Extraordinary theatre awaits as part of this year’s Galway International Arts Festival, with productions from Ireland and abroad. However, this year, US theatre features strongly in the programme with two stand-out productions.
Key among these is the legendary theatre ensemble Steppenwolf which returns to Galway. One of the world’s most celebrated theatre ensembles, Chicago’s Steppenwolf make their much anticipated return to Ireland for the first time in 15 years having last performed in Galway in 2007.
In 1982, Steppenwolf exploded onto the American Theatre scene with its now legendary production of Sam Shepard’s True West. This American classic traces the volatile relationship of Austin and Lee, estranged brothers who find themselves holed up together in their mother’s well–kept suburban house with a typewriter, a set of golf clubs and the undeniable call of the desert. In this hugely acclaimed revival, produced in association with Galway International Arts Festival, a new generation of artists take on Shepard’s masterpiece.
True West directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Randall Arney runs at the Town Hall Theatre from 12–23 July at 8pm with matinees on 14, 16, 21 and 23 July at 2pm. Tickets from €20.
Ingenious
Galway audiences should not miss actor, creator and illusionist Geoff Sobelle’s latest stunning creation HOME — his most dazzling to date. Sobelle has won enormous praise for previous shows and makes his Galway debut with this unmissable piece which the Boston Globe described as ‘ingenious’ and The Independent described as ‘a delicious piece of dreamlike theatre’.
HOME is a must see moving meditation on the relentless passage of time, and a breath–taking spectacle of illusion, choreography, music and storytelling that explores the everyday drama of what makes a house a home.
Sobelle throws open the doors and invites you to his party where on stage a house appears from nothing. Residents move in and move out of this magical construction, get married and divorced, grow up, die and haunt it – and all the while, they leave and live among traces of residents present, past, and future.
HOME has earned many five star reviews and audience acclaim around the world including the Edinburgh International Festival; BAM New York; and Sydney Festival. Sobelle has won enormous praise for previous shows and makes his Galway debut with this unmissable piece.
HOME runs at Black Box Theatre from 20–24 July at 7pm with a matinee on 23 July at 1pm. Tickets from €23.50.
GIAF’s Artistic Director Paul Fahy said they are thrilled to have two truly extraordinary shows from the USA as part of this year;s Festival.
"We are delighted to welcome back to Galway one of the world’s most celebrated theatre companies, the wonderful Steppenwolf from Chicago with the remarkable True West.
"One of America’s great acting ensembles for over 40 years Steppenwolf always produce the highest quality production and performance and this show is great testimony to their impeccable quality.
"We are also honoured to have spectacular HOME by Geoff Sobelle which has been a huge hit all over the world at some of the most prestigious festivals and stages around the world. Geoff and his company are incredible performers and the sense of magic, wonder, illusion and spectacle in this production is simply breathtaking. Galway audiences are in for an absolute treat with both these shows," he said.
