Home was never like this! Draiocht's major new theatre project
Dorothy had it right when she said ‘There’s no place like home’, and this Season, home is the focus in Draiocht.
Draiocht’s major theatrical project ‘Home Theatre (Ireland)’ culminates in 90 performances in homes all across D15 on the one night, 6th October and you can experience some of these plays as part of Dublin Theatre Festival from 10-13 October on Draiocht’s Main Stage. 46 professional actors and directors are involved. Their 20 minute monologues will be written with inspiration from the 60 Home Theatre Project participants, all from Dublin 15 and all who’ve been enjoying monthly workshops with Artistic Director Veronica Coburn since April. Who knows what the resulting plays will be about but we will certainly be watching this space. Eager beavers can purchase Early Bird Tickets for just €15 before 7th September. Speaking of Dorothy, Coolmine Panto Group presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’ this year, with Dorothy and her dog Toto being transported from their home in Kansas to the land of Oz, with Lovely Witch of the North, Dorothy’s Auntie Gertie and a variety of well-known colourful characters hot in pursuit to entertain you as always. The theme of home filters through to the Gallery Spaces too, with ‘Mulhuddart Satellite’, an exhibition by Draiocht’s Artist in Residence Michael McLoughlin, opening in November. Through soundscapes and artworks, the exhibition will explore place, belonging, friendships and the connections we have to the people around us. Pop into Draiocht and pick up a new Season Brochure now or have a look on their website or various social media channels.
WHAT’S COMING THIS SEASON
DRAÍOCHT - PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME
Culture Night is back and to celebrate we’re screening three FREE films on our impressive 4K cinema equipment as well as screenings throughout the Season of ‘Making the Grade’, ‘Cold War’, ‘Home Alone’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ among others throughout the Season. Our major theatrical project Home Theatre (Ireland) culminates in 90 performances in homes around D15 on the one night, 06 Oct and you can experience some of these plays as part of Dublin Theatre Festival from 10-13 Oct. This Season music fans can enjoy performances from Red Hurley, The 4 of Us, Christy Dignam, Declan O’Rourke and comedy audiences are in for a treat with The Nualas, Colin Murphy and Deirdre O’Kane. Ballet Ireland are back with The Nutcracker and Coolmine Musical Society bring us ‘Michael Collins – A Musical Drama’. Michael Harding returns in December and Coolmine Panto bring us ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in January.
DRAÍOCHT - CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Draíocht’s particular commitment to provide a range of opportunities for children and young people to engage in, is based on the belief that all of us, no matter how small, are entitled to access to arts and cultural experiences. This season we continue our Early Years Workshops for ages 2-4 years, where children can explore clay, shadow play and music. We will partner with Dublin 15 Community Centres to bring three shows for babies out into the community, including ‘Little Tiny Xmas’, designed especially for children under 5 with complex needs. The ever popular Felty Christmas Workshops are back as well as our Free Family Days. Draíocht’s Artist in Your Classroom Initiative continues for Primary Schools in D15 and we’ll collaborate once again with the Irish Film Institute by screening some foreign language films for Senior Cycle Students. We’ll recruit some new members for our D15 Youth Theatre with auditions taking place on 23 Sep for 14-18 year olds. Shows for young people include ‘Night Light’, Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Young King’, Oliver Jeffers ‘How to Catch a Star’, and making their debut, Lords of Strut (below) with their new show Absolute Legends!
DRAÍOCHT – VISUAL ARTS & ARTIST RESIDENCIES
Draíocht has two gallery spaces which are free to visit and open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm. Exhibiting until mid-October is ‘HOME’ which consists of two complementary exhibitions: ‘More than Bricks and Mortar - Works from the IMMA Collection’, and ‘Carrier of Memories’ by Ella Bertilsson and Ulla Juske - Draíocht’s inaugural INCUBATE commission, curated by Sharon Murphy.
Opening in November is ‘Mulhuddart Satellite’, an exhibition by our Artist in Residence Michael McLoughlin, that explores place, belonging, friendships and the connections we have to the people around us. We are delighted to announce ITB’s Ashling Smith as Draíocht’s Inaugural Creative Digital Media Graduate Award Winner. A free screening of Marie Brett’s filmic artwork, Last Breath, a short film exploring the experience of death and dying, takes place on 18 Oct. And we welcome Ceol Connected as Theatre Company in Residence for 2019, as we say a fond farewell to Collapsing Horse Theatre Company.