MALONEY'S DREAM, a new theatre show and interactive website, to allow children discover and learn about the 1916 Rising, will receive its world premiere in Galway next year.
Maloney’s Dream / Brionglóid Maloney, by Galway-based theatre company Branar Téatar do Pháistí, will open in the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday April 7, and run until April 9, before embarking on a nationwide tour. It returns to County Galway for a performance on May 10 in the Station House Theatre, Clifden.
The story of how one man’s ambitions collided with the birth of a nation, Maloney’s Dream promises to be an action-packed, bi-lingual show, involving live music, physical theatre, and puppetry, for ages eight upwards.Easter week 1916. Thaddeus Maloney returns home to realise his dream of opening a new hotel on Easter Monday on Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street ). little does he know, rebellion is brewing.
“Maloney’s Dream is a significant element within the Galway 2016 Centenary Programme,” said Gary McMahon, Galway City 1916:2016 Coordinator. “We have seen parts of the show as it is being developed and know it will enthrall, delight, and entertain young audiences while introducing them to the complex story of Ireland in 1916. We look forward to seeing the whole show in 2016.”
Using diary entries and recorded personal accounts, the show explores the impact the Rising had on ordinary people and aims to bring these stories to the foreground. Branar has also created a unique online initiative and resource in tandem with the stage show. Maloneysdream.ie/resource html, features videos, images, and resources, including letters written at the time, downloadable activities, lesson plans, and information. It offers teachers and pupils an opportunity to upload their own creative responses to the history of the period and to the show itself. The site will be continually updated until the show opens in April.
The cast is Miquel Barcelo, Michael Chang, Jonathan Gunning, Helen Gregg, Grace Kiely, and Zita Monahan. The director is Marc MacLochlainn. Michael Chang is also the composer for the show. Performances are open to the general public and to schools. School performances are aimed second to sixth class primary pupils.
Tickets are available from the Town Hall on 091 - 569777 or www.tht.ie and the Station House (095 - 21699, http://www.clifdenstationhouse.com ).
