2010 launch!

2010-07-21T11:28:00.001+01:00

We are just a short seven days away from launching the programme for this year's Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festvial.

Next Wednesday, July 28th, at 1pm our new website will go live with the complete programme. Priority Booking opens for Friends of the Festival from that day and then the full box office opens on August 18th at 9.30am.

We're so excited about this years programme, but we can't say anything just yet! Instead, we're going to give away a pair of tickets to the Opening Night of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival on September 30th.

Simply, answer this question below. Guesses closest to the actual figure wins!

How many performances will there be at this year's Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival?

Leave your answer in a comment below.

The Habit of Art

2010-04-14T11:40:00.000+01:00

Can it really be April already? All has been quiet on the blog front as we have been beavering away in the Festival offices, planning, scheduling and putting the intricate jigsaw that is a Festival together..

To keep everyone's theatrical appetites satiated, we are putting on the third in the series of NT Live, in association with the Irish Film Institute. The Habit of Art is the brand new show by writer of acclaimed 2008 show, The History Boys, Alan Bennett. It will have the usual pre-show behind the scenes action and interviews beamed onto the IFI screen and then kick off is at 7pm sharp. A great night out at the theatre for amazing value? I think so, for a major international production, tickets are only €15! Production quality is so good that you almost feel you're at the theatre itself!

Take a look at the trailer for NT live and see what its all about. Booking is through the IFI Box Office so get onto it before all those tickets are sold. Hopefully we'll see you there.

We will be announcing the 2010 programme at the end of July. Keep up to date with all Festival news by signing up to our ezine, become a facebook fan or send us a tweet.

Bye for now!
Shauna

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council.

2009-10-13T12:37:00.000+01:00

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival – another year over

All good things must come to an end and so Dublin’s oldest cultural event,Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival, closes its doors after more than two weeks of packed auditoriums, sell-out shows and rave reviews.

With an intensive and creative mix of contemporary, classic and documentary theatre, Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival has once again captured audience imagination, providing solid and cutting edge entertainment in a variety of venues across the city.

I’ve personally enjoyed the intensity and energy of the productions, with KAMP, slat, The Crumb Trail and The Manganiyar Seduction standing out as particular favourites. Whatever your own personal picks were, I hope you got the opportunity to see something that impacted you, as well as entertained!

Until next year...

The Age I'm In

2009-10-13T12:31:00.000+01:00

With an interesting and unusual cast that spans several generations, this contemporary dance performance cleverly interweaves the expectations, misconceptions, similarities and influences of age into a pleasantly honest and thought provoking show.

Through movement, dance, voice recordings and film, the cast mime to real life interviews, highlighting and questioning perceptions of age and its behavioural boundaries. Particularly effective is the seamless use of flat screens which add an extra dimension and edge to the characterisation.

With fluid dancing and storylines, the audience are pushed and pulled through a stream of reflections, prejudices and relationships. Also tackling disease and disability, The Age I’m In is another example of important theatre with a documentary element, cleverly wrapped and beautifully presented.

Elizabeth Rose Murray - Festival Blogger

The Blue Dragon

2009-10-08T15:30:00.000+01:00

Set in Beijing, this show is visually stunning, with one of the most dynamic and engaging sets I’ve seen during the festival.

Opening with a beautiful demonstration of calligraphy and a dancer exploding onto the set against a backdrop of lightening, The Blue Dragon uses the stage to convey emotion and plot in an enigmatic and commanding way.

Swiftly moving the audience from planes and airports to bars, apartments, cycle rides and art exhibitions, the projected images add to the vibrant scenery changes, enhancing the play’s atmospheric quality. The boat journey is particularly memorable and the dance scenes add a touch of elegance, especially the striking performance against a backdrop of snow.

Using a combination of English and Chinese dialogue to add authenticity, the lives of all three characters interweave through humour, frailty, desperation and hope, culminating in an unexpected twist at the end.

Definitely one to watch if you want to see how perfectly a multimedia approach can be used, The Blue Dragon is an exciting visual feast.

Elizabeth Rose Murray
Festival Blogger

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Radio Muezzin

2009-10-07T10:15:00.000+01:00

Radio Muezzin is calling you

Discussing the ancient Muslim tradition of adhan, or call to prayer, Radio Muezzin presents an open an honest portrayal of how new legislation in Egypt will affect the lives of Egyptian muezzins. It is a beautiful production which is as important as it is enlightening, filled with achingly poetic songs, masterful voices and bare, honest facts.

Soon to be replaced by live radio transmissions from 30 hand-picked muezzins, four Muslim men who play a role in the adhan invite the audience into their daily lives. Against a backdrop of prayer mats, private video footage, radio and strip lights, each has an original story to tell and gives a warm and generous account of their life.

Revealing their opinion of the legislative decision and the personal impact it will have, you’re given a rounded view of the situation in Egypt. It’s handled without lecturing or cajoling, which is particularly important in today’s cultural climate of religious ignorance and distrust.

