During this innovative dance project, dancers and facilitators Mark Rogers and Antje O’Toole work with a group of children with an intellectual disability, their parents and siblings over the autumn in weekly workshops. After their exciting showcase as part of the Irish Youth Dance Festival in June, create dancers will continue to develop their solo and group work. If you have a child aged between 5-16 years with a love of dance and music, and an intellectual or physical disability please get in touch with sarah@draiocht.ie.

If you would like your class to visit Draíocht’s two exhibitions spaces, to encourage students to examine and voice their opinion about the artist and their work as well as exploring the rest of the buildings including our two theatre spaces, backstage and dressing rooms please get in touch with sarah@draiocht.ie. Tours will take 50mins, are free and subject to availability, max 30 pupils with accompanying teacher. 

Fingal County Council is proud to present this major exhibition curated by Una Sealy RHA, James English RHA, Joshua Sex and Sanja Todorovic. The collection comprises of works by national and international artists, graduates, emerging artists and local artists. Over 160 artworks have been acquired since the collection began in 1994 and it has been continually evolving since with new acquisitions being added when the opportunity and resources present themselves.

The curators are all Fingal artists, whose art also features in the collection. They describe their process of selecting work for this exhibition as taking in the physical and natural landscape of Fingal and celebrating local and visiting artists that have arrived to the county through the collection. The official motto of Fingal County Council is Flúirse Talaimh is Mara — the abundance of land and sea, which is reflected in some of the artworks featured in the exhibition.

“Fingal has three estuaries, special places where the tide meets the stream. Such a simple phenomenon in nature carries powerful potential both metaphorically and as a prism through which to view art. In other words, the collection could be described as a mixing point or a meeting point. While the collection features plenty of significant works by national figures, the four of us agreed, quite instinctively, to focus primarily on Fingal artists. There is a strong flow of nature imagery: skies, birds, harbours, trees. We have also chosen works that we intend as counterpoints to this theme. These include unexpected pieces by artists such as Robert Russell and Eva Rothschild. It is our hope that this show will prove playful, thought-provoking and inspiring.” Joshua Sex

The Exhibition will be accompanied by ‘Not in Alphabetical Order’ Vol 2, a publication highlighting this significant collection’s latest acquisitions. 

The Exhibition is accompanied by a Free Adult Engagement Programme.

Draiocht's Galleries are open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm. Admission is Free.

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This programme aims to provide a range of high quality arts experiences for pupils and teachers in your own classroom, using Draíocht’s professional artists, at Primary level. Your school can choose from the range of specially selected and purposefully created school workshops below. This Season, pupils will have the opportunity to perform, print and sing. Workshops are tailored to your class’s age and abilities and will work with two separate classes each day.

Drama In Your Classroom
Age Range: Adaptable To All Age Ranges
Duration: Junior/Senior Inf: 4 Class Groups get 45 min Workshop Each / 1st Class Upwards: 2 Class Groups get 1.5hr Workshop Each
Artist: Eimear Morrissey
Using a theme of your choice as a starting point, Eimear Morrissey introduces pupils to the wonderful world of theatre through imaginative fun collective group games. The workshop will explore different ways of engaging the imagination, of thinking creatively, seeing, listening, new ways of communicating and expression, as well as building confidence. Pupils will work together towards a common goal of creating a short improvised performance piece, giving them the opportunity to experience the creation of something from nothing!

Print In Your Classroom
Age Range: 3rd-6th Class
Duration: 2 Class Groups get 2 hr Workshop Each
Artist: Deirdre O’Reilly
Deirdre will introduce your pupils to a number of different print making techniques, before they work together to plan, create and produce a series of limited edition original prints. Print making allows pupils to explore the endless possibilities of shape and colour, line and pattern and offers opportunities to create individual and collaborative works of art. All materials will be provided. A must-do cross curricular creative workshop for your class.

Music And Singing In Your Classroom
Age Range: Adaptable To All Age Ranges
Duration: 3 Class Groups get 60 min Workshop Each
Artist: Dónal Kearney
This music and singing workshop introduces pupils to the potential of making music with their own voice. The workshop focuses on building listening skills, encouraging creative play, and creating music using the voice and the instruments available in each school. Based on years of research in music education and practical choral training, Donal and his team at Fingal Academy of Music believe in the power of music engagement to transform lives.

WORKSHOP NOTES & BOOKINGS:
Workshops can take place from 16 September - 13 December 2019 on a date of your choosing. Closing date for Bookings is Friday 08 November 2019 through Draíocht’s Box Office tel: 01-8852622. The programme is offered on a first come first served basis and is restricted to schools within the Dublin 15 area. Each day is subsidized by Draíocht and costs the school €120 including all materials. Schools are welcome to make multiple bookings, subject to artist availability, but due to budgetary constraints, the above subsidised workshop rate is limited to two days per school. For further details please contact Sarah on 01-809 8029 or email sarah@draiocht.ie.

All events are free. For bookings and further information contact the Box Office 01 885 2622

Estuary Exhibition Tour
FRI 20 SEP, 7PM-8PM
Join us on Culture Night for a curator’s tour of Estuary, exploring key themes and artworks in this major exhibition. The curators Una Sealy RHA, James English RHA, Joshua Sex and Sanja Todorovic will guide you through the artworks from the collection. 

