SIAMSA Tíre re-launches its Choir – Cór Siamsa Tíre, and invites all who enjoy singing and interested in improving their health and wellbeing to join its developing choir.
The Choir’s information evening and informal rehearsal with Chorus Mistress Martina Ryan Murphy is on Monday, September 23 from 7-9pm.
Rehearsals will be on Mondays throughout the year and the choir will work on a combination of Irish composed traditional and contemporary songs in Irish and English which will be performed at community and choral events locally and nationally.
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As part of its continuing development, the choir will delve further into the Irish choral repertoire written or arranged by Irish composers.
The choral works that Cór Siamsa Tíre intend to uncover, as part of its development as Ireland’s premier choir in the performance of uniquely Irish compositions, date from the 1930’s up to the current period.
They range from sacred works to contemporary original settings to re-working of traditional Irish texts in the Irish language, in English and in many other European languages.
Now is an opportunity for local singers to improve their health and wellbeing by becoming part of Cór Siamsa Tíre while showcasing the excellence and uniqueness of Irish choral music and giving members an opportunity to perform for audiences locally and nationally.
.‘Well, Well, Well?’ opens at Siamsa Tíre in October. Photo by Pauline Dennigan.
A NEW contemporary artwork series, inspired by four of Ireland’s premier holy well sites — Lady’s Well, Rockspring and Tubrid Well, Millstreet in County Cork and St Michael’s Well, Lixnaw and Tobar na Molt, Ardfert in County Kerry — will be exhibited in Siamsa Tire next month.
Artist Marie Brett and blogger/author Amanda Clarke have partnered with a diverse community of holy well custodians, farmers, healers, historians, folklorists, scholars and interested neighbours in creating ‘Well, Well, Well?’ a body of artwork celebrating the role holy wells play in modern-day health and wellbeing.
The artwork spans dance, music, song, photography, print and film and will be premiered at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, opening on October 3rd with Emmy award-winning poet Alan Cooke, and famed traditional singer, Sonny Egan.
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The artwork tells the story of a local lad who visits a holy well in curiosity and encounters its guardian.
Accompanied and guided across three sites, he makes votive offerings, enters into the water and receives elemental healing. He returns fundamentally changed.
The work explores wellbeing, and questions how individuals, communities and governments are meeting contemporary healthcare needs.
The series combines factual community experiences of healing water and earth energy, with reimagined folklore and traditional customs.
The free exhibition will run from October 3 to October 30.
SIAMSA Tire has announced the appointment of Angela Ryan Whyte as its new CEO.
Angela is a past pupil of Kilflynn National School and Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Her passion for the arts began with her first stage experience in Siamsa Tíre.
Angela holds an Honours M.A. in Drama and Theatre Studies from N.U.I. Galway, as well as an Honours BA in English, Sociology, and Politics, and a Higher Diploma in Education.
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Angela Ryan Whyte is a multi-faceted theatre artist with an eclectic background holding many roles, including actor, playwright, director, producer, and drama facilitator and toured nationally and internationally.
She has been committed to fostering fresh voices and bold storytelling, and co-founded the national playwriting festival, ‘Scripts’, a unique platform for playwrights to develop their craft and connect with enthusiastic theatregoers.
She also has extensive work in youth theatre, her involvement with Jigsaw – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health and held a recent role in Offaly County Council Arts Office.
“Angela along with the dedicated Siamsa Tíre team, will develop a vibrant regional theatre and arts centre by delivering a diverse programme of different art forms, creating new Siamsa Tíre productions, with a focus on artist engagement and the diverse audience and community that it serves, while honouring and incorporating Siamsa Tíre’s traditional heritage past, present and future,” reads a statement from Siamsa Tíre.
.Cast members of ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Luke Healy, Michael Lynch and Jaidon Ward Barrett before Thursday night’s performance. Photo by Dermot Crean
TWO performances in and audiences are loving Siamsa Tíre’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most popular musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’.
It started on Wednesday and it’s been a sold out success over the past two nights. with just a handful of tickets available for Friday night’s show.
The cast and chorus have been in rehearsals since early summer and it sure paid off with amazing performances from the cast of all ages.
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If you miss the current run then don’t despair as there is a second series of shows from August 23rd – 25th.
The talented cast and chorus from across the county are under the supevision of award winning director Oliver Hurley, vocal coach and Choral Director for Killarney’s ‘Stronger Together Choir’ Sorcha O’Connor, and professional dancer/teacher Justin Walsh.
A core number of the children’s chorus are travelling from Killarney, Currow, Tralee and Castleisland to learn the tricks of the trade of musical theatre. For more on ticket prices and times of performances, click here. Scroll down for photos…
Cast members of ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Melanie Py, Rí-Ann Zhang, Emma Lynch and Bronagh Murphy before Thursday night’s performance. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members of ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Alannah Houlihan, Chloe Lacey and Nadja Rivas McHugh before Thursday night’s performance. Photo by Dermot CreanCast members of ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Padraig Harrington, Cormac Hurley, Sarah Brett, Róisín Sugrue, Colm O’Brien and Amy Naughton before Thursday night’s performance. Photo by Dermot Crean
.The cast of ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at Siamsa Tíre.
SIAMSA Tíre will present its summer production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most popular musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ starting next week.
Following a call out for musical enthusiasts to audition in June, producers of the show received an overwhelming number of registrations from adults and children across Kerry.
Auditions took place in June and the successful cast and chorus have been in rehearsals since with the signature musicals songs ringing through the halls of Siamsa Tíre.
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The series of shows will run from August 7-9th and 23rd – 25th. The lead of Joseph will be shared by Dominic Hurley and David Lynch while the shows narrators will be Sharon Walsh and Katie Anne Harris.
Mike Lynch will take on the role of Pharoah and Padraig Harrington will be Potipher with Caoimhe Scanlon playing Mrs Potipher and Diarmuid Barry playing Jacob.
Joseph’s brothers will be performed by Jaidon Ward Barrett, Gary Murphy, Jonathan Lynch, Jamie Cleary, Cormac Hurley, Gerry Lynch, Michale Pingo, Conor O’Sullivan, Kamron O’Brien, Colm O’Brien and Caroline Spillane.
The talented cast and chorus from across the county are enjoying the rehearsals with award winning director Oliver Hurley, vocal coach and Choral Director for Killarney’s ‘Stronger Together Choir’ Sorcha O’Connor, and professional dancer/teacher Justin Walsh as they prepare for opening night next week.