Radio Muezzin is heartwarming and informative, but it’s not all serious; there’s a short-circuited gherkin, weightlifting and an interest in light-bulbs thrown in. You’ll just have to go and see it to find out the connection.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Elizabeth rose Murray - Festival Blogger

The Crumb Trail

2009-10-06T16:55:00.000+01:00

The Crumb Trail Reviewed

Bizarre, dark and hilarious are the first three words that spring to mind with this production. At first the show may seem a little bit too disconnected, but this becomes part of its genius: stick with The Crumb Trail and you’re guaranteed to be entertained.

Using Skype, popular YouTube videos and live music as well as unusual props (a loaf of bread is cooked during the performance), the tale of Hansel and Gretel is twisted into an ingenious format which also covers uneasy topics such as death, paedophilia and rape.

The four characters are an exciting mishmash of lively, loving, sinister and menacing. The actors are an impressive bunch, overtly revealing both the frailties and vindictiveness of human nature with an injection of humour and nonchalance. Gretel is particularly powerful and disconcerting.

Expect comical renditions of Hamlet, neuroses, sorrowful music and vocals, bitchiness, over-hammed dancing and a leftfield approach to a classic children’s tale.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council.

Elizabeth rose Murray - Festival Blogger

2009-10-05T15:27:00.000+01:00

DV8's To Be Straight With You

Based on interviews with real people, DV8 fuses the energy of dance with the power of language and the possibilities of multi-media, to craft a beautiful and complex production which really has something worth saying.

Covering sexuality, race and religion, To Be Straight With You combines dance, music and interactive imagery with graffiti boards, news pieces and recorded telephone conversations to present worrying facts that show how prevalent prejudice remains across the globe.

Presenting various stories from many different viewpoints while transporting you to a range of countries, including South Africa, England and Nigeria, this multi-layered production shows the fragile and interchangeable nature of human understanding and tolerance. From activists to closet homosexuals, family beatings to religious pride and suffering, DV8 presents an all encompassing vision of what it is like to be gay in modern society.

As well as feeling suitably informed and probably outraged by the amount of injustice in the world, you’ll also leave admiring the beauty and intelligence of the show. The dance scenes are incredibly expressive and perfectly sychronised to the theme, music and multimedia. The interactive globe was particularly impressive and I was amazed by one of the most exciting and sensual duets I’ve seen on stage.

To Be Straight With You is a brave show which handles delicate themes in a humane and informative way without patronizing or insulting the audience. It’s exciting, important and I hope to see more.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council.

Elizabeth rose Murray - Festival Blogger

2009-10-05T15:14:00.000+01:00

Three Sisters goes down a storm!!

Don’t be put off by the fact that Three Sisters is three hours long and in Russian with English surtitles. This is a vibrant and graceful production, with a beautiful set and impeccable acting.

Known for its dark, philosophical wit, Three Sisters weaves humourous and perceptive observations through political, social and historical topics. Flitting from naive and innocent gaiety to the solemnity and depression caused by the frustrations of small town life, this is a lively adaptation of what I believe to be Chekov’s finest play.

Themes such as love, marriage, adultery, family and loss are presented with a perfect blend of sarcasm and sensitivity, making the portrayal just as relevant to audiences today and it was when originally performed.

The characters are larger than life as they support, mimic, contrast and conflict with one another. The language doesn’t once become a barrier, as the actors expertly interpret the nuances of Russian traditions and humour to the audience through fluid and professional performances.

This is majestic theatre, encapsulating all the necessary components of a classic play to bring you one of the most impressive productions of Chekov you may ever see.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Elizabeth rose Murray - Festival Blogger

2009-10-02T11:17:00.001+01:00

SLAT – the stuff of beautiful nightmares

SLAT is intoxicating, yet the stuff of nightmares. A wild and energetic exploration of movement and sound in an intimidating warehouse-style space, this show has a magnetism that is both beautiful and alarming. Combining mesmerising and visceral performances with image projection, the cast skillfully displays the power and misuse of language.

Initially watching the movements of the untamed wolf-child through sheets of floor-to-ceiling muslin, you witness the exploration of basic, feral instincts. Various haunting percussion instruments attack the senses and everything moves in time with the pendulous swing of a bare, low-hanging bulb. As you watch the character learn about her emotions, the shadows creep and mimic her fear of the unknown. There is a very real sense of danger, of being almost under attack.

Moving to watch the rest of the show from the scaffolding, there is something intrinsically unsettling about the power of such a viewing position. As the cast continue their performance, the movement, sound and visuals become increasingly plaintive, sweeping a feeling akin to guilt through the audience.

Menacing and ethereal, SLAT is an intelligent, experiment show which uses the absence of language to show its power. It is truly spectacular!