Estuary Exhibition Tour & Visit to The Hide Sculpture
SAT 28 SEP, 12PM-2PM
Join the curators of Estuary for a tour of the exhibition followed by a site visit to The Hide Sculpture, Rogerstown Park for an artist talk with Garett Phelan and the opportunity to observe birdlife along Rogerstown Estuary with the Fingal branch of Birdwatch Ireland. www.thehideproject.com 
Courtesy bus provided for return journey from Draíocht to The Hide Sculpture.

Where the Tide Meets the Stream – SOLD OUT
Printmaking Workshop in Association with Graphic Studio Dublin
SAT 26 OCT, 2PM-4PM
Create your own handmade intaglio print. Join Robert Russell from Graphic Studio Dublin for this drypoint and monoprint workshop which will focus on the horizon line. Robert will guide participants through the drawing and making of a drypoint plate, finishing with monoprint techniques. All levels welcome.  All materials provided. Taking place in Draíocht's Workshop Room.

Estuary Life - Still-Life Painting Workshop – SOLD OUT
THU 07 NOV, 10.30AM–1.30PM
This still-life painting workshop with Una Sealy RHA will look at objects and aspects referencing the Estuary exhibition. Participants will be led through the painting process from composition planning, tonal underpainting, second pass with colour, to finishing touches. Una will demonstrate each step of the process and guide participants individually. All levels welcome. All materials provided. Taking place in Draíocht Workshop Room.

TUESDAYS  7-8.30PM  01 OCT, 05 NOV, 03 DEC

Are you in 5th or 6th year and planning on going to art college? On the first Tuesday of every month, Draíocht will facilitate Portfolio Preparation Guidance sessions with artist Andrew Carson during October-December. Bring along your portfolio every month for review and suggestions, drawing sessions and a suggested task to complete between sessions. All levels are welcome and these sessions are designed to be informal, drop in sessions. Sessions are free but space is limited, so please pre-register at the Box Office each month, tel 01-8852622.

All his life Mac has wanted to be an Archaeologist, to be an expert in finding things and working out what they mean. If only he could stick to the facts and not get carried away with his highfalutin stories. But in a world where facts and figures mean so much more than fairy tale and fantasy, Mac has to dig deeper to prove what he finds is what he thinks it is. Will people believe him, or is this just another of his tall tales?
Performer and writer Paul Curley, designer Ger Clancy and director Robert Alan Evans, bring this brand new adventure to life. THE DIG spins a classic yarn into a brand new light that will delight and charm audiences young and old.

Supported by The Arts Council Theatre Touring Award and Irish Theatre Institute.

School: FRI 18 OCT - 10.15AM & 12.15PM
Family: SAT 19 OCT - 2PM & 4PM

Fresh off the back of what has been a roller coaster 18 months for Jake Carter, the pop singer and Dancing With The Stars 2018 winner has enjoyed enormous success in recent times with his recent single releases, as well as packing out venues across the country including Dublin’s Vicar St. and Cork Opera House.

With multiple TV projects also on the go, the 20 year old pop singer is delighted to be getting back on stage with his live band and showcasing his latest music in what promises to be a fun filled live concert with plenty of surprises!

Families are invited to spend time in the Gallery, interact with the artworks and respond to the compositions, materials, patterns, textures and themes that they encounter through creative and interactive workshops facilitated by exhibiting artist Catherine Barron. 

FAMILY DAY NOTES:
Sessions Are Free, But Space Is Limited. Max 50 per workshop.
Session 1: 12PM-12.50PM
Session 2: 1PM-1.50PM
Session 3: 2PM-2.50PM
Dress for Mess. Unless otherwise stated workshops are designed for children from 5-10 years, though younger and older siblings are welcome to take part. Please be aware that Draíocht’s Family Days are not designed for groups. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child!

Route 66, a 16 piece Big Band with a real difference, make a welcome return to Draíocht following their great success last year. Their show, which has been a huge success with theatre audiences all over Leinster for the past four years, takes you on a magical musical tour from the 40’s right up to date with numbers made famous by Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller, Tom Jones, Adele, Joe Dolan, Tina Turner, Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald and many more. 

Route 66 Big Band were formed in 1998 and over the years have played at weddings, festivals, charity fundraisers as well as at the Rose of Tralee Festival Ball in the Dome in Tralee. Made up of experienced musicians from Dublin, Meath and Kildare, with a fabulous brass and saxophone section, they are perfectly blended together to produce the very best in Big Band entertainment.

All his life Mac has wanted to be an Archaeologist, to be an expert in finding things and working out what they mean. If only he could stick to the facts and not get carried away with his highfalutin stories. But in a world where facts and figures mean so much more than fairy tale and fantasy, Mac has to dig deeper to prove what he finds is what he thinks it is. Will people believe him, or is this just another of his tall tales?
Performer and writer Paul Curley, designer Ger Clancy and director Robert Alan Evans, bring this brand new adventure to life. THE DIG spins a classic yarn into a brand new light that will delight and charm audiences young and old.

Supported by The Arts Council Theatre Touring Award and Irish Theatre Institute.

School: FRI 18 OCT - 10.15AM & 12.15PM
Family: SAT 19 OCT - 2PM & 4PM

Artist Lucy Hill will introduce participating educators to ways of using contemporary artworks as a starting point for designing bespoke early years arts activities for young children that take into account the Aistear curriculum, children’s highly specific needs and likes, and the spaces available in early years settings.

During the day Lucy will guide the group on an exploration of Estuary - an exhibition featuring some of the artworks within Fingal County Council’s Public Art Collection, to generate ideas for art activities designed for children. This will be a practical, messy and highly enjoyable day where you will collaborate with other professional early childhood educators to inspire and extend your confidence and abilities for providing arts activities for children from babies to after school clubs.   