A core number of the children’s chorus are travelling from Killarney, Currow, Tralee and Castleisland to learn the tricks of the trade of musical theatre.
For more on ticket prices and times of performances, click here.
ARTISTS are invited to a special event next week at Siamsa Tíre.
Wild At Art is a restorative morning for artists to connect with each other and our inner wildness through art.
It takes place from 11am to 1pm on 11.00-1.00, Wednesday, July 17 at the The Gallery, Siamsa Tire.
Join artists Kate Plum and Lisa Fingleton (Kerry Artist in Residence) with Jasmin Stallard (Project Lead with the New Wave Wild Project.
The morning will include refreshments and a tour of the current ‘A Wave of Change’ exhibition. This is a free event, no booking is required and all artists are welcome.
SIAMSA Tíre has appointed Justin Walsh as its Community Engagement Manager.
He will be responsible for connecting with the Siamsa Tíre Community cast and the diverse communities across Kerry, to explore opportunities to deepen relationships, develop engagement and performance opportunities and explore new partnerships.
Nicola Hopcroft, Acting CEO, Siamsa Tíre said: “Community engagement has always been a core part of what we do at Siamsa Tíre and it will be pivotal in our future arts programming as we meet the needs of a more diverse community of artists and audiences in Tralee and Kerry. We look forward to Justin’s return to Siamsa Tíre in this new role, bringing his experience and expertise to support this.”
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A native of Listowel, North Kerry, Justin began his theatre and Irish dance training at the age of five with the Jimmy Hickey School of Dance in Listowel and at seven began training with Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.
He graduated to perform in National Folk Theatre productions, notably Justin played the child role of Jerry Munnix the travelling dancing master in Fr Pat Ahern’s production of Ding Dong Dedero – Forging the Dance.
At 18, Justin became a full-time professional member with the company, providing training in various disciplines of theatre and dance and in particular the Munnix style of Irish dance unique to North Kerry and the folk theatre.
He was also part of the creative teams on productions including Clann Lir – Children of Lir, Oileán- A Celebration of the Blasket Islands and Moriarty the story of John Moriarty and many more.
Justin has toured both nationally and internationally with Siamsa Tíre representing Ireland at Expo 92 Seville Spain at age 11 and performing at the world-famous Fords Theatre Washington DC in 1999.
At age 20, Justin pursued a career in dance in Dublin and trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary Dance at The College of Dance, Diggs Lane.
During his training, he took part in a workshop for Riverdance producers Moya Doherty & John McGolgan and performed the lead role and principal dancer of RiRá.
He subsequently successfully auditioned for Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” which began an eight-year touring career worldwide.
During this time, he performed in Michael Flatley’s productions of “Celtic Tiger” and “Feet of Flames” and in 2008 he joined “Riverdance the Show” touring extensively with a highlight of performing with Michael Flatley at Madison Square Garden New York City.
Justin also performed as lead dancer with the Norwegian Theatre Company in their production of “Playboy of the Western World”.
He has also performed on TV in Ireland and America. Justin’s qualifications include a Diploma in Professional Dance Training (College of Dance, Diggs Lane) and a Master’s Degree in dance performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance University College Limerick. Justin continues to teach and is guest tutor in University College Limerick.
SIAMSA Tíre is throwing open its doors this summer to all talented performers who love musical theatre.
Auditions will take place in June to be part of the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ which will be staged over two weekends in August.
They are seeking an all adult lead cast, an adult chorus of singers and dancers and a children’s chorus (8+yrs).
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So if you’ve dreamed of treading the boards, this is an exciting opportunity to take part in one of the most popular musicals of all time.
Working with award winning director Oliver Hurley, vocal coach and Choral Director for Killarney’s ‘Stronger Together Choir’ Sorcha O’Connor, and professional dancer and choreographer Justin Walsh, you will learn the tricks of the trade of musical theatre and perform in one of Ireland’s state-of-the-art theatres.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a sung-through musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the character of Joseph from the Bible’s Book of Genesis.
This was the first Lloyd Webber and Rice musical to be performed publicly. More than 20,000 schools and amateur theatre groups have staged productions.
.Playwright John Fraher with the cast of ‘The Game’ in rehearsals at John Mitchels GAA Complex this week. Included is Rory O’Mahony, George Lowe, Mags Slattery, Sorcha Uí Shuilleabháin and Eoghain Sheehy. Photo by Dermot Crean
AN acclaimed, powerful play will be staged in Tralee next week by the talented Zyber Theatre Company.
‘The Game’ written by John Fraher, was first performed in Siamsa Tíre back in 1992. It’s an emotional drama set within the confines of a dysfunctional family and their associates, where life becomes a game.
The Tralee-based theatre group is known for its wonderful productions and the cast of five — George Lowe, Mags Slattery, Eoghain Sheehy, Sorcha Uí Shuilleabháin and Rory O’Mahony — have been busy rehearsing since before Christmas to deliver performances from Wednesday, May 22 to Friday, May 25 at 8pm nightly.
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The play has been performed by various drama groups down the years to great acclaim by those attending and this production will no doubt emulate those stagings.
In fact, writing in The Kerryman back in 2002, when the play was staged at Siamsa Tíre, Michael Commane said; “The Game’ is a serious study of what failure, misery, pain is about. It is anything but a laugh, but a play no one should miss”.
The show begins at 8pm nightly. Tickets: €21/€19 +Booking fee and is suitable for people aged 18 and over. Contact the Siamsa Tíre box office 066-7123055 or click here to book online.
.Cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘The Crucible’. Photo by Will Nolan
IT’S all systems go for students at Mercy Mounthawk as the prepare to presents the American classic drama, The Crucible at Siamsa Tíre next week.
The cast and prouction team have been preparing for months to bring the famous play, written by legendary playwright Arthur Miller, to the stage and audiences are in for a treat on January 25/26/27.
A cast of 23 students will grace the stage in this challenging drama inspired by the Salem Witch Trials in late 17th century New England, but with themes which resonate in today’s society.
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In Salem Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693, more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft, and nineteen were found guilty and hanged.
In the play, we meet John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, and the people of Salem. We witness the destructive power of superstition, rumour, hysteria, and accusation, and what happens to a society, any society in any age, as a result.
Cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘The Crucible’. Photo by Will Nolan
The play is directed by Dense Buckley and Frank Houlihan with assistant directors Lisa Healy, Michelle Daly and Christine Ryan.
Choreography is by Christine Ryan and Rachel O’Neill, Costume by Leonora Breen with Fionnuala Casey on props duty.