Elizabeth rose Murray - Festival blogger

2009-09-30T10:30:00.000+01:00

KAMP

I’ve just come away from KAMP by Hotel Modern feeling both disturbed and in awe. One of the most innovative shows I’ve seen, the performance uses film, puppetry, lighting and sound to create a harrowingly honest portrayal of the atrocities in Auschwitz.

This is an important production which emanates a sense of unease from the moment you enter. Faced with a replica of the concentration camp, complete with rows of disfigured, torture-stricken puppets and an eerie soundtrack, you immediately feel uncomfortable.

Depicting a day inside Auschwitz, memorable and incredibly disturbing scenes are laid bare for the audience to witness, including arrival by train, hangings, loading toxic substances into gas chambers, attempted escape, meal times and officer parties.

Cleverly manoeuvred by three talented puppeteers, the subtle juxtaposition of events and intelligent set depict the passing of time, portraying a bleakness, desperation and loss of hope that is more than a little unsettling.

Shot from an array of angles and perspectives, the power of KAMP is in the detail. Simple images such as a child’s piggy bank amid decaying belongings, enlarged on a sepia screen, say more than any dialogue. Honest but never didactic, the wordlessness creates an emotive starkness as the audience takes on the role of witness.

KAMP is an intricately planned production which covers a very important and delicate topic in a new and startling way. I have a feeling the images will stay with me for a long time.

Go if: you want to see groundbreaking theatre, covering one of the most sensitive and important events of all time, using an unusual yet effective approach.

Elizabeth rose Murray - Festival Blogger

2009-09-29T18:27:00.000+01:00

Buck Jones and the Body Snatchers is a theatrical romp which will leave you feeling satisfied that you’ve been thoroughly entertained. This show caught my eye as soon as the Ulster Bank Theatre Festival Programme was launched. The idea of following the cast around a Georgian building was intriguing and certainly different to any show I’d seen before.

This production is excellently performed, with highly hilarious characters. Busty wenches, highwaymen, murder and revenge – the play has it all.

From the moment the watchman bursts into the room, to the closing scenes in the graveyard, the cast have you roaring in your seat. With bawdy comedy and innuendo, mishap and misunderstandings, the five-strong group skilfully play out multiple characters while seamlessly directing you around the various rooms.

The fun costumes and unusual setting add to the charm and authenticity of the performance. Buck Jones and the Body Snatchers boasts a punchy pace and the movement works – it’s up close, personal and great fun. You never know what’s coming next. I went on the afternoon performance but I’d imagine it would be even more atmospheric in the evening.

Go if: you want to indulge in some unadulterated comedy.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is principally funded by the Arts Council.

2009-09-29T10:12:00.000+01:00

Let the Manganiyar´s seduce you!

The Manganiyar Seduction is a very apt name. From the simple yet luxurious setting to the ethereal music, every detail is created to enthuse and excite the senses. As visual as it is aural, lighting is cleverly used to enhance the impact of the music and vocals while surprise, drama and comedy are used throughout to engage the audience.

One of the most attractive elements is the energy. From start to finish, the musicians maintain spirited performances despite being seated in small compartments. The drums actually made my lungs vibrate. Watch for the conductor exploding onto the scene. He orchestrates the show with verve and passion, driving it towards a dramatic climax.

The range of instruments is astounding. I’m still trying to find out what the name is of the instrument that sounded like a wasp – any ideas? Every voice is powerful, uplifting and beautiful. Somehow, each manages to remain individualistic, gathering momentum in a personal way whilst seamlessly fusing into a glorious sound which washes over the audience and has them swaying in their seats.

Another element worth noting is the sense of community. The Manganiyar Gypsies are Muslims who also worship Hindu deities and its astounding that such a high percentage of talented musicians could stem from such a secular group. The children are amazing to watch, proudly following in the traditions and influences of their fathers and grandfathers.

After the show, it’s worth taking a moment to absorb the excitement. Let everyone else queue to leave while you take a moment to reflect on what you’ve just seen. It’s not often something like this comes along and it should be savoured.

Elizabeth Rose Murray - Festival Blogger

2009-09-22T15:05:00.000+01:00

Almost there…

With only a few days to go, the city is buzzing with anticipation. Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival posters adorn every lamp post, bookshop and billboard possible.
Tickets are selling fast!

As there’s so much to choose from, here’s an at-a-glance mini guide to the shows I’ve not yet covered:

The Blue Dragon: A vivid and emotional journey through hi-tech wizardry and magical storytelling.

Tales of Ballycumber: The power of memory, words and violence are explored in Sebastian Barry’s commanding production.

The Birds: The Du Maurier/Hitchcock classic takes to the stage with chilling and enthralling results.

To Be Straight With You: Compelling and poetic dance theatre exploration of tolerance, sexuality and religion.

Freefall: An intense and humourous journey as a stroke sufferer tries to rebuild his life from an explosion of memory.

Radio Muezzin: Documentary theatre at its best as hauntingly beautiful music accompanies four of Cairo’s Muezzins as they challenge Government decisions.

The Age I’m In: An emotive dance-theatre production exploring how we inhabit our age.