Fingal Arts Office is offering a stipend of €150 to educators working in the Dublin 15 region to participate and will be paid retrospectively.
For information and booking please contact: Draíocht Box Office: Tel: 01-885 2622.
Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Limited places available. 

From the producers of ‘Once’ and ‘Sing Street’, comes ‘Float Like a Butterfly’, a powerful and timely story of a girl's fight for freedom and belonging. In a gender-reversal of classic film Billy Elliot and inspired vaguely by Katie Taylor, the film concerns a young 15 year old Traveller girl who, as a huge fan of Mohammad Ali, trains herself into a state of boxing excellence. Frances (Hazel Doupe) is determined to make her ex-convict father Michael (Dara Devaney) proud, but she soon comes to realize he's got other plans for her. Patriarchal and controlling, her father, once her greatest ally, is too defeated himself to imagine any better for his daughter. Michael demands that Frances adhere to tradition and leave her love of boxing behind. But Frances was not born to be broken. In the mother of all fights, she must dig deep to find in herself the Champion her father once knew her to be.

Director Carmel Winters has crafted a warm celebratory film giving voice to an independent, fun and determined young woman. Float Like a Butterfly is a crowd-pleasing delight.
Winner, Audience Award, Best Film, Cork International Film Festival 2018.

CERT: 15A  Language: English   Dur: 101 mins
In association with Access Cinema

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet returns in this National Theatre Live presentation, first staged in 2015. Lyndsey Turner directs with visual flair and gothic sensibility while Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a masterful interpretation of a Hamlet profoundly torn.
As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. This production renders Shakespeare’s protagonist identifiable to a new generation.

This season Draíocht will collaborate once again with the Irish Film Institutes Education Programme for Senior Cycle Secondary School Students. Recommended age: 15+
TEACHERS: Sign up for our teacher Ezines HERE to be sure you’re sent out up to date news and offers.

CERT: 12A  Language: English   Dur: 170 mins
This screening is presented in association with IFI Education.

Dickie Rock is one of Ireland’s most loved and recognised singers and still attracts a huge following of fans from all around the world. He has been performing and packing out venues throughout Ireland and Europe for over fifty years and is still going as strong as ever! From 1963 to 1983, Dickie had 25 Irish hits, surpassed only by the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, David Bowie and the Rolling Stones. During his time with the Miami Showband, Dickie attracted the kind of mass hysteria normally reserved for boybands like Westlife.

Star of Sunshine Radio, Paddy Cole is legendary in Irish show business, ever since he first came to prominence in the 1960s with the Capitol Showband. He still attracts many of the people who danced in those days to his shows today. Paddy is renowned for giving audiences a good time - whether it’s jazz, rock ‘n roll, sixties or swing – the result is always the same – a thrilled and ecstatic reaction.

Joining Dickie and Paddy will be very special guests Funny Friday’s Sil Fox with host and compere George Hunter.
Presented by George Hunter Entertainment

Madhouse is based on the unbelievable true life story of comedian PJ Gallagher.

When PJ was ten, his Ma, a nurse, moved six men with schizophrenia into the family home to care for them full time. Many psychiatric institutions were closing down and there were few places for long term residents to go. She did everything for them from administering their medication to cutting their hair.

“It was like this. When you went through our front door and turned right, you were in mad land, where the mad lads lived. And when you turned left - me, Ma, Da and the dog.  And me like a little waiter running down with their pills and dinner, a plate in each hand. It was madness. Absolute madness.”

Written by Una McKevitt and PJ Gallagher, Madhouse was a smash-hit sell-out critical success when it premiered at Dublin Fringe in September 2018.
Starring Katherine Lynch and Shane O’Reilly, and directed by Una McKevitt.

“The first time we did the show I was nervous what my Ma would make of it,” says PJ, “but she absolutely loved it, so I’m excited for the tour now. Having lived through the madness I reckon I might as well try and make a few quid from it!”

Please note this performance contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature. Suitable for 14+​

Primary school teachers are invited to encounter the contemporary artworks featured in the current exhibition ‘Estuary’ and participate in a responsive workshop led by professional artist, Clare Breen. Teachers will be supported to enhance their artistic skills and expand their approach to teaching in the classroom by exploring the potential of the gallery context as an educational resource for the Primary School curriculum.

Fingal Arts Office is offering a stipend to support Fingal teachers attend. For more information please contact julie.clarke@fingal.ie

What if your favourite LEGO mini-figure came back to life as a zombie, a vampire, a mummy… and they are coming to get you! We can show you how to make that happen by using the magical art of stop motion animation. Working with like-minded young animators, participants will create short films and learn some of the basic skills of stop motion or master existing ones. Bring along your favourite mini figures to star in your film!

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 sarah@draiocht.ie in confidence. Draíocht is committed, within its resources, to access to the arts for all.

Midterm Halloween Workshops are Funded by Fingal County Council Arts Office, Fingal Film Club offers young people the opportunity to learn all about film through a series of programmes and short courses throughout the year. Booking is through Draíocht’s Box Office 01-8852622.

Over these three days, participants will collaborate to script, rehearse, shoot and edit their horrifying ideas to create a finished film that will strike fear into all that watch it. Working closely in groups with experienced facilitators, you will learn skills and techniques that you can continue to develop after the course in order to make films with your own mobile technology.

