GALWAY BASED designer Clodhna Hallissey was this week announced as the recipient of the 2019 Marie Mullen Theatre Bursary, which supports women theatre artists working in Ireland in the fields of design, directing and dramaturgy.
Now in its second year, the award - presented by Druid Theatre Company and named after actor and Druid co-founder Marie Mullen - is intended to address the historic imbalance of female representation in theatre and to support the professional development of women in Irish theatre. A selection panel of industry professionals determined a shortlist of applicants for interviews which took place in mid-June.
"The talent and competence of the women we interviewed signals a bright future for Irish theatre," said Druid artistic director, Garry Hynes. ""We look forward to welcoming Clodhna on board."
'I can't think of a better way for me to learn my craft than with a company whose hard working ethos and wide reaching vision, I have always respected' - Clodhna Hallissey
Ms Hallissey graduated with honours from NUIG in 2017 with a BA in drama theatre and performance studies and English. Her recent work as a costume designer, assistant costume designer and dresser includes; Aisling, directed by Darach Mac Con Iomaire; An Taibhdhearc's 2018 Christmas pantomime, Yummy Mummy; BAOITE at Galway International Arts Festival and the Abbey Theatre; Grief is The Thing With Feathers directed by Enda Walsh; and DruidShakespeare: Richard III.
Ms Hallissey will work as assistant costume designer for a major production in Druid's 2019/2020 season. She will receive a stipend of €2,000 along with mentoring, and access to workshops on Druid's other development programmes such as FUEL.
"This bursary is a vital next step for me as a designer and an incredible opportunity for me to push myself and hone my skills alongside experienced designers I admire," she said. "I can't think of a better way for me to learn my craft than with a company whose hard working ethos and wide reaching vision, I have always respected."