The Crumb Trail: Using a full suite of multimedia, discover a desolate world without fairytales.

Cet Enfant: With live music on stage, a simple yet emotional portrayal of what binds parents and their children.

The New Electric Ballroom: A glitter-dusted tale revealing the spiritually dampening effects of small-town life.

Once and For All: A multiple award winning show full of chaos, energy and magnetism. You might even miss being a teenager.

The Dead School: Pat McCabe’s novel comes to life on the stage in a titanic clash between modernism and tradition in 1970’s Ireland.

Silver Stars: a moving and eloquent song-cycle telling real-life tales of gay men seeking happiness from Dublin to New York.

slat: An intense combination of music, dance and live-art portraying the lives of feral/wolf children.

A Woman in Progress: An intriguing journey from small town life in county Mayo to the glitz of the drag world.

No Worst There is None: A ground-breaking fusion of contemporary choral music, poetry and performance set in one of Ireland’s finest houses.

Hansel and Gretel: An original and hair-raising take on the Brother’s Grimm classic (age 7+).

Hans Christian, You Must Be An Angel: A magical feast of the senses, visiting timelessly favourite characters (age 7+).

Goodbye Mr Muffin: A warm, humourous tale about the last days of a guinea pig (age 6+).

Songs From Above: Musical stories under the stars for children aged 2-4.

There’s also a range of special events that will involve and inspire you. You can order tickets direct from the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival website. My first show is The Manganiyar Seduction. See you there!

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Festival Blogger - Elizabeth rose Murray

2009-09-21T14:21:00.000+01:00

Festival Pick for today: KAMP

A powerful production without words, KAMP deals with the atrocities of Auschwitz using a stage-sized model of the concentration camp and thousands of miniature hand-made puppets. Using an inspired combination of animation, music and visual arts, actors relay events using hand-held cameras and the audience become witness. Imaginative, powerful and evocative, KAMP tackles one of the world’s most horrific events in a unique and dignified production.

Contains images of an adult nature.

Your chance to talk: speak to members of the company and discover the workings behind this commanding piece after the show on September 30th at around 9pm.

Samuel Beckett Theatre | Sept 29 - Oct 4

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

2009-09-18T10:44:00.000+01:00

Festival Pick of the Day: The Pitmen Painters

We’re talking powerful, thought-provoking theatre when you combine London’s National Theatre and Live Theatre Newcastle with Tony and Olivier Award-winning Director Lee Hall (of Billy Elliot fame).

Set in 1934, The Pitmen Painters tells the story of working class heroes bettering their lives by investing in an art appreciation class. As their thirst for art grows, The Pitmen Painters gradually abandon the theoretical side and begin painting. Combining their jobs as miners with their newly found talent, the group refuses to comply with theories or conform to expectations and gradually earns a prestigious status within artistic circles.

Inspired by the book by art critic William Feaver, The Pitmen Painters addresses politics, cultural barriers and self-made opportunity, amidst a conflicting backdrop of art and mining communities.

Promising to humour and move you while making you think, this production will help you to realize the possibilities that lie within our grasp – the perfect antidote to the current economic climate.

Winner of the Evening Standard Best New Play Award in 2008, The Pitmen Painters draws on powerful dialogue and gritty realism. Already gaining rave reviews in the UK, The Pitmen Painters is set to become a global hit.

Of Interest: Internationally renowned writer Roddy Doyle will be in conversation with Lee Hall post-show on October 7th (approx 10.15pm).

For full details, click here

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

2009-09-17T12:02:00.000+01:00

Festival Pick For Today: The Manganiyar Seduction

Sometimes, performances come along that you just know are going to be special. The Manganiyar Seduction at the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is one of those performances.

Directed by Roysten Abel, The Manganiyar Seduction was originally created for the opening of the 2006 Delhi Film Festival. Since its first production, the show has been weaving its magic across the globe, including Mumbai, Vienna and Croatia, gaining critical acclaim with audiences worldwide.

Roysten Abel groups over 40 musicians from Rajasthan against a beguiling backdrop based on the red light district in Amsterdam, creating a music-box setting which promises to enchant and reawaken you. Spanning three generations, the singers unleash their deeply-rooted gypsy traditions and history through their musical charms.

To understand the depth, skill and authenticity of the show, it’s important to understand that the Manganiyar gypsies are a caste of Muslim musicians who traditionally played to Kings. Their songs reflect their heritage and range from classical ballads to Sufi mysticism, covering topics such as feasts, life, birth and marriage.

The Manganiyar Seduction combines the complexity of classical music with the richness of folk, resulting in a colourful and uplifting performance which harnesses the nuances of theatre to create magic in music.

For anyone who still believes in magic or would like to start believing again – The Manganiyar Seduction promises to be an epic musical spectacle that will be unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before.

Those who come away completely mystified can also take the opportunity to discuss The Manganiyar Seduction with Roysten Abel and members of the company on September 25th, post-show at 9pm.