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 sarah@draiocht.ie in confidence. Draíocht is committed, within its resources, to access to the arts for all.

Midterm Halloween Workshops are Funded by Fingal County Council Arts Office, Fingal Film Club offers young people the opportunity to learn all about film through a series of programmes and short courses throughout the year. Booking is through Draíocht’s Box Office 01-8852622.

Back by popular demand ... 'Frankie's Guys - A celebration of 'Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons' is a fast paced, energetic production with an authentic live concert feel. Putting their own charismatic stamp on timeless classics such as, 'Big Girls Don't Cry', 'Walk Like A Man', ‘Sherry’ & 'Oh What A Night', the boys take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane and remind you exactly why ‘The Four Seasons’ sold over 100 million records and earned themselves a place in the prestigious 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame'. With slick choreography, charm, charisma, brilliant audience participation and amazing live vocals, it’s clear to see why ’Frankie's Guys’ are receiving standing ovations up and down the country.

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Over a six week period, theatre professionals Eimear Morrissey and Jo Quinn will once again work with transition year students from Hartstown Community School and Riversdale Community College to introduce them to the magic of theatre. This year we are concentrating on the creation of physical theatre, from the perspectives of performer and audience. Students will attend workshops, create their own performance, as well as attending CoisCéim’s new show ‘Francis Footwork’. If you are a secondary school in Dublin 15 and are interested in finding out more about this project please contact sarah@draiocht.ie

Joanne Ryan's internationally acclaimed, multi award-winning show is a funny, tender and moving exploration of reproduction in 21st-Century Ireland. Looking down the barrel of her final fertile years, one modern Irish woman goes on a comical quest to uncover the ifs, hows and crucially the whys of reproducing her genes.

Mixing animation with stand-up, monologue and hilarious recorded interjections from Ryan's mother, Eggsistentialism takes a light-hearted but unflinching look at one of life's most compelling dilemmas: should making a life for oneself involve making another?

Winner of The Lustrum Award, The Melbourne Fringe Tour Ready Award, Sydney Fringe's Critics’ Pick Award, Best Storytelling Bouquet at Edinburgh Festival and nominated for Best Performance at Melbourne Fringe.

Funded by The Strollers Network Touring Production Award.
Supported by Limerick Culture and Arts Department, Limerick City and County Council.
Dur 60 mins / Age 14+. Some strong language.
Written & Performed by Joanne Ryan.
Directed by Veronica Coburn.

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This unique revision day is designed for Leaving Certificate art students and teachers. Using the exhibition ‘Estuary’, we will explore and support art student’s preparation for the Leaving Certificate Art Appreciation section, through a series of talks and practical activities.
Guided by artist Bridget Flannery, as well as Estuary exhibition curators, Una Sealy and Joshua Sex, participants will gain an understanding of the curatorial process and installation considerations. Students will then meet with artist Martin Gale, whose work features in the exhibition and on the Leaving Certificate curriculum, to hear about his processes, techniques and inspiration. A facilitated tour of the exhibition will focus on two art works, to compare and contrast style, subject matter and artistic techniques.

Places are free, but limited and must be booked in advance with Draíocht’s Box Office 01-8852622.
Image: Martin Gale

“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet. Colonel Headbanger doesn’t like dreams as they can give people ideas. People with ideas can be dangerous.”
 
Once upon a dance floor ... in a kingdom not so far away, lived Francis Footwork.

Now, Francis Footwork is no ordinary girl - she is an extraordinary dancer. When young King Two Lefties ascends to the throne, he is convinced by trusted adviser Colonel Headbanger to rule the land with an iron fist. He wants to end all dancing. Francis and her friends come together to teach him a dance lesson he will never forget!

From the company that brought you the award-winning 'The Wolf and Peter'.

Written & Directed by David Bolger
Cast includes: Cristian Enmanuel Dirocie, Ivonne Kalter, Jonathan Mitchell & Emma O’Kane.

Family Show: Tues 5th Nov 7pm
School Shows: Wed 6th Nov 10am & 12 noon
Age: 6yrs+

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“Dancing is like dreaming with your feet. Colonel Headbanger doesn’t like dreams as they can give people ideas. People with ideas can be dangerous.”
 
Once upon a dance floor ... in a kingdom not so far away, lived Francis Footwork.

Now, Francis Footwork is no ordinary girl - she is an extraordinary dancer. When young King Two Lefties ascends to the throne, he is convinced by trusted adviser Colonel Headbanger to rule the land with an iron fist. He wants to end all dancing. Francis and her friends come together to teach him a dance lesson he will never forget!

From the company that brought you the award-winning 'The Wolf and Peter'.

Written & Directed by David Bolger
Cast includes: Cristian Enmanuel Dirocie, Ivonne Kalter, Jonathan Mitchell & Emma O’Kane.

Family Show: Tues 5th Nov 7pm
School Shows: Wed 6th Nov 10am & 12 noon
Age: 6yrs+

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From the producers of A Viennese Strauss Gala, this sumptuous fully costumed show immerses us in the wonderful music and the classical baroque world of one of the world’s greatest romantic composers - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With beautiful settings, costumes, lighting, and of course candles, the European Baroque Ensemble and world class opera singers transport you back to the sumptuous past.
A packed programme of classical music and song, which includes excerpts from the most memorable of Mozart’s operas, such as: The Magic Flute; The Marriage of Figaro; Cosi Fan Tutte, and many more. Mozart’s most popular and famous operas are all beautifully sung by world class soloists who, alongside the ensemble, perform some of his most memorable pieces of music, including: Symphony no. 40; Lacrimosa (Requiem D minor) and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik.