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Set is by Denise Buckley, Mairéad Ryan, Tadgh O’ Sullivan, Declan Costello. Stage Manager is Janna Foley and assistant Stage Manager is Christine Ryan.
Lighting: John Hurley handles the lighting while Sound duties are taken up by Ronan Redican and Bronwyn O’Keefe.
Hair and Makeup is by Rachel O’Neill and team. Front of House is Martina Lawless and Team while Photography and Poster Design is by Will Nolan. Programme by Molly Giltenane and Katie Nagle with Raffle and Tickets by Bria Keane.
Cast: Reverend Parris: Eoin Griffin, Thomas Putnam: Jamie Cleary Lynch, Ann Putnam: Sarah Brett, John Proctor: Conor O’Sullivan, Elizabeth Proctor: Róisín Sugrue, Rebecca Nurse: Molly Sheehy, Giles Corey: Richard Doyle, Reverend Hale: Sam Akinyemi, Francis Nurse: Tom Gleasure, Ezekial Cheever: Daragh O’Shea, Marshal Herrick: Rohan Carter O’Flynn, Judge Hathorne: Pavlo Marin, Judge Danforth: Jakub Mikolajczuk, Abigail Williams: Charley Harris, Betty Parris: Rachel Moynihan, Tituba: Hannah Aladasenusi, Susanna Walcott: Ri-Ann Zhang, Mercy Lewis: Sasha Stack, Mary Warren: Amy Heaphy, Martha Corey: Joanne O’Sullivan, Sarah Good: Emma Ryan, Gallery: Sarah Breen, Keira O’Sullivan
The play takes place nightly from 8pm to 11pm (including interval). Tickets: Full €17, Child <16yrs €14, Family 0f 4 €50 +Booking fees. Suitability: 12yrs+. (this performance contains sex references, hanging punishment and minor mentions of violence). Call the Siamsa box office on 066-7123055 or To purchase tickets, click here.
Cast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘The Crucible’. Photo by Will NolanCast members in Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘The Crucible’. Photo by Will Nolan
.The ladies from Johnny’s Cottage bring their show to Siamsa Tire on January 6.
THE social media sensation that is Johnny’s Cottage with Breeda Hurley, Miriam Moriarty Owens, and Áine O’Callaghan is set to bring all the fun and mayhem of their online show to the theatre in a few weeks time.
The show entitled ‘Johnny’s Cottage, A Hooley in the Kitchen’ will come too Siamsa Tíre on Women’s Christmas, January 6.
It will feature a host of surprise guests, music, dance, and laughter. Johnny’s Cottage is the brainchild of sisters Breeda and Miriam.
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A few years ago they decided one night to go live on Facebook to show friends how to bake an apple tart and it took off from there.
Two became three when their mischievous sister Áine joined in and then their antics really grabbed the attention of their many followers. The Johnny’s Cottage show now goes live at least three times a week.
It has amassed a following of over 30,000 weekly fans and some of the videos have become viral sensations with millions of people watching.
Johnny’s Cottage is a truly authentic entertaining show where the love of three sisters is evident and the fun they have is side-splitting.
Miriam says: “We are not afraid to let our hair down and can get up to anything including swimming in a kids pool, falling into the bath, and mimicking TV shows such as the Rose of Tralee and the Apprentice. The stage show will be no different with lots of special guests on the night and some of our best bits.”
Breeda continues: “The three of us embody what it is to live life to the full and not to ever care about any negative judgment. We have recently completed our first cookbook with a difference and now we are delighted to bring a night of good craic to Siamsa Tíre. We can’t wait and it is lovely to do this on the night of Women’s Little Christmas. Anything could happen on stage!
Áine simply states: “Ye better watch out, especially Miriam.”
Tickets for Johnny’s Cottage, A Hooley in the Kitchen are on sale now from the Siamsa Tíre box office by calling 066 7123055 or online by visiting www.siamsatire.com with the show starting at 8pm on Saturday January 6th, 2024.
.Tralee students learning about lighting, sound and stage management.
SIAMSA Tíre hosted 60 students from Tralee secondary schools to introduce young women to careers in lighting, sound and stage management.
The collaboration between The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin and the Abbey Theatre saw students from Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School and Tralee Presentation Secondary School take part.
The purpose of the national roadshow is to engage female pupils from secondary level schools throughout Ireland by presenting and facilitating workshops geared towards increasing awareness of technical theatre, stage management and the importance that these departments play in the professional creation of a live performance.
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These workshops will be designed and overseen by industry professionals who lead technical departments at The Lir Academy and Siamsa Tíre is providing the technical systems and staging for the students to learn and work in a live environment during the two hour workshops.
Tralee students learning about lighting, sound and stage management.
The performance aspect of the workshop will be led by an Abbey Theatre drama facilitator with experience of working with young people.
“There is always a shortage of skilled theatre workers across Ireland and locally so it is wonderful to see young women being given an opportunity to see the potential roles open to them, providing them with state-of-the-art technology and technical professionals within our theatre,” said Jonathan Kelliher, Artistic Director Siamsa Tíre.
“This is an extension of the supports we provide to local secondary and stage schools that showcase their own productions on the Siamsa stage, bringing it to a new level with technical skills. We look forward to more educational collaborations going forward.”
The Women in Technical Theatre workshops national tour is supported by Bank of America, Access and Learning Partner of the Abbey Theatre.
.Cast members from ‘Showtime — A Musical Extravaganza’ looking forward to the show next week at Siamsa Tire. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE talented students at Presentation Secondary School are once again preparing to light up the stage for their annual show which takes place over two nights next week.
‘Showtime – A Musical Extravaganza’ will be presented at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 at 7pm on both nights.
The musical tradition at the school was revived in 2022 with ‘Magic of the Musicals’ and again with the ‘Best Of Broadway’ in May of this year, showcasing the amazing artistic talent of the students.
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Oliver Hurley is once again on board as director, working with the cast since early September so they’re now ready to dazzle audiences with scenes from Legally Blonde, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Miss Saigon, Footloose, West Side Story, Waitress and much more.
Cast members from ‘Showtime — A Musical Extravaganza’ looking forward to the show next week at Siamsa Tire. Photo by Dermot Crean
With Musical Direction from Laura Crowley and Honor Hurley on choreography duties, you can expect a top class production to entertain all ages. The show runs from 7pm to 9pm (including interval and tickets cost €15 (Concession €12), Family of 4 €50 + booking fees. To book online, click here.