I’m certainly looking forward to attending.

For a video clip and full details, click here.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Festival Blogger – Elizabeth rose Murray

Chekhov's Three Sisters

2009-09-03T11:50:00.000+01:00

Festival Pick: Three Sisters

Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre is the perfect venue for the beautifully timeless Three Sisters.

Under the direction of internationally renowned Director Declan Donnellan, Cheek By Jowl and the Chekhov International Theatre Festival combine forces to drive one of Chekhov’s finest plays into unchartered dimensions.

Three Sisters tells the tale of young upper-class siblings who feel trapped in their banal town and dream of leaving for a better life in Moscow, until the dashing officer Vershinin arrives in town, imploding their lives and their expectations of the world.

At once a majestic and humorous family saga, Three Sisters delves into death, frustration, self-delusion and longing with tenderness and authority. Hailed as a touchingly humane and emotional love story, expect to be swept away by unforgettable characters and outstanding performances.

A particularly enticing aspect is that the play is performed in Russian with English surtitles. This is something I’ve only ever witnessed in operatic theatre, so I’m intrigued by how the nuances and subtleties of the original language will add to the performance.

Of note: Among his many accolades, Declan Donnellan has received three Laurence Olivier Awards and in 2004 he was made a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his work in France. Declan Donnellan will be available for discussion and questions pre-show on September 30th at 6pm.

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is funded by the Arts Council

Festival Blogger - Elizabeth rose Murray

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival Launches

2009-08-11T12:57:00.000+01:00

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

Festival Season Starts

2009-04-30T17:38:00.000+01:00

The sun is shining, the days are getting longer, that can only mean one thing. Festival season is starting. As we start kicking into gear for the Festival and begin the long nights finalising the programme, the Dublin Dance Festival is about to begin. Highlights include at the Abbey, Apocrifu;and One Shot by the award winning New York choreographer Ronald K Brown. Over in Project Arts Centre, make sure you don't miss Loin, Work in Regress, and Structure and Sadness. So much to see, the only problem will be trying to fit it all in.

On other Festival news, we are starting to recruit our seasonal positions and internships are still available so keep an eye on the website for updates. A great opportunity to get to know the industry,learn lots and most importantly enjoy yourself why you do it!

Finally, we've been nominated for an Event Industry Award for Best Entertainment Event, fingers crossed!

Shauna Lyons
Marketing Manager

Friends' Outings

2009-03-12T14:17:00.000Z

During the dark winter months, the Friends Outings provide the opportunity for the Friends of the Festival to get together, see great shows and participate in interesting discussions. We kicked off the 2009 Outings at the world premiere of Marble by Marina Carr which was hosted in partnership with the Abbey Theatre to bring the Friends of the Festival and the Abbey together. Assistant Director Matthew Torney was joined by all of the cast on the stage after the show for what turned into a lively debate, that was carried on into the bar!

Next up is Rough Magic’s Solemn Mass for a Full Moon in Summer, described by Peter Crawley as "a towering achievement" in The Irish Times, at Project Arts Centre.

Finally, it is only 4 weeks until we head off on our annual International Outing to London. With an incredible line-up of Judi Dench in Madame de Sade, the National Theatre’s Olivier award winning War Horse and the smash hit musical Oliver! it promised to be an impressive weekend of theatre!

For more information on benefits and how to become a friend, visit our website!

Gemma Duke
Development Manager

Christmas Blog

2008-12-12T13:07:00.000Z

Can you believe its December already? The Festival offices are getting ready to close for Christmas and the rush to finish everything for Christmas is on! As Loughlin manages to take a well deserved break from his quest to find the best shows for 2009, all the rest of the Festival crew are taking time out to try and concentrate on Family, friends, food and festivities, replacing the obsession with shows, figures, trends and sales.

One of the biggest stars of the 2008 Festival, Vanessa Redgrave, gave the keynote speech in the Irish Theatre Institute International Theatre Exchange, which was part of the Festival's special events in 2008. We are delighted to share a recording of her speech kindly provided by the ITI.

Part 1
Part 2

This will hopefully satiate your needs for all things Festival until the New Year when the countdown begins to the 2009 Festival!

Shauna Lyons
Marketing Manager

Festival 2009: September 24 – October 11

Festival Club Blog!

2008-10-06T18:02:00.000+01:00

If you haven’t been at the Festival club then you are missing out! 11 nights into the Festival and the antics and fun have been spilling over from the theatres and into the Odessa Club, the official Festival club. Located in the city centre, in close proximity to all the venues, the Odessa has opened the doors to our participating artists and companies, festival staff, volunteers and our patrons and supporters. Open Sunday to Thursday until 12.30pm and late nights on Friday and Saturday, the Odessa has been home to informal chit chat about all that is happening in the Festival. Whether you are performing on stage, backstage or watching what is happening on stage, the Odessa is the perfect place to continue your Festival fun.