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See and play music in a free and open environment with musician Eamon Sweeney, using gongs, chimes, bells, ocean drums, simple percussion instruments and song.

This series of individual monthly workshops is intended to allow you and your child to explore different art mediums in an open and undirected way. There will be mess but there will also be fun! Cost: €5 per child per workshop (accompanying adult is free). Box Office on 01-8852622.

WORKSHOP NOTES
These workshops are designed for children aged 2-4 years. Please respect age limits as each workshop has been designed especially for this age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. These sessions are only suitable for one parent/guardian and accompanying child (without siblings). 

That’s good advice on the pitch but an even better metaphor for life especially when you don’t take advice well. How hard can it be for a man to say “point taken!” Des Bishop’s new show tries to digest the incredible changes we have seen in society in the last year and a half. Me too, consent, trump, the 8th and how divided everyone is online.
Everyone welcome, snowflakes, the easily offended, those that complain about people being offended, PC and non P.C. people, religious people and atheists. We all have points to take and goals to come!

Set in the swinging sixties Made in Dagenham is based on a real life strike in the Ford factory in Dagenham in June 1968. It is more than 50 years since these amazing characters stood up for their rights, which led to the Equal Pay Act of 1970. Coolmine Musical Society is delighted to be taking to the stage with the Dublin Premiere of this show. This ideal show will bring everybody out for a great night’s entertainment! 

CAST: Rita: Bronwyn Andrews / Eddie: Ian Rountree / Beryl: Michelle Harris / Cass: Kathryn Gibbons / Clare: Niamh Kiernan / Sandra: Karen McCourt / Connie: Niamh Carroll / Harold Wilson: Justin Parkes / Barbara Castle: Dolores Hughes / Lisa Hopkins: Amie Preston  / Monty: Robbie Kennedy  / Tooley: Eddie Brady / Mr Hopkins: Ciaran Lenehan  / Buddy Cortina: Stuart Pollock  / Greg Hubble: Nathan Everett Patterson / Stan: Andrew Hayes

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As Part of the Estuary exhibition programme, join us in the gallery for ‘An Appetite for Adventure’. Exhibiting artist, Atsushi Kaga, is here to guide you on an adventure that explores the development of fictional characters through drawing. You will create and develop your own unique fictional character, revealing their individuality through the exploration of symbols, line, form, tone, texture and narrative. 

WORKSHOP NOTES:
Limited to 1 class per school but other classes are welcome to be part of a waiting list. Cost per class is FREE as this programme is funded by Fingal Arts as part of the Estuary Exhibition programme. Booking is essential, tel Box Office on (01) 8852622 / Max of 30 students per class.

Robert Mizzell has made Ireland his home for over 20 years. He served his apprenticeship in Country Music since he first arrived here and is now one of the top Country Music Artists in Ireland, enjoying huge success all around the country. He has released 12 solo studio albums and 2 full length DVD’s to date and is constantly touring Ireland and the UK with his band. Robert was voted ‘Ireland’s Favourite Country Music Singer’ in a poll conducted by RSVP magazine.

‘Kick Ass Country’ was Robert’s first major hit, but it was the song ‘Say You Love Me’ that made him a household name in Ireland. More of his hit songs include ‘Mama Courtney’, Day Job’, ‘John Deer Beer’, ‘Louisiana Saturday Night’ and Wham Bam’ to name a few.

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A struggling Mumbai street photographer pressured to marry by his grandmother convinces a shy stranger to pose as his fiancée during a family visit. Despite vast cultural differences, the pair develop a surprising connection that challenges their worldviews in a wistful and funny romance from Ritesh Batra (The Lunchbox). Starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra.

CERT: 15A  Language: Indian (English Subtitles)  Dur: 110 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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Ballet Ireland, in association with EY Ireland, is delighted to present a national tour of Swan Lake, one of the greatest love stories of classical ballet, to 19 theatres throughout Ireland.

This most famous of ballets, combines romantic themes, classical technique and ethereal imagery together with Tchaikovsky's majestic score, to ensure this masterpiece’s immortality.

Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess, who by day is turned into a swan by evil magician Von Rothbart, only to regain her human form at night. Out hunting by the Lakeside, Prince Siegfried encounters her and falls madly in love with her. But will he be able to break Von Rothbart’s spell…? 

This enduring story of love and tragedy, good and evil, has enthralled audiences since it premiered in 1877.  
This autumn 25 leading professional dancers from Ireland and abroad will perform in this breath-taking production which was loved by audiences and critics when last produced by Ballet Ireland.

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Create your reindeer and print him green, etch an elephant and add a red nose, stamp a tree with purple snow. Our artists will be on hand to show you the techniques to print a Christmas Card and you can show us just how crazy your festive imagination can be!

FAMILY DAY NOTES:
Sessions Are Free, But Space Is Limited. Max 50 per workshop.
Session 1: 12PM-12.50PM
Session 2: 1PM-1.50PM
Session 3: 2PM-2.50PM
Dress for Mess. Unless otherwise stated workshops are designed for children from 5-10 years, though younger and older siblings are welcome to take part. Please be aware that Draíocht’s Family Days are not designed for groups. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child!

