This Culture Night, An Taibhdhearc throws open its doors and welcomes people into the theatre to experience the work in-progress of its Taibhsín artists, with a celebration of a year spent dreaming, writing and making at the National Irish Language Theatre.

The free event gives audiences a first look at works in progress by some of the artists supported through Taibhsín, An Taibhdhearc’s development programme for artists working professionally in the Irish language.

New stories will move from page to stage for the first time with works in progress from Ciara Ní É, Louisa Ní Éidean and Seán Mac Dhonnagáin, alongside a new spoken-word piece as Gaeilge, Litir do Mhacasamhail, by Ola Majekodunmi.

Directed by Em Ball / O’Ceallaigh with a cast that includes Ann Marie Horan and Diarmuid de Faoite, Taibhsín: Ó Bhrionglóid go Beo offers audiences the chance to encounter these works at a pivotal moment – as they make the leap from development to performance. Audiences are welcome to attend the entire evening or for individual performances.

Muireann Kelly, Artistic Director of An Taibhdhearc, said: “Taibhsín is about giving artists the time, space and support to develop ambitious new work. As the National Irish Language Theatre, our role is not only to present work, but to invest in the artists, ideas and new writing that will shape Irish-language theatre and the wider arts sector into the future.

As we approach An Taibhdhearc’s centenary in 2028, we’re proud to see new voices and new work growing in and from this building. We want An Taibhdhearc to be a home for contemporary work as Gaeilge, work that reflects the breadth of talent, voices and experiences in Ireland today. As we look towards 100 years of An Taibhdhearc, we’re just as interested in what comes next.”

Director Em O’Ceallaigh said: “Audiences will get a first taste of work from some of our most exciting and innovative artists. I’ll be working with a brilliant creative team to bring these new plays off the page, alongside new spoken word from Ola Majekodunmi. Add live music and a DJ into the mix and we’re promising a vibrant Culture Night at An Taibhdhearc. Come for the new work, stay for the ceol agus craic – ná cailligí amach!”

Culture Night at An Taibhdhearc begins in the morning with Early Years Artist Clíodhna Noonan sharing M’Iníon sa Ghairdín, in development, with young audiences invited from local créches. From 5.30pm in the Café there will be live music from Emer O’Flaherty and Philip Fogarty. Following Taibhsín, DJ Ferdilicious takes to the decks in the theatre, giving audiences the chance to stay on, meet the artists and soak up the Culture Night buzz in the heart of Galway.

For those who can’t make it to Galway, An Taibhdhearc will also release a filmed version of Ola Majekodunmi’s new spoken-word work, Litir do Mhacasamhail, online, on Friday 18 September as part of its Culture Night celebrations.

Taibhsín: Ó Bhrionglóid go Beo takes place at An Taibhdhearc at 7.30pm on Friday 18 September. Tickets are free, but advance booking is required.

photo by Laurence Winram