We kicked off our dancing shoes over the opening weekend with our first company night on Saturday, Many of our hard working artists arrived to let their hair down and dance the night away. With the music pumping, we had the boys from Black Watch showing off their Scottish reels, Coisceim showing people why they are one of our top dance companies and everyone throwing shapes and moves late into the night. Sunday was a more subdued affair as we toasted goodbye to the hard working and talented cast and crew of ‘Gatz’ and ‘England’ and ‘Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea’.

The festivities carried on through the week, with our Friends of the Festival on Monday, eager to meet one another and discuss all they had seen over opening weekend and to compare notes about what they had left to see. On Wednesday we had another company night which meant more dancing and late night madness! This past weekend brought our busiest nights so far, with the majority of companies in town, either with shows up and running or preparing to kick off for this week.

So, if you have not made it to the Odessa yet, be sure not to miss out this week! I expect that we will be busy again so arrive early in the night to guarantee entry and to be part of the unofficial theatrics of the festival that only occur after hours and behind the closed doors of the Odessa!

Sarah Baxter
Festival Club Host

Festival Events!

2008-10-03T12:18:00.000+01:00

Finally the festival has begun! Opening night was a huge success. Dodgems a co-production between Coiscéim and the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival in the O’Reilly Theatre was packed to the rafters. Once the show came down, to rapturous applause, guests happily made their way down to the Hugh Lane Gallery where the opening of the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival was celebrated in style in the beautiful surroundings of the gallery.

Now that the festival is truly underway we are very busy making sure that our Friends of the Festival and Sponsors are enjoying the festival as much as we are! On Monday we had our informal friends’ night in the Odessa Club, which was a very enjoyable night. As always it was great to catch up with the Friends of the Festival, both old and new! There was much animated chatter about festival highlights. Those who caught Gatz at the weekend were mesmerised and those with tickets to The Year of Magical Thinking were eagerly looking forward to the performance.

We’re also busy organising corporate entertainment for our Sponsors and Corporate Friends at the moment. The Westbury Hotel, Balzac and The Shelbourne Hotel are among the prestigious venues for our various corporate entertainment evenings over the course of the festival. DAA and Ulster Bank both had very enjoyable nights at The Year of Magical Thinking earlier this week at the Gaiety Theatre.

The first of our Corporate Friends Nights is taking place tonight and all those going are thrilled about the prospect of seeing Vanessa Redgrave. Those who would prefer something a little lighter are holding off until next Tuesday when we will be hosting our second night at The Cripple of Inishmaan in the Olympia Theatre. Either way both nights are guaranteed to be very enjoyable and a great way to entertain!

With still well over a week of the festival left there is lots of activity still to come in the Development Department!

Gemma Duke
Development Manager

Director's Update!

2008-09-15T16:54:00.000+01:00

And suddenly it’s September. But no panic! Things are in good shape. Very good shape if you use our crudest measure of success – box office takings! Sales are currently up almost 50%, even on last year’s record takings. This is very reassuring indeed, particularly in ‘the current financial climate’.

Nevertheless, I’m struck by what a crude measure box-office takings are, and how we tend to reduce a festival’s success to the level of growth in ticket sales. I was interested to read the press coverage following the recent resignation of the Director of the Edinburgh Fringe – one of the indicators cited being the fact that box office takings fell for the first time in many years. Booking issues aside (the Fringe changed Box Office systems this year with disastrous consequences), many people agree that the Edinburgh Fringe is already a victim of its own success and its huge sprawling programme could do with some judicious pruning and a lot more focus. This on-going need to announce epoch defining box office records year on year, might not be in the artistic interests of many festivals. Or, as Carrie Bradshaw might say, when it comes to festivals is size the only thing that matters?

And yet we’re obviously delighted that the programme is selling so well. My annual obsession with daily (ok, hourly) booking trends continues unabated this year. I’m delighted to see some of my favourite productions selling consistently well - Black Watch, Waves, Gatz, That Night Follows Day, While We Were Holding it Together and England. It looks like they will all sell out pretty soon, joining a list of sold-out (or almost sold-out shows) including The Year of Magical Thinking, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Caligula, First Love and Heart of Darkness.

And in other news, we’re delighted to announce that 17 artists have been chosen for The Next Stage artist development initiative. The chosen artists are here . These artists will see 18 productions over the course of the Festival and will participate in a series of workshops and talks with visiting artists over the entire 18 days of the Festival. With 66 applications, the selection was particularly difficult this year. The final participant, the Fringe Wild Card, will be announced as part of the Fringe Awards ceremony. The Fringe started on Saturday 6th (check out Wolfgang’s Hoffman’s last wonderful programme on www.fringefest.com) - so stay festival fit as there’s a lot of theatre to come over the next five weeks!

Loughlin Deegan
Artistic Director

Festival Box Office Opens its Doors!

