Six applicants have been selected in response to Fíbín sa Taibhdhearc’s open call for creatives to perform stories of Galway past and present.
The selected artists will present their work on Middle Street and on stage in an Taibhdhearc on Sunday, April 7, from afternoon until evening.
The project, Scéal na Gaillimhe, is a unique initiative that aims to capture the essence of Galway's cultural, historical, and artistic heritage through the creative expressions of local talent.
“Our theme, ‘The Story of Galway’ invites creative professionals working through the Irish language to explore the city and county’s narrative from their own unique perspectives,” says producer Pearse Doherty. “We encourage creatives to share with us their interpretation of what Galway means to them. The piece can reflect on the city’s history, cultural diversity, or any aspect that resonates with them.”
The successful applicants are:
1 ) Damhsa na gCoiníní
Landscape-inspired physical movement from a group of traditional and contemporary musicians and dancers based in Galway city and Conamara. This work will be traditional music and set dances from Conamara considered through a contemporary music and dance lens, analysing the physicality of the landscape from which these tunes originate.
2 ) Dúmhál
Written by Micheál Ó Conghaile performed by Cumann Drámaíochta Chois Fharraige, Dúmhál is based on a short story by Liam Ó Flaithearta about tension between two local men, a politician and a freedom fighter, in the wake of the establishment of the Free State 100 years ago.
3 ) Flogaist
Aoife Clarke is a writer and director. Flogaist is based on the story of Richard Kirwan and Edward Bunting. Set in Cregg Castle in the year 1800, Bunting visits the castle to collect examples of Connacht’s traditional music, but has his preconceptions on music and science challenged.
4 ) Ar an Dé Deireadh
This play is based on the story of an old Greek marathon, but in the west of Ireland during the Middle Ages.
Caoimhghín Ó hEoghusa, Ristéard Ó hAodha, and Aindriú de Buitléir set the play in the year 1256, when the de Búrca family chased the Flaithbheartaigh out to West Connacht, amid the Norman conquest of Ireland.
5 ) Ceangal na Coiribe
This is a creative collaboration between the Drumadore Drumming School in Headford, and Moycullen’s Arlene Cooke Academy of Irish Dance. Thi s special performance of dance and drumming explains the story of Galway through rhythm - from its traditional rhythms with Irish dance, to tribal rhythms associated with contemporary drumming inspired from all corners the world.
6 ) Ainmniú na Cathrach
Fiachra Davoren’s script is about how Galway got its beautiful name. It is a story of a beatuiful princess’ love for a boy from an island on Lough Corrib, and the tragedies which unfold from that forbidden love born on the banks of Galway’s river.