It’s always party time when abba are about, but when it’s the Christmas Show,  then that’s a real excuse for a party! This happy sing-a-long tribute celebrates with a loud and proud fanfare! It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations! Simply the best party in Town! So, MAMMA MIA, here we go again! My My How can we resist you!! A cracker of a show. Great Vocals from the girls, Lucinda and Marie, great playing from the guys, Denis and Rae and terrific audiovisuals to bring you back in time and share seminal ABBA moments with you!

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A parent-teacher meeting goes very wrong in CLASS - a new play about learning difficulties: in school, in life, wherever. Brian and Donna’s son is nine years old, and he’s struggling. That’s what his teacher says. Says he should see a psychologist. But Brian and Donna – recently separated – never liked school, never liked teachers. So are they going to trust this one? And should they?

CLASS is an explosive triple confrontation in a classroom over learning difficulties, love and entitlement. Funny, heartbreaking and beautifully observed, with rave reviews and a sold-out run at the Abbey Theatre, CLASS is new Irish writing at its finest.

CLASS by Iseult Golden and David Horan was the hit of the Dublin Theatre Festival 2017 and was then invited to play on the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre in January 2018 before transferring to the Galway International Arts Festival and the Traverse Edinburgh Fringe in the Summer of 2018. The show sold out before opening in Dublin and Galway and has had an extraordinary response from audiences and critics alike wherever it plays.

Starring Stephen Jones, Will O'Connell & Sarah Morris.

MORE ... Meet the Makers

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This season Draíocht will collaborate once again with the Irish Film Institutes Education Programme by screening the film 'A Jar Full of Life / Vielmachglas' for Senior Cycle Secondary School Students, in German (with English subtitles). Recommended age: 15+

'A Jar Full of Life / Vielmachglas' is a contemporary comedy/drama about Marleen, a young woman in her early 20s, struggling to find her way in the world. At a loss when her older brother dies in a tragic accident, she decides to remember him by completing a voyage to Antarctica that he had planned himself. Marlene’s subsequent road trip across Germany, during which she rescues a goat, finds new friends, and fills her “jar full of life”, makes for a fun take on a coming-of-age comedy.

TEACHERS: Sign up for our teacher Ezines HERE to be sure you’re sent out up to date news and offers.

Germany •  2018 •  89 mins  •  Comedy/Drama •  English subtitles
Director: Florian Ross

Secondary Cycle Film Screenings 2020
If you are interested in arranging a screening of a film for your school’s students, please do get in touch to discuss the possibility of this. Screening will be possible in accordance with the availability of the film and the auditorium and with a minimum number of 100 pupils. For further details please contact Sarah on 01-809 8029 or email sarah@draiocht.ie

Love Actually is the ultimate romantic comedy from the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill. Funny, irresistible and heart-warming, an all-star cast (Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney and Emma Thompson, to name a few!) will take you on a breathtaking tour of love's delightful twists and turns. Fall under the spell of Love Actually and share the laughs and charm again and again.

Director: Richard Curtis
CERT: 15PG  Language: English   Dur: 129 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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If making the school lunches, doing the jaysus homework and dodging the guards because your NCT is out by two years is sending you over the edge, you are not alone. Come and join the Dirtbirds as they navigate the stresses and strains of modern life in their brand new comedy show ‘Dirtbirds Self Help Tour’.
This rip-roaring two hours of comedy gold is a unique blend of hilarious sketch comedy and stand up. Brand new characters take to the stage along with some of the well-known favourites. Don’t miss this side-splitting show from the queens of sketch comedy. Back by popular demand.

Baby's First Xmas is a gentle magical wonderland of gorgeous harmony singing, little lights and enticing textures. Created for babies under one year old by Anna Newell and David Goodall, whose work for Early Years audiences has been seen on five continents. This brand new Xmas show promises to delight and entrance the very tiniest of audience members. Each baby can bring one adult guest with them and, to make this a very special experience, audience capacity is very limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. (max capacity 8 babies / 8 guardians per show).

Baby's First Xmas is funded by Arts Council Ireland and this programme is a partnership between the Civic Theatre, Draiocht and the Mermaid Arts Centre.

Phone Draíocht Box Office on 01 8852622 to Book

December 6th see’s Blanchardstown School of Music return to Draíocht for their Christmas Concert. The concert will showcase the talent of the students ranging from Singing, Piano, Drums, Violin and Guitar. With some festive inspired pieces along with some of the students exam preparation work, it will be an evening of fantastic music and upbeat performances!

Blanchardstown School of Music is based in Coolmine Industrial Estate, Blanchardstown and was established in 2008 and has steadily grown since then with a wide variety of music lessons available in all instruments.
www.blanchmusic.com

Christmas: a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time of ghosts.

Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties of human nature and illuminating the cold and chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark...
Following the international touring success that was Female Gothic, Dyad Productions resurrects a Victorian tradition by presenting three seasonal tales of terror to scintillate the gooseflesh for dark Christmas nights. This dark celebration of Christmas is adapted and performed by Rebecca Vaughan (Dalloway, Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic).

Directed by Elton Townend Jones (Dalloway, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe)
From the creators of Dalloway, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, The Diaries of Adam and Eve and Female Gothic.

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Christmas is a time to come together. It is a time to reflect on all the good in our lives – to enjoy all those who we have in our lives and to let them know what they mean to us. Coolmine invites you to join them for what has become a Christmas tradition, a night of yuletide music and some other favourite songs from the stage and screen. All are welcome to this evening where the importance of community, friends and family will be celebrated with fantastic musical acts such as the Blanchardstown Brass Band, Mary McGahann, Bob Linehan, the St Brigid’s Choirs and other surprise acts on the night. All proceeds on the night will go towards the vital addiction recovery services provided by Coolmine. Join us for a very special night of hope and song. Merry Christmas!