Cast members from ‘Showtime — A Musical Extravaganza’ looking forward to the show next week at Siamsa Tire. Photo by Dermot Crean
CLASSICAL music fans are in for a treat this weekend with the Irish Chamber Orchestra set to perform Beethoven’s epic Piano Concertos No’s 1 and 3 at Siamsa Tire this Saturday at 7.30pm with internationally renowned pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout.
Kristian Bezuidenhout is one of today’s most notable and exciting keyboard artists, equally at home on the fortepiano, harpsichord, and modern piano.
He is an Artistic Director of the Freiburger Barockorchester and Principal Guest Director with the English Concert, a regular guest with leading ensembles including Les Arts Florissants, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester; and has guest-directed (from the keyboard) the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, and the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
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At the heart of the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s vision is the belief that music is for everyone and this nationwide tour brings the works of Beethoven to Kerry with Ireland’s leading classical musicians and international guests.
Beethoven’s epic Piano Concertos Nos 1 and 3, brim with loveliness and elegance tell a coming-of-age story.
Piano Concerto 1 reflects a young man eager to make his mark on the world while Piano Concerto 3 is the music of an emerging giant pounding towards ingenuity and deafness.
ICO is orchestra-in-residence at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick and is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland.
SIAMSA Tíre has announced Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh and Greta Curtin as the two young people who will join the NASC Network Young Curators programme for 2023/24.
Siamsa Tíre and its partner venues in the Nasc Regional Venue Network have teamed up to present a national festival across eight regional theatres – from Tralee to Letterkenny, from Galway to Dun Laoghaire – in June 2024 and programmed by the team of young people selected through a nationwide open call.
Throughout the year, the Young Curators will have the opportunity to meet up with curators from the other venues across the NASC Network.
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They will each receive mentoring from industry professionals in marketing, touring and venue management and will learn about negotiating deals, how to approach artists and companies, and how to manage budgets.
They also visited the Galway International Arts Festival last week to experience arts programming in the flesh. In Spring 2024, the Young Curators will work towards programming events for a week-long festival which will take place between 3rd and 8th of June, 2024.
Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh
Máirtín Ó Cathasaigh is a singer, musician and actor from Lispole. He has been a member of the National Folk Theatre and the Community Cast of Siamsa Tíre for many years and is now a student in NUI.
Máirtín was chosen as a Young Curator last year and is keen to continue what he started in this year’s programming, bringing his artistic flair and youthful enthusiasm to Siamsa Tíre’s programme of events.
Greta Curtin, hailing from Brosna, Co, Kerry, began playing music at the age of 4. She has a special love of Polkas and Slides, which are very popular in the Sliabh Luachra area.
She has dedicated her time solely to music and is now teaching music full time at Brosna CCÉ and is the resident concertina teacher in Killarney School Of Music. Greta has had great success at Fleadh Cheoil over the years in solo, duet, bands and group competitions.
She has visited many locations all over Europe, the United States and Russia performing with Gaelforce Dance, Celtic Legend and other groups.
During the summer she is show supervisor in Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland and was musical director in its production “Cultúr”, A Decade of Centenaries event.
In recent years she has teamed up with Jessie Healy (fiddle) and Darragh Horan (guitar) to form a trio. They are currently rehearsing to record an album together under the Sliabh Luachra label.
The Young Curators Programme, based on a project originally conceived and delivered by Backstage Theatre, Longford in 2020, is targeted at young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who want to gain experience in working in the arts, especially those interested in venue and festival management and programming.
The curators were selected on the basis that they were from, live in or have a strong connection to Tralee or County Kerry and its communities; had a passion for the arts and for attending performance; enjoyed working with a small team; liked organising events and making things happen; and being able to make the commitment to the programme if selected.
The project is about programming and producing creative work in the performing and visual arts – selecting shows that they may have seen for Siamsa Tíre’s programme of events or making a show in collaboration with the young curators in other venues. Curating will include managing the event from the first conversation with the artists to the day of the performance, making sure everything runs smoothly on the day. In this, the young programmers will be supported by the team here at Siamsa Tíre, the young curators at the other participating venues, and the professionals hired to support the programme including project co-ordinator Maisie Lee.
Established in 2006, the Nasc Network is a partnership of eight venues who work together to present touring projects and share marketing and other areas of expertise.
The Nasc Network Venues are An Grianán Theatre (Letterkenny), Backstage (Longford), Dunamaise (Port Laoise), Glór (Ennis), Lime Tree Theatre (Limerick), The Pavilion (Dun Laoghaire), Siamsa Tíre (Tralee) and Town Hall Theatre.
The Young Curators Programme is based on a project originally conceived and delivered by Backstage Theatre, Longford in 2020.
SIAMSA Tíre is calling on all locals and visitors to Tralee to rock out and take part in two dance challenges that will be filmed and produced for a German cultural exchange campaign in social media and YouTube that will go live at the end of August.
Siamsa has been collaborating with Bayern Tourism on a Bavarian cultural exchange which is now coming to Kerry on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
The first Dance Challenge takes place on Wednesday at 8pm in the theatre of Siamsa Tíre. Bavarian dancer Katharina Mayer takes on the challenge of learning the traditional Irish Munnix dance step unique to Siamsa Tíre.
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Katharina will take to the stage with National Folk Theatre cast to learn and perform a dance from the production of Fado Fado – its first production dating back over 50 years.
The second Dance Challenge is on Thursday. Meet at the Rose of Tralee Memorial statue at 12 noon in Tralee Town Park and join Katharina to learn traditional Bavarian dance.
Bavarian dance pays no heed to dress style, age, social class or culture. Together, people from all backgrounds dance, spin, clap, stamp, jump and bow in time to the music. The formula is simple: watch for a while then join in.
The aim of this cultural exchange is to show the Irish attitude to life, hospitality and diversity. The first part of the exchange involved sending members of the National Folk Theatre as Irish ambassadors across to Germany in June to meet colleagues who have a similar creative understanding to their own.
Irish Ambassadors from the National Folk Theatre, Anne O’Donnell and Derwin Myers took part in the annual Munich Festival in June and took on a food and dance challenge live in front of festival goers.
Likewise, during Katharina’s visit, she too will take on an Irish food challenge and learn Irish dance in exchange for teaching her Bavarian dance to locals.
The project will be produced in Germany and promoted on social media and publicity channels by Bayern Tourism and Tourism Ireland so if you want to take part in this cultural exchange and feature in this international cultural documentary then join Siamsa Tíre on the 19th and 20th July.