2008-08-28T18:17:00.000+01:00

It’s already been over a week since opening our doors here at the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival and tickets are selling out fast. Our Box Office has been taking bookings over the internet, by fax and email and in person for some of our amazing shows such as Black Watch, The Cripple of Inishmaan and Metamorphosis. There were queues down the street on our opening day and this year has been undoubtedly the busiest in the fifty one years of the Festival!

The Festival Box Office in Temple Bar has been inundated with bookings for The Year of Magical Thinking starring Vanessa Redgrave. This show is almost sold out, so if you haven’t booked your tickets already, then pop on down to us on 44 East Essex Street or give us a call on 01 677 88 99. Alternatively you can visit our website at to read all about our wonderful shows that we have on offer this year. Each show has something truly special, offering the very best of international theatre.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the family when the weather is bad, then why not go and catch a performance of The Magic Flute at the Gaiety Theatre. This particular performance is an exciting one for the festival as the performers singing talents were developed through church choir groups, and using African and contemporary instruments. It is definitely for people of all ages. Dodgems, an Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival co-production with Coiscéim, who are one of Ireland’s leading dance companies, is promising to be an exciting and innovative production, set on a real bumper track, it will sweep you into an exotic world. Don’t miss out on your chance to purchase tickets, it promises to be a carnival theatrical extravaganza!

Michelle Cleary & Fiona Leamy

Festival Box Office

And we're off!

2008-08-07T18:01:00.000+01:00

It’s already a week since we’ve launched, hard to believe we’re at this stage already! After our press launch with some of the cast from the amazing Dodgems in Merrion Square, we launched in style in the very funky Science Gallery - wine and canapés for all! The programme hot off the presses, was unveiled and our campaign “feel” came into its own. This year, feeling is the new thinking where we explore how theatre affects us all emotionally and how the Festival can touch every one of us is such different ways. After all the months of planning there are no more secrets!

This year we have a bumper Festival topping the amount of performances from last year to 286 altogether. A busy 18 days it will be! 27 shows from 12 countries in 16 venues, we will be pushing out the boundaries like never before, presenting performances in unusual spaces like apartments and art galleries, adding new thematic strands to the Festival shows, and a special events section bursting with more panel discussions, initiatives and performance than you can shake a stick at! Not to mention that Vanessa Redgrave is coming to town and that we have secured the biggest show in the world at the moment - Black Watch is one not to miss!

Take a look at the website, soak it all in, plan like you've never planned before. Box Office opens August 20 but if you want the best seats in the house, you can book now and become our Friend

Shauna Lyons

Acting Marketing Manager
Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival | September 25 – October 12

2008 Festival - so close you can almost smell it!

2008-07-16T18:53:00.000+01:00

Time is staring to run away on us as we race to the Festival programme launch at the end of the month. How did it come to time of the year so quickly? The Festival offices are bursting with energy as they fill to the brim with new Box Office, Production, Admin and Marketing staff.

The brochure is being put to print, website redesigned, and box office installed. Not to mention the finishing touches to a programme which this year is so eclectic it almost escapes definition. Our Artistic Director Loughlin Deegan has been travelling extensively over the last 12 months in order to secure a programme of the highest calibre. After the success of the 50th anniversary programme last year, we didnt think 2007 could ever be beaten in its quality, scope and diversity - well it has! Two weeks today, we can finally tell the world when we launch in Dublin's funkiest venue...watch this space or sign up for email updates to get the news first!

Now, back to work!

Shauna Lyons
Marketing Manager

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival

Sept 25 - Oct 12 2008
http://www.dublintheatrefestival.com/

Post Festival Blues...

2007-10-18T11:00:00.000+01:00

It’s all over. The ~~fat~~ old lady has sung! At our rap party in The Cobalt Café on Sunday night the wonderful Young@Heart Chorus gave us their disco set including three Irish numbers they’d rehearsed just for us – Dirty Old Town, Teenage Kicks and a particularly salty version of An Poc ar Buile. We partied until late and woke up with a hang-over and a gnawing sense of anxiety – weren’t we supposed to be somewhere, hosting a reception, welcoming a delegation, opening a show?… nope… it’s all over. The old ladies and gents are on a bus to Ennis, Kretakor are on a plane to Budapest, and the hundreds of international artists whom we’d befriended for oh-so -brief a time have returned home. How we will miss them all.

I’ve heard a lot about the down that follows the Festival high, but I was having none of it. I had paced myself fine, got as much sleep as I could and knew what to expect. But oh no, come Monday morning I could hardly speak. I had a tightening in my chest and I lacked the will to live. But why the depression when things had gone so well? We had surpassed even our own ambitious box office targets (taking over €1 million at the box office for the first time in the Festival’s history), presented over 33 productions, almost all of which were warmly welcomed by audiences and critics, and we had achieved our overall goal of dramatically increasing the impact of the Festival on the city. Why so glum?