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GOING ON SALE SHORTLY

Clonee Music Tuition Centre returns to Draíocht to celebrate 10 years of music making in the community.  Join them for what promises to be a most enjoyable evening of music showcasing the talents of current and former students. Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, soloists and ensembles will perform an exciting selection of music and songs from different genres with some Christmas favourites for audience participation!

Clonee Music Tuition Centre, established in 2009 provides instrumental and vocal tuition for students of all ages and Pre-Instrumental Courses for younger children.  It is based in Coláiste Pobail Setanta secondary school in Dublin 15. As a community based music school, Clonee Music Tuition Centre endeavours to meet the individual needs of the diverse range of students that attend the music school whether learning purely for fun or with a specific goal in mind.  Students enhance their performance skills with opportunities to perform at the Annual Summer Recitals and Christmas Concert. 

Workshop 1: 5-7 Years:  12.30PM-2PM (accompanying adult)
Workshop 2: 8-10 Years: 2.30PM-4PM (no accompanying adult)

Make your own Christmas Elf decoration with felt artist Gina Faustino, creating and learning about felting from scratch, create your own piece of material from lamb’s wool and end with a unique Christmas creation! Early booking advised through Box Office, 01-8852622.

Dublin Gospel Choir return to Draíocht, bringing a selection of Christmas favourites; some joyful, some uplifting, some nostalgic and some just downright funky! Dublin Gospel Choir have long been a household name in Ireland – versatile, passionate and vibrant, they uplift and energise with powerful voices and rich harmonies They have shared the stage with industry heavyweights such as Rod Stewart, John Legend, Kodaline, Outkast, Damien Rice and Ennio Morricone, to name but a few. Start the Christmas season in style with Dublin Gospel Choir!

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Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human baby raised in the North Pole to be an Elf. After wreaking havoc in the elf community due to his size, Buddy heads to New York City to find his place in the world, and track down his father. But everyone has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, and it’s up to Buddy and his simple elf ways to win over his family, realise his destiny and ultimately, save Christmas!

CERT: PG  Language: English   Dur: 97 mins
In association with Access Cinema

TEACHERS: Sign up for our teacher Ezines HERE to be sure you’re sent out up to date news and offers.

In this sequel to the highly successful Home Alone, child-star Macaulay Culkin returns, in the role that made him famous, as Kevin McCallister, a precocious Chicago boy who mistakenly boards a plane to New York while the rest of his large family wings to Florida. In Manhattan, he takes up residency at the Plaza Hotel, but his posh holiday is disrupted when he discovers that the Sticky Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are on the loose. Can he foil their plan to rob an elderly man's toy store just before Christmas?

CERT: PG  Language: English   Dur: 120 mins
In association with Access Cinema

TEACHERS: Sign up for our teacher Ezines HERE to be sure you’re sent out up to date news and offers.

This moving and beautifully told film is a true masterpiece of cinema. George Bailey (James Stuart) is in turmoil, having been framed by his arch rival. He’s torn between his own desires and aspirations, but struggling to always do the right thing. This inner conflict proves too much for Bailey, who sees suicide as the only option. In classic Hollywood style, Heaven sends a guardian angel to remind him how worthwhile his life has been and to treasure the good times.

CERT: G  Language: English   Dur: 129 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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Coolmine Panto Group are back with a pantomime treatment of the Robin Hood legend for all the family. Join in the fun as Sir Robin of Locksley together with his Mother, Lady Rose Bud, draw swords and arrows with the money grabbing Sheriff of Nothingdoing, Sir Guy Sterling. Can Sir Robin rescue Maid Marion from the evil Sheriff? Fun and laughter are guaranteed with Robin’s Merry Men, Friar Tuck and his Snoring Monks and the Singing Nuns of Mirth.

SAT 04  2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 05 1PM & 5.30PM
WED 08  7PM (RELAXED PERFORMANCE €19)
THU 09  7.30PM / FRI 10  7.30PM
SAT 11  2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 12  1PM & 5.30PM
WED 15 7.30PM / THU 16  7.30PM
FRI 17  7.30PM / SAT 18  2PM & 7.30PM
SUN 19  2PM

Enjoy our Relaxed Performance on Wednesday 8th January which will have no sudden noises or bangs, restricted capacity, the ability to move around, softer and brighter lighting and music at a suitable level. We will also provide a chill-out area with low lighting for parents/guardians to bring children who may need to have a little break. All tickets for this performance are €19.

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In their 40-year career, Foster & Allen have released over 30 albums. Along with ‘A Bunch of Thyme’, entering the Irish chart in 1979 and becoming their first No. 1 single, ‘Maggie’ became a No. 1 in New Zealand for four weeks, making the two songs their signature tunes. They started in the 1970s as a duo, but in 1982 they added a band to their show. Since then Mick Foster and Tony Allen have toured the UK & Ireland every year playing to sell-out concerts wherever they go. In addition, they’ve successfully toured the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and achieved album and video sales in excess of 22 million worldwide. This 2020 tour is supported by a special edition new release ‘Timeless Memories’, a 10 CD Collection featuring 182 tracks of their most popular and favourite songs and albums, including ‘Maggie’, ‘After all These Years’, ‘Reminiscing’, ‘Reflections’, ‘Remember You’re Mine’ and many more.