SIAMSA Tíre will open up its courtyard for outdoor gigs this summer with Siamsa Sessions, featuring up-and-coming emerging artists on Saturdays across July to September.
Siamsa Sessions open on Saturday, July 15 with local Tralee rock band Aftershock at 7pm. The winners of Mercy Mounthawk’s Battle of the Bands in 2020, Aftershock, features Conor Breen, Darragh Breen, Coren Hughes, Seamus Fleming, and Sarah Brett.
They are one of Tralee’s most popular classic rock bands and after the release of their single on Spotify, ‘Another Chapter Ends‘, in 2021, Aftershock are poised to be one of Kerry’s leading music acts of the future.
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This will be followed by local singer and busker Ger O’Hanlon on July 29. August brings original alternative rock band Queenless Kings, supported by Questionable Plays on the 12th and September is an opportunity to see Instagram trad stars from Meath, An Chéad Ghlúin Eíle live on the 2nd and singer/songwriter Lauryn Griffin on the 9th September.
The Siamsa Sessions will provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents and build a following while performing in a professional and fun environment.
As the courtyard has a limited capacity it is advised to book tickets early and if the weather turns or demand is high, the live performance can move inside. For further information visit www.siamsatire.com or contact 066 712 3055.
AUDITIONS for the National Folk Theatre of Ireland’s three-year training programme at Siamsa Tíre will take place this week..
These auditions are open to children between the ages of 7 and 12 and take place at three locations in Kerry.
On Thursday June 15th, the children of North Kerry can audition in Teach Siamsa in Finuge from 6pm to 8pm.
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On Friday June 16th, it will be the turn of children in West Kerry with auditions in Teach Siamsa in Carraig from 6pm to 8pm.
Then on Saturday June 17th, the action moves to Tralee where auditions will be held in Siamsa Tíre from 10am to 5pm.
Children are asked to come to these auditions ready to perform an Irish dance step, a song, and/or a piece of music.
The auditions are by appointment only and can be booked by ringing the Siamsa Tíre Box Office on 066 7123055.
“We are always in awe of the talent that comes into us every year to audition and it ensures a very bright future for the National Folk Theatre as we look forward to training the next generation of stars for our stage and beyond. We look forward to meeting all the talent that our county of Kerry has to offer,” says Anne O’Donnell, Training and Development Officer with Siamsa Tíre.
School auditions will also take place throughout June so if your school would like to give their students the opportunity to audition for the National Folk Theatre Training Academy, please contact Anne O’Donnell on email at anne@siamsatire.com.
The children lucky enough to pass the audition process will be invited to enrol in a three-year formal training programme of traditional Irish dancing, singing, and drama.
Classes will take place weekly throughout the school year and after the three years, children will be offered opportunities to perform on stage as part of Siamsa Tíre’s folk theatre productions and get involved in other National Folk Theatre opportunities nationally and abroad.
These auditions could be the first step in making your child’s performing dreams come true. For more information, visit www.siamsatire.com/events/training.
THE Board and Management of Siamsa Tíre have made a joint decision to suspend all non-profit-making productions after June 17 and for the remainder of the summer season.
The board said this will provide an opportunity to secure the necessary funding to review the production offerings for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, while the organisation prepares for a relaunch of its programme.
A statement from the board released yesterday reads as follows; “The Board believes that building on Siamsa Tíre’s cultural legacy, and with strong support from its community cast, that the organisation and venue have a valuable contribution to make, both as a receiving house for national and international productions, and as a centre of excellence for traditional arts performance and practice.
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This decision enables the National Folk Theatre offering to be reimagined in an exciting and innovative way that, while honouring our tradition and heritage, will be more relevant to contemporary audiences.
In the meantime, the venue remains open for business and will continue to be a community cultural hub, hosting a wide variety of performances across theatre, music, dance and traditional arts for local audiences and visitors to the southwest.
The Siamsa Tíre Academy, which offers exciting developmental prospects for the organisation that we will continue to explore, will also remain open.
The loss of momentum due to closure during Covid 19, the changing face of the tourism market, compounded by the rising cost of living and energy prices have been key factors in reaching this difficult decision.
However, the Board is happy to confirm that we are in discussion with Kerry County Council, The Arts Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaelteacht and Media to secure Siamsa Tíre’s future; we are grateful for their ongoing commitment, support and agreement on Siamsa’s fresh direction, as we seek a new way forward.
We will continue to work with them in the coming months. This is an exciting time for the organisation, and we are optimistic about the opportunity to work with all our stakeholders, as we pivot to a new model,” the statement concluded.
WITH news of the passing of the great Tina Turner yesterday, local fans will have a chance to hear her music performed live by a renowned tribute act in the coming weeks.
Siamsa Tíre will host ‘Rebecca O’Connor as Tina Turner — Simply The Best’ on Sunday, June 4, while she’ll be in the INEC in Killarney on Friday, June 9.
Rebecca O’Connor from Cork has enjoyed sold out shows throughout Australia, South Africa and Europe over the past 12 years.
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Rebecca will bring her show to audiences along with her band and dancers and the shows will take on an extra poignancy since the death of the iconic artist this week.
Rebecca O’Connor is the only Irish artist to ever win the prestigious European TV competition ‘Stars in Their Eyes’ back in 2002.
Rebecca will deliver her renditions of Tina Turner’s greatest hits including, Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary, River Deep, Private Dancer, When the Heartache Is Over, Better Be Good To Me, and of course her anthem, Simply the Best.
.Cast members Aaron McLarnon, Janna Foley and Marcus Nolan before the Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE appetite for top musical entertainment is as voracious as ever in this town, as Tralee Musical Society began a sellout run of four shows last night in Siamsa Tíre.
There was great anticipation backstage minutes before curtain up as the cast prepared to bring ‘Ghost The Musical’ to the stage, while the lobby was packed with people of all ages waiting to enter the auditorium.
They weren’t disappointed either, as Director Oliver Hurley, along with Musical Director Michael Young, Choral Director Laura Crowley, Stage Manager Des Hurley and Lighting Designer John Hurley ensured a very professional show with great performances from the cast.
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Tralee Musical Society had planned on putting on the show in the spring of 2020, but COVID struck and they has to postpone it for three years.