The received wisdom is that it’s to do with the adrenaline that courses through your body at Festival time. The only way to get through the madness and continue to function at such a hectic pace is to push your body and mind further that it naturally wants to go. Your system responds by declaring a state of emergency, and when the emergency passes, your system crashes. Nothing to be done about it. I said in an earlier blog that festivals are a drug and we’re their junkies – and as with all drugs, you must eventually come back down to earth with a bump.
So now we must find the motivation to begin the clean-up. Numbers to be crunched, loose ends to be tied off. And then it’s holidays for me before I begin the rounds of my travels again in search of next year’s programme. First up is a trip to the Festival D’Automme in Paris, followed by Speilart in Munich, then the Impulse Festival of experimental German work, and a national Israeli showcase in Tel Aviv. No rest for the addicted. Forever chasing that high that we crave so much. See you in October 2008 then, when we’ll be recklessly soaring skywards once more!

Loughlin Deegan
Artistic Director / CEO

The Last Hurrah!

2007-10-12T14:26:00.000+01:00

Can you believe it? After the months and months of planning, we're finally at the final weekend! The last bash! 'Once more with feeling!'

It's so strange that the end is now in sight (although I don't think any of our bodies would allow us to continue at this pace for much longer!). We've worked hard (and partied hard at the Festival Club), and now we find ourselves with the final few shows! How did that happen so fast?!

What's made it all even better is that we passed a huge milestone in the box office... For the first time in the Festival's history, the box office passed the €1 million mark in sales - so we celebrated accordingly with a glass of champagne (much to the surprise of the line of people queuing at our box office counters!) It was a huge moment in the history of the Festival and we're all so delighted that people have engaged so much with the programme and come to see so many of the shows in their droves!

We still have a small number of seats left this weekend. We've also had people waiting patiently at many of the venues each night hoping for returns (which many have got we're happy to announce) in a last-minute effort to get tickets shows that simply everybody is raving about.

So as we plan one last attack for the final weekend, we hope you to get to pack in one or two final shows also. And I'm sure there'll also be a few glasses raised to the wonderful success of the 50th anniversary in the Festival Club this weekend!

Ross Keane
Director of Marketing & Development

2007-10-09T21:08:00.000+01:00

Just over halfway through the Festival and as we say goodbye to many amazing shows, the next batch open in various theatres around Dublin. Amongst our opening weekend shows, SITI Company who gave us the wonderful bobrauschenbergamerica and Radio Macbeth, have gone back to New York, and the multi-talented 7 Fingers who wowed audiences with Traces in the Olympia have left our shores breathless. The middle weekend of the Festival brought some truly special events to Dublin. La Marea transformed the Italian quarter for three nights with beautifully cinematic stories staged in shop windows, restaurants and street corners. Every passer-by was treated to be part of a personal and poignant story, making us forget we were in Dublin on a chilly October evening. This week, we are very excited that Krétakör will still be with us performing a stripped down version of The Seagull, Pan Pan open The Idiots tomorrow at Project and a real gem, small metal objects currently playing lunchtime down at the Docklands gives will give a real treat to all passer-bys. It’s also a great excitement having such a worldwide hit as The History Boys coming to the Festival, and tickets are flying out the door so don’t be disappointed and miss this multi award-winning show. Our third and final Gala Corporate Night is at The History Boys tonight at the Olympia with pre-show drinks in SIN and dinner in Fire afterwards. Two more sponsor nights, a few more company parties and all of a sudden, the curtains will be coming down on the Festival.

It is great to see the marketing campaign coming to fruition as we hear everyone in theatre foyers around Dublin asking “What did you think?”, and after having so many full houses on a sunny Saturday afternoon across all venues in Dublin, it just shows how theatre can touch all shapes and sizes. We may only have five days left but we still have a plethora of productions to entertain the masses so book before it’s too late!!

Shauna Lyons
Marketing Assistant

Box Office Fever!

2007-10-04T14:28:00.000+01:00

So here we are at the end of the first week in box office and its all going so fast! I’m caught between mourning the fact that Hibiki is already over and I’m not going to be able to see it again and shaking with the anticipation of FINALLY seeing Radio Macbeth! The show that when I heard was being programmed all those months ago, made me nearly fall off my seat with delight!

There is a feverish excitement here in the box office. We are selling tickets for all the remaining performances and the tickets are going like hot cakes! Between that and being on hand to staff the venues we are all caught up in this fantastic celebration of theatre… and it really does feel like a celebration! We’re selling faster than we ever have before… the phones are hopping, the internet is going mad and the box office is swarming with people!

This is my favourite period of the Festival. It’s so wonderful finally meeting everyone you’ve been in correspondence with over the last few months. There are people coming into the box office who have booked world months ago from all over the world and yet who are greeted like old friends! “Ahhh your Mr Johns! Yes… I remember you booked from Los Angeles in September! How nice to finally meet you!” Putting names to faces of people who’ve booked online and over the phone, and hearing what their highlight has been… so far… because there is always another performance to be booked and another play reading to be heard!

Hannah Curnow

Box Office Manager