Events

Fridays
Stagezone Dance & Drama Classes (Children)
3.00pm-9.00pm

Saturdays
Stagezone Dance & Drama Classes (Children) 
10am-12am

Contact information for Stagezone:

Stage Zone
Gladys Coyle (01) 821 2280  /  Marie Barber (01) 820 7201
Registration on Sat 17 Sep 2011, 10am - 1pm
New term starts Fri 23 Sep 2011

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Would you like to run a class or workshop at Draíocht?
Draíocht has spaces available for hire which are suitable for most functions including conferences, presentations, meetings, auditions, rehearsals, classes and workshops.

Please call Aidan Gately on 01-8098024 for more information and hire fees or email aidan@draiocht.ie or go to our Room Hires Section  http://www.draiocht.ie/about/room_hire/

The term Unknown Knowns which constitutes the title of this exhibition, is the description used by the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek when he refers to the “unconscious beliefs and prejudices that determine how we perceive reality and intervene in it.” Things we know, but don’t know we know, dictate how we address situations we encounter. Obviously it is impossible to know what the unknown known is because if we did it would become the known known, but the work in this exhibition addresses the theme of unconscious knowledge. 

The three artists have explored and represented specific elements of this through their work. Shown through a diverse range of works, from the manipulation of materials that we know on some level are familiar to us, to the investigation into the possibility of another self and how this can determine our lives, to the idea of the second life and the attempt to survive for eternity, all three artists’ work delve into certain aspects of the unknown known.

With his latest work in the on-going series inspired by the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Andrew Carson explores notions of “online realities and virtual immortality”. This series derives from a particular chapter of the book which was written as a guide on how to survive the afterlife. It was written in order to prevent the deceased from “dying a second time”. The work draws parallels between contemporary social media interaction and ancient concepts of the soul; an idea which many people trust is known to them, yet, it is something which remains ephemeral and unknown.

Through her current work Sally-Anne Kelly is “exploring ideas about who we are, who we think we are, who we become, who others think we are, and who we present ourselves as being.” Her new series of photographs ‘The Hunted Self’ examines what we do not or cannot know about the self. She investigates the internal power struggle of the hidden and unknown self or double and how that can be realised as another or separate identity.

Lisa Shaughnessy’s practice is concerned with the physicality of the materials used and alludes to the processes used by the artist. The work presents ideas of construction and deconstruction. There is a blurring between the boundaries of painting and sculpture and what the viewer felt they knew about these materials becomes a little less certain but the fundamental qualities of the materials are still apparent. These known and familiar materials have been manipulated in such a way as to render them initially unknown.

The examination of this unknown known, equated by Žižek to the Freudian unconscious which recognises the importance of the unconscious in comprehending conscious thought and behaviour, creates a platform for this exhibition to reflect on the convictions of our knowledge and to propose that it is not vital for our existence to know that we have all the answers …

Fingal Arts Office is delighted to showcase recent local art college graduates with its annual exhibition opportunity Amharc Fhine Gall. The show seeks to increase the profile of emerging Fingal artists by giving them the chance to show in a professional, contemporary art space. It may be their first major show but with the professional presentation of their work and accompanying catalogue we hope it is the first of many. The opportunity also extends to the emerging curator who will work with the graduate(s) to create a suitable context to show this work to a wider local and contemporary art audience.

Curated by Ailve McCormack

Read Andrew Carson's Blog Interview here

Read Sally-Anne Kelly's Blog Interview here

Read Lisa Shaughnessy's Blog Interview here

“This body of work has been inspired by my ongoing exploration of physical, psychological and poetic space. I am interested in the delicate point where man and the natural world co-exist or in some cases collide. I strive to create places for poetic possibility, a space where time can be suspended, I extend to the onlooker a glimpse of intricate private worlds. Each narrative creates a dialogue between these internal and external conflicting worlds, thus providing a place to dream.” Caroline Donohue

Caroline Donohue (b1977) graduated in 2005 with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Fine Art Printmaking at the National College of Art and Design. That same year she was the recipient of the RDS Freyer Print Award and winner of the Graphic Studio Dublin's Graduate Student Award where she is currently a member. Donohue's work has been exhibited in Ireland and internationally. Recent exhibitions include - 'Where Boarders Meet' at the Graphic Studio Gallery, Dublin (2010), 'On Reflection', curated by Caroline Cowley/Cleo Fagan, Dublin (2007), 'Precaution' at IMMA, Dublin (2005), 'Triennale de Chamalières' in Lyon, France (2010) and 'Artist in Response' in Muzuem Drowy, Gorlice, Poland (2008-2010). Her work is included in public collections such as AXA Insurance Ireland, the Office of Public Works and Fingal County Council. She works mainly in the medium of etching, as well as drawing and assemblage.