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You can't see the Bee Gees anymore, but you can see ‘Nights on Broadway’ and still experience a concert of the incredible music written by the brothers Gibb.

The Bee Gees Story - Nights On Broadway present a tribute to the Bee Gees through a fantastic live concert, featuring their incredible songs, from over four decades, from the 60s to the 90s. With musical authenticity, costume changes and the accurate recreation of the vocal talents and harmonies of the Bee Gees, this show gives the audience the experience of being at a Bee Gees concert. The six-piece live band blend the classic hits, acoustic medleys, songs written for other major artists and dance floor fillers to tell the story of the Bee Gees from start to finish.

Back by Popular Demand after their SOLD OUT shows in November 2018 & March 2019. www.nightsonbroadway.net

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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, Dickie Rock, Eurovision hits and more. Joining Ronan is Linda Martin - A Superstar of Showbiz - Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1992 with 'Why Me' and TV Presenter on multiple shows for RTE. Ireland’s greatest voice, Red Hurley will also be singing all his great hits. Also brother and Sister combo, Keith & Lorraine McDonald, with their fantastic tribute to all things Showband. Also the big sound of The Conquerors Showband and Eurovision stars Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg, as well as 70s chart-topper Shaun O’Dowd.

The show’s exciting finale is an ALL Cast Salute to the Showband Era. All of the stars join in for a medley of songs from the unique Showband Years!  Bringing you back in time to this magical musical period. It will send you home with great memories of wonderful and never to be repeated time in Irish popular music.

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Michael Scott’s iconic production of John B Keane’s hit comedy play The Matchmaker returns starring two of Ireland’s favourite actors, Mary McEvoy and Jon Kenny. Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy.

The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn. Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses ‘The Matchmaker’ as an exploration of rural loneliness. Using his inimitable way with words and his sense of devilment and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely country people and creates a marvellously colourful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders!

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Jason Byrne has had a hard year. But he doesn’t want to talk about that. He’s wrecked but ready. Ready for a laugh. This show is a celebration. A celebration of triumph over adversity. A celebration of the fact that everybody’d got their own crap going on and they don’t need to listen to someone else moaning about their problems. So, leave your worries at the door and find out why ‘The Times’ described Jason as ‘The Outright King of Live Comedy’.

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Sharon Shannon has music at her fingertips ... literally! The Irish accordionist has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the much-maligned accordion 'cool' in her home country. She is renowned for her collaborations, not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres, Hip-Hop, Cajun, Country, Classical and Rap. Sharon has recorded and toured with a who's who of the Irish and global music industry, including Bono, Adam Clayton, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The RTE Concert Orchestra, The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan - a list that is testament to Sharon's versatility as well as talent. Her album Galway Girl went 4 times platinum in Ireland with the title track winning her the Meteor award two years running for most downloaded song. 

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This season Draíocht will collaborate once again with the Irish Film Institutes Education Programme by screening the film 'Stars by the Pound / 100 kilos d'étoiles' for Junior Cycle Secondary School Students, in French (with English subtitles). Recommended age: 12+

Lois, 16, has only one dream: becoming an astronaut. However, although she’s gifted in physics, she has a big problem: Lois weighs over 200 pounds – a family trait she’s inescapably stuck with. When Lois is told by her science teacher that her excess weight means she will never become an astronaut, she faces a battle with her own body image that leads to hospitalisation.Then, just when everything seems lost, Lois meets Amélie, Stannah, and Justine: three teenagers shattered, like her, by life’s tough breaks; yet ready for anything in order to leave with her for outer space…Together, they motivate each other to take a road trip and enter a science competition that could win them a zero gravity flight. A sweet, touching story about friendship and self-belief.

TEACHERS: Sign up for our teacher Ezines HERE to be sure you’re sent out up to date news and offers.

France  •  2019 •  85 mins  •  Comedy
Director: Marie-Sophie Chambon
Produced by Koro Films

Secondary Cycle Film Screenings 2020
If you are interested in arranging a screening of a film for your school’s students, please do get in touch to discuss the possibility of this. Screening will be possible in accordance with the availability of the film and the auditorium and with a minimum number of 100 pupils. For further details please contact Sarah on 01-809 8029 or email sarah@draiocht.ie

Fresh from a sell-out tour, star of BBC’s the Blame Game, Fighting Talk and the Newsquiz Neil Delamere returns to Draíocht with a brand new show. Time waits for no man, especially one trying to buy a watch. Things always get complicated. 

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GOING ON SALE SHORTLY

A new comedy based on the 1981 hijacking of an Aer Lingus plane, by an ex-Trappist monk, with a bottle of water as his weapon, the Pope as his nemesis, and a burning desire to know The Third Secret of Fatima.

Step on the plane with us and experience this most Irish of hijackings. There’ll be music, nostalgia, heroism, praying, visions, romance (maybe), sex (maybe) and a special appearance by Our Lady (definitely). There’ll even be a miracle. I swear.

Funded by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Created and produced by Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre. Play Development co-commissioned by Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre (Bray) and Pavilion Theatre (Dun Laoghaire) and supported by the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Paris) and Fishamble: New Play Clinic.

Starring Caitríona Ennis & Patrick Moy.

MORE ... RTE 1 Radio Play

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Join the star of BBC2’s The Mash Report as she smashes stereotypes around sex, sexuality and relationships. As seen and heard on Roast Battle, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier and The Guilty Feminist Podcast.

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