The wait was worth it though and the show — adapted from the hit 1990 romantic fantasy thriller film starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze — was well received last night. If you haven’t a ticket then you’re out of luck as it’s completely sold out. Scroll down for photos…
Cast members Danielle Mullery, Jackie O’Mahoney, Kerry Fleming and Tim Landers before the Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members Sean McElligott, Janna Foley and Gary Murphy before the Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCast members Aileen Hill and Siobhan Stuart before the Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Rachel Quirke and Chantelle O’Sullivan at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAndie Myra and Caitlin McConnell at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ciara O’Callaghan, Emma Quirke and Carol Hurley at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanAnn-Marie Drummey and John Drummey at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Suzanne and Mikey Sheehy at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanJill Hannon and Michelle McElligott at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Denis O’Callaghan and Rose O’Callaghan at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCatherine Commane, Catherine Quirke and John Commane at Tralee Musical Society’s production of ‘Ghost’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Some of the cast members of the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot Crean
THERE was great excitement backstage at Siamsa Tíre last night as the cast of Frozen Jr. prepared for curtain up.
Presented by Shannon Star Entertainment Ltd in association with Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts, Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical (which itself was based on the blockbuster Disney movie) and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage.
Adapted for young performers, the musical is having one of its Irish premieres at Siamsa Tire and features favourite Frozen songs such as ‘Love Is an Open Door’, ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’, and ‘Let It Go’ and more during the one-hour production.
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The young cast from the Tralee area and beyond have been preparing for months for the show and they didn’t disappoint audiences at the first performance of a three night run.
While Friday night’s show is completely sold out, there’s still a handful of tickets available for Thursday’s performance at 7.30pm so click here or call 066-7123055 for tickets. Scroll down for photos…
The cast of Frozen Jr. in last minute rehearsals before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot Crean.Some of the cast members of the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot CreanSome of the cast members of the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot Crean.Some of the cast members of the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot CreanSome of the cast members of the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot Crean.Bryan Carr with Hans, Elsa, Olaf, Anna and Kristoff before Wednesday night’s opening performance at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot CreanLinda Gavin, Claire Walsh, Liam Walsh and Damian Gavin at the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Hazel Dalton, Chloe Lacey, Mags Lacey and Michelle O’Connell at the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot CreanClaire O’Halloran, Aoibhínn Galvin and Aoife Kennedy at the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.Marian and Sharon Williams at the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot CreanAleksandra Galazka and Lucia Murphy with Mollie and Olivia at the Bryan Carr School of Performing Arts production of Frozen Jr. at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Kieran Curran and Kate McDonnell at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A VISUAL media exhibition which is based on original documents and accounts from the people who were affected by the Civil War in Kerry has been opened at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley.
Mise, le Meas is an innovative collaboration between visual media students from MTU Kerry Campus and Kerry College and presents a series of creative interpretations of the events of the Civil War in the county as well as the stories of many combatants and survivors.
The exhibition follows months of research and preparation by students of the BA (Hons) in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design at the Munster Technological University, alongside learners of the Digital Design and Visual Communication Programme in Kerry College.
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It forms part of the Kerry Civil War Conference which opens on Thursday next.
Minister Foley described the exhibition as one featuring ‘real stories and real people’ and which would introduce the Civil War to a very wide audience.
She praised the exceptional creativity of students at MTU and Kerry College and encouraged members of the public to visit the exhibition over the next two weeks.
The large format and small-scale works, both printed and digital, are based on the lives of local individuals.
Some of the works in the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre. Photo by Dermot Crean
Included are well-known local figures such as Stephen Fuller, the sole survivor of the Ballyseedy and Private Joseph O’Brien, who was seriously injured in the trip-mine explosion at Knocknagoshel.
There is also a particular emphasis on the inclusion of women and their experience of the Civil War. The stories of Cumann na mBan members, Elizabeth Dunne and Mollie O’Shea are explored, with a graphic novel format illustrating the story of the Power sisters from Tralee.
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The creative format promises to be of interest to a wide audience and of particular interest to local schools. Admission to the exhibition is free.
“The students have created inspiring and diverse visual responses to Civil War narratives, focusing on original documentation and poignant letters sent and received during this tumultuous and formative period in Irish history,” said MTU lecturer, Lisa McElligott.
The Kerry Civil War Conference, which takes place on 23, 24 and 25 February, forms part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme for 2023 and is supported by Kerry County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Celia O’Shea and Mary Lucey at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sean de Butler Riordan with his work at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanPrincipal of Kerry College Stephen Goulding with Chairman of the Board of Kerry College Cllr Jim Finucane at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Senator Mark Daly and one of the co-organisers of the Kerry Civil War Conference, Owen O’Shea at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCllr Johnnie Wall, Cllr Brendan Fitzgerald and Cllr Sam Locke at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Some of the attendance at the opening of the ‘Mise, le Meas’ Exhibition at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Leanne Fitzgerald and Ben Escorio in Don Pasquale which will be performed at Siamsa Tíre this Saturday night.. Photo: Pat Redmond
SIAMSA Tíre will host a special event on this Saturday night which is a must for fans of opera.
Irish National Opera presents Don Pasquale, Donizetti’s effervescent comic masterpiece, at 8pm on Saturday, February 11.
It’s described as a witty, high-spirited, inter-generational tug of war about love and money — young love and old money, whipped up by lots of deceit.
Don Pasquale is a grumpy old bachelor, Ernesto, his good-looking young heir and Norina, an attractive young widow.
This unorthodox love triangle yields a hilarious and touching masterpiece that takes a riotously entertaining slant on a threat of disinheritance, a mock marriage, and a spendthrift wife who believes husbands should be seen and not heard.
Don Pasquale is directed by Orpha Phelan, with set and costume design by Nicky Shaw and lighting design by Matt Haskins.
Bass Graeme Danby sings the title role, with tenor Rhodri Prys Jonesas his nephew Ernesto and soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson asNorina and it features Kerry mezzo-soprano Leanne Fitzgerald from Lixnaw, as the obliging Notary. Don Pasquale features the Irish National Opera orchestra.
.Leanne Fitzgerald and Ben Escorio in Don Pasquale. Photo: Pat Redmond
A LIXNAW native says she’s looking forward to coming back to performing on the Siamsa stage on when the acclaimed ‘Don Pasquale’ comes to Tralee on February 11.
Mezzo-soprano Leanne Fitzgerald has her family to credit for her artistic upbringing. Having an Irish dancing master for a grandmother and a keen local theatre actor for a father, she grew up around creativity and was always the most enthusiastic singer in her primary school classes.