During January and February 2012, Draíocht can facilitate Free Gallery Tours of its two exciting exhibitions, Amharc Fhine Gall VIII - Unknown Knows and Selected Works to Date by Caroline Donohue. These exhibitions use very different materials, themes and processes.

If you would like your class to have a facilitated visit of these two exhibitions to explore what students think about the work, please contact Sarah on 01-8098029 to arrange a short tour. Tours are free, but are subject to availability. Class numbers are restricted 25 students with accompanying teacher.

D15 Youth Theatre will shortly be entering into its second term of its first year. Working with Eimear Morrissey, Mark Rogers and Ann Ryan, this talented group of 13-18 year olds meet in Draíocht every Tuesday evening and work on many elements of theatre from improvisation to Stanislavski technique to dance. From March the group will begin to work towards a piece of theatre that will explore what they have learned over the course of the term. If you would like to find out more about Youth Theatre, what it is and how to get involved next year please contact sarah@draiocht.ie or log on to the D15 Youth Theatre Facebook page for updates. 

What do you get if you throw yourself into the Irish Sea 365 days of the year? Famous as a 'men-only bathing area' before being radically reclaimed in the 1970's by a group of nudist plunging women and as the site of the Martello tower (James Joyce's residence and opening to Ulysses), the Forty Foot has had its fair share of stories told. Join Niamh McCann as she unearths the compulsion and joy found both in her own personal journey as a ritual swimmer and the voices of the many other women who bathe there. This performance explores the effect of the daily dive and how it can lead us to staying afloat on dry land.

Developed as part of Project Brand New. Presented as part of Absolut Fringe 2011.
Research & Development/Mentoring Award from the Arts Council's Artist in the Community Scheme managed by Create.
Written & Performed by Niamh McCann
Produced by Lynnette Moran | Live Collision

 Early Bird: €10 (book before 31 Dec 2011)

These are unique family days for children with an intellectual disability between the ages of 8-13 years and their families. Facilitated by Draíocht artists we will explore a range of arts, themes and materials in a hands on way. If you are unsure if this day is suitable for your family please contact Sarah on 01-809 8029.

Please note Draíocht is a fully accessible venue.


Special Needs Family Days 2012
Proudly supported by the Dublin Bus Community Support Scheme

Draíocht’s Artist in Residence Deirdre Byrne will lead this course looking at examples of different drawing styles used by a variety of artists. This course will explore mark making and tone, amongst other elements of drawing, and will have a focus on landscapes. Students will work towards creating their own finished pieces.

PLEASE NOTE: No class on Monday 19^th March

Book now through Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-8852622. For more info email emer@draiocht.ie

Draíocht has a number of Access Places available on all its courses. If you would like to nominate someone to participate who may not have the fee, please contact Emer McGowan on 01-8098027 or email emer@draiocht.ie in confidence. Draíocht is committed, within its resources, to access to the arts for all.

Enchanting and evocative, Mozart’s final masterpiece The Magic Flute, is a lyrical love story, set against an atmospheric backdrop of fantasy and mischief. This profound but light hearted tale is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages combining moments of high comedy with intrigue, kidnap, and elemental trials. Opera Theatre Company is delighted to celebrate 25 years of touring opera throughout Ireland with this magical and uplifting opera. The sublime score ripples with irresistible charm; from the stratospheric arias of the Queen of the Night, to the glorious melodies of Papageno, both reflecting Mozart’s dramatic genius and enthusiasm for life. Sung in English with Music Direction by Brenda Hurley, this production is directed by Annilese Miskimmon and designed by Nicky Shaw, with lighting design by Sinead McKenna.

“A terrific night’s entertainment… this company is driven by ideas, takes risks, and always a fresh and interesting approach” Sunday Business Post

 Early Bird: €22 (book before 31 Dec 2011)

Go back in time to this magical era and never to be repeated time in Irish popular music! Compere Ronan Collins will sing his renowned tributes to Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock. Joining Ronan is ‘The King’ Brendan Bowyer, Tony Kenny, Lorraine McDonald, with her fantastic tribute to The Showband Ladies, and the big sound of The Conquerors Showband. Eurovision stars Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg join the show’s exciting finale, which is an all cast salute to the showband era.