WORDS KATHERINE MURPHY
The Theatre of Memory Symposium, Abbey Theatre, 16-18th January 2014.
This three day symposium will see theatre makers mingle with the academics in an attempt to unlock the role that memory plays on the stage. In order to do this the distinguished panel will “discuss the role of memory in making theatre and the challenges of commemorating historical events”, particularly pertinent following the onslaught of theatre memorialising the 1913 Lockout and the upcoming 100 year anniversary of the Irish Free State. The guests vary from established authors, like Roddy Doyle and Frank McGuinness, journalists, Peter Crawley and Fintan O’Toole, and the theatre-makers of whom there are literally too many to mention.
For a €30 concession ticket you can witness three days of what is certain to be intense and exhilarating debate, as well as a performance of The Risen People. All that and a word from the President Michael D. too. Not too shabby.
A Tender Thing, Project Arts Centre, 23rd January-15th February.
“What if .. the star-cross’d lovers had lived and loved?”
The tagline for this enigmatic piece says it all. Siren Productions are looking to eliminate the secondary school production that haunts your idea of what Shakespeare should be. After Olwen Fouéré’s recent tour-de-force performance in RIVERRUN audiences are eager to see her take on another infamous text and inject it with the same sense of urgency. And with Owen Roe beside her, and Selina Cartmell at the helm odds are that A Tender Thing will enchant and beguile modern audiences in the same way the Bard enchanted and beguiled audiences gone by.
First Fortnight Festival, January 2014, see website for specific dates, festival runs
The first festival of the year kicks off the old and good. Neil Watkin’s The Year of Magical Wanking begins the new year, back from a tour of Australia. Dealing with the topical issues of porn, isolation and addiction this show is bound to fill theatres one more time.
Another returning show is Sorcha Kenny’s Dolls, boasting a sold-out run during the 2013 Dublin Fringe. The Irish Times was quoted as saying “it turns the gut and lights the mind” as the audience takes control of female performers. But there’s something new as well, and this time it’s looking at the masculine identity. Confusion Boats, directed by THEATREclub’s Grace Dyas look at why boys can’t cry.
There’s almost too much from one festival. Phew.
Wicked!, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, until 18th January.
If you haven’t already been to see it, go. If you’ve already been to see it, go again.
By far the largest, most professional West End show has made its way to Dublin. As a touring show the production values are (ever-so-slightly) lower than the longer runs in London. But this fantastic shows is drawing audience faster and faster everyday so make sure to book soon to avoid disappointment! For those of you hiding under a rock, it is a retelling of The Wizard of Oz from the seemingly ‘Wicked Witch’s’ perspective. Nikki Davis-Jones gives a superb performance as Elphaba. Her stunning rendition of Defying Gravity that closes the first act makes us hope that soon a few more musicals of this scale and standard will making the difficult crossing. Les Miserables anyone?
The Colleen Bawn, The Gaiety Theatre, 21-25th January, 2014.
Druid Theatre Company are one of the few Irish exports with a Tony to their name. And Garry Hynes, their co-founder, is the reason behind this. As director of this touring production of the Dion Boucicault melodrama, The Colleen Bawn, she effortlessly blends comedy with an acute humanity that is always present in her work. Oft-used and loved actors pepper the stage Marty Rea, Aaron Monaghan, and Rory Nolan bring their usual wit to the stage.
But, like they tell us, “don’t expect Victorian costumes, just expect to be enthralled.”