At the age of eleven, she took up the violin at the Kerry School of Music, and soon after began attending Tralee Stage School where she stayed for five years. At sixteen, she began singing lessons with Sharon Reidy in Abbeydorney which ignited her passion for opera.
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Leanne went on to complete a degree in Music Performance at the TU Dublin Conservatory of Music and Drama, where she landed her first opera role in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld.
She made her professional debut soon after graduating, in Adams’ Nixon in China with Wide Open Opera in 2014, recalling the vast scale of the production as something which stood out to her.
After doing multiple productions with both Wide Open Opera and Opera Theatre Company (which later merged to become Irish National Opera), Leanne took a break from her opera career to join Chamber Choir Ireland, Ireland’s flagship choral ensemble with whom she sang for six years.
Ben McAteer, Leanne Fitzgerald, Graeme Danby and Kelli-Ann Masterson in Don Pasquale. Photo: Pat Redmond
Performing at home in Kerry is something Leanne has enjoyed throughout her life, calling it“an absolute joy”.
Knowing how keen Kerry audiences are in supporting the arts, she cites this reason for the recent growth of Irish audiences coming to Kerry to perform in the likes of Siamsa Tíre, St John’s Theatre Listowel, Dingle, Cahersiveen and Killarney.
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Leanne’s first experience performing in Siamsa Tíre was at the tender age of eleven, playing Aoife Flanagan in John B Keane’s The Field, alongside Mick Lally and Mary McEvoy.
Although she has enjoyed many performances in Siamsa Tíre with the Tralee Stage School, Tralee Musical Society and others, her performance in Irish National Opera’s Don Pasquale on Saturday 11 February will mark her professional opera debut, something she feels isincredibly special to mark in her home county.
“To have a milestone like this in my career at home is just amazing. I’m really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in the audience!”
Leanne is confident that Kerry audiences will love Don Pasquale, which received a five star review from the Irish Times and enjoyed sold out performances in December.
“I think audiences were kind of surprised at how funny it was when they came to see it last year. Our director Orpha Phelan did such a wonderful job creating this little world of madness for us to live in!”
If you’re a first-time goer or a regular opera patron, she’s confident that there’s something for everyone in this timeless comedy.
“Leave any preconceived notions ofwhat an opera should look like at the door…this production breaks all the rules!”
Don’t miss Leanne in Irish National Opera production of Donizetti’s sparkling DonPasquale, coming to Siamsa Tíre on Saturday 11 February. Tickets available by clicking here.
.Director Frank Houlihan with cast members of Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘High School Musical’, Sarah Brett, Conor Breen, Lily Parker, Gearóid Meehan, Sinead Carr and Eoin Griffin at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
AUDIENCES at a sold-out Siamsa Tíre were highly entertained last night as the latest production from Mercy Mounthawk students began a four night run.
Months of hard work paid off for the students who gave wonderful performances in the popular ‘High School Musical’.
Auditions were held as far back as last May with rehearsals beginning in September for the production which is directed by Frank Houlihan.
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This was the 19th time the school has put on a stage production and their high standards were maintained thanks to the diligence and dedication of both the students and staff behind the scenes.
That dedicated core production team are director Frank Houlihan, musical directors Caitriona O’Sullivan and Molly Giltenane, choreographers Rachel O’Neill, Emma Nolan and Stephanie Foley and costume design by Leonora Breen.
There is only a couple of tickets available for Thursday’s performance and Friday and Saturday’s shows are sold-out, so act fast by visiting the Siamsa Tíre website if you want to see the show. Scroll down for photos…
Cast members of Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘High School Musical’, Sasha Stack, Caragh Kenny O’Sullivan, Isabel Graham, Maeve Trant, Caoilinn Kenny O’Sullivan and Shannon Scanlon at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Cast members of Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanCast members of Mercy Mounthawk’s ‘High School Musical’, Molly Sheehy, Rachel Feeley, Lily Mari Williamson, Charley Harris, Joanne O’Sullivan and Sophie O’Connor at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ger Ryle, Martina Parker, Dolores Parker, Seán Parker and Lady Tracy Greenhalgh at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanRory Daly and Majella Daly at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sadhbh Cadogan, Lana Gaudino, Lucy O’Connor, Chloe Devine and Zala O’Connor at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanLily Collins, Jodie Moore and Colleen Sayers at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Sarah Finnerty and Niamh Daly at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot CreanStacey O’Leary and Grace O’Carroll at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.Ciara Ronayne and Fiona O’Connor at Mercy Mounthawk’s production of ‘High School Musical’ at Siamsa Tíre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean.
.Launching the event at Siamsa Tíre were Dr Susan Motherway (Lecturer, MTU), Tadhg O’Shea (Lecturer, MTU), Karen Trench (Listowel), Muiris O’Laoire (Lecturer, MTU), and Gabriel Fitzmaurice (writer, poet from Moyvane). Photo by Dominick Walsh
A SPECIAL commemorative concert marking the centenary of the Civil War in Kerry will take place at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee next month as part of the programme of events for a three-day conference on the conflict in the county and beyond.
‘Their Memory Will Endure’ is a concert of song, poetry, drama and letters from the Civil War period in Kerry and will take place on Saturday, February 25 at 8pm.
The concert, featuring some of Kerry’s best-known performers, will bring to a close the three-day Kerry Civil War Conference at Siamsa Tíre which is part of the 2023 Decade of Centenaries Programme.
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A distinguished cast present a wide selection of songs, drama and poetry which offer varying perspectives on the events of 1922-23.
Performers include the poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice, singers Róisín Ryan, Karen Trench and Mícheál Ó Sé, musicians Matt Griffin (guitar), Matt Dean (flute and whistle), and Bryan O’Leary (accordion), members of the Killorglin Drama Group, and set dancers from Kilcummin. Tickets are now on sale from the Siamsa Tíre Box office on 066 7123055 or www.siamsatire.com
Dr Susan Motherway, ethnomusicologist at MTU Kerry, who is choreographing the event said: “This concert recognises the historical role and significance of the popular ballad in Ireland. As the folk singer Frank Harte once stated: ‘Those in power write the history, while those who suffer write the songs.’ With the help of song collectors Gabriel Fitzmaurice and Peter Mullarkey, and historians Fiona Brennan and Owen O’Shea this concert re-tells the stories of Kerry people during the Civil War, be they combatant, son, daughter, wife or mother.
“We are particularly delighted to welcome Brian Sheehy to the stage to share a personal reflection of his father John Joe Sheehy and the role of the GAA in healing the political divide,” said Dr Motherway.
One of the organisers of the Kerry Civil War Conference, Bridget McAuliffe said: “We are thrilled to have so many talented and experienced performers coming together to commemorate the Civil War in this way. Our objective with this centenary conference is to explore the events of this period in many ways, whether through lectures, discussions and exhibitions as well as artistic portrayals of the trauma and turbulence of this difficult time in our history.”
The three-day conference in Siamsa Tíre Tralee will mark the centenary of the Civil War and will bring together a wide range of local, national and international experts, historians and academics to discuss the conflict and its legacy.
The conference will form part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme for 2023 and is supported by Kerry County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht Sport and Media. Full details at www.kerrycivilwarconference.ie
THE Christmas period wasn’t the same for families over the past couple of years without the annual panto, so it’s no surprise that tickets are flying out the door for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ next week.
Presented by Oliver Hurley Productions, Sleeping Beauty is the spellbinding tale of a beautiful Princess, the evil Maleficent, the Magical Queen and the Handsome Prince.
It’s a colourful and exciting production performed by a talented cast of singers, dancers, and comedians under the direction of Oliver and it’s sure to entertain the hundreds who have already booked tickets.
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It’s a show recommended for children of all ages from five to 95. While none of the shows are completely sold out yet, there’s only a few tickets left for the 2.30pm matinee shows on December 28th, 29th, 30th and January 2nd and 3rd, so you better hurry if you want to catch them.
The evening shows at 7pm are also selling very well, especially next week’s, while there’s also still tickets for the January 2nd and 3rd performances. Tickets are €18, (Concession €17), Family of four is €68, Family of five is €85. For more details call 066-7123055 or click here to book tickets.
A NEW art exhibition, exploring the idea of home from the perspective of an immigrant artist, will open at Siamsa Tíre next week
‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ features art by Margaret Anne Suggs, one of the illustrators who contributed to ‘A Way Home’, the exhibition commissioned by Siamsa Tíre which was launched last Halloween and was so popular that it is now touring various venues nationwide.
Margaret was raised in the American Deep South but now lives in County Dublin with her husband, two sons, and a cat.
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One of the books she is best known for is Pigin of Howth, which was written by Kathleen Watkins and illustrated by Margaret. It reached number one in the bestsellers lists in 2016 and was also awarded the BGE Junior Children’s Book of the Year.
This exhibition sees Margaret exploring the idea of home from the perspective of an immigrant artist. She has created intricately handcrafted illustrated birdhouses as part of the exhibition and has also contributed a selection of her published and personal artworks.
One of Margaret’s works in the exhibition.
“I’m an illustrator and illustration is usually seen in the pages of a book,” says Margaret.
“But I wanted to make art with form, something more sculptural. Home is Where the Heart Is is a series of illustrated birdhouses that tell the story of what home means to me. Each birdhouse tells part of the story – some of which is personal and some of which is universal. As an immigrant, facing the challenges of belonging and identity, the exhibition explores my journey from childhood to finding my place in the world.”
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The exhibition will be be translated into Ukrainian so that it is accessible to the growing number of Ukrainians settling in Kerry.
‘Home is Where the Heart Is’ is being launched at 6pm next Thursday, October 13th, will run until December 31st and will be free and open to everyone.
.‘The First Child’ comes to Siamsa Tíre on Sunday, September 25.
THERE’S just days to go until a highly acclaimed opera production comes to Siamsa Tíre.
Irish National Opera, in association with Landmark Productions, bring the ‘The First Child’ directed by Enda Walsh to the Tralee venue for one night only on this Sunday, September 25.
The public can get a free view of what to expect on Culture Night this Friday evening at a studio recital from 6:30pm – 7:15pm, where performers from the production will perform a selection of arias and other operatic excerpts from across the canon in an intimate studio setting.
‘The First Child’, is a 90-minute multi-media experience which brings together a sensational cast of opera singers, an actor, a dancer and a children’s chorus to create a work that electrifies the senses.
It wowed audiences and critics at the Dublin Theatre Festival last October and again at Galway International Arts Festival in July.
‘The First Child’ has received rave reviews. “With more twists than a corkscrew, The First Child keeps you hooked till the very dark end. And even then you’re left thinking,” said The Arts Review.
“Walsh’s satirical libretto,” wrote The Sunday Times, “takes aim at the wine o’clock Dublin suburban classes, while Dennehy’s score exquisitely tunes our emotional register to the damage of childhood trauma.”
Fergus Sheil, artistic director of Irish National Opera, says, “The First Child is an extraordinarily ambitious new opera. At first glance it is a comic, feel-good opera about a new father buying a baby carrier. But nothing is quite what it seems in a work where a disturbing and grotesque story unfolds and childhood trauma plays out in devastating ways across different generations. It’s an opera with beautiful and haunting singing (including an outstanding children’s choir), dynamic playing from Crash Ensemble, engrossing video and life-or-death dancing. We are delighted to take it on tour for audiences around Ireland to get to see it first-hand.”
Tenor Dean Power, a native of Clarecastle, Co. Clare spent the last ten years working in the ensemble at Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. He describes what it is like to move back home.
“Performing in Ireland, especially in theatres around the country, is the best! Opera doesn’t have to only be available in one ‘grand’ form. Opera should be like water, able to fit into any environment and be performed under any circumstances. The First Child is an incredible opera. It is stacked with melodies. Its subject, although disturbing and heart-breaking, is completely relatable, funny, moving and gripping. To me it’s just wow!
“Vocally, there are plenty of challenges performing The First Child. there are leaps which continuously catch you by surprise. Technically speaking, you have to rapidly navigate your way through your registers,” he said.
“Rhythmically, you have to make sure that the music is in your bones, as there are constant changes of time signature. The character I play, Gary, is an explosion of contradictions. He is cocky and selfish. He gets his news from social media. Because he is so extremely different to me, he is so enjoyable to play.”
“I’m really looking forward to Siamsa Tíre, it will be my first time performing in the theatre. I think people will like The First Child because it upends your pre-conceptions about opera – because the music simultaneously slaps you in the face and embraces you. It shows you that Ireland is a thriving opera nation.”
• Tickets for ‘The First Child’ are available now from www.siamsatire.com
AUDITIONS for the National Folk Theatre of Ireland’s three-year training programme at Siamsa Tíre will take place this week..
THE Christmas period wasn’t the same for families over the past couple of years without the annual panto, so it’s no surprise that tickets are flying out the door for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ next week.
