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A NEW YEAR As we begin the new year we will see many new faces on stage, in our gallery, and across many of our outreach programmes, and we will also welcome the familiar. Our new spring programme includes the best in music, literature, theatre, comedy, visual arts and cabaret, and continues to further develop our partnerships with Drogheda Classical Music and Drogheda Arts Festival. It has always been central to my philosophy for the Centre to be a hub, a creative and exploratory resource for Drogheda and the greater North East Region. If the Centre is a hub it must function as such, offering support, opportunities and facilities to those that need a platform and outlet for their expression and craft. It is our mission to continue with the important developments over the past 3 years, through our artist initiatives, our theatre club now in its 6th season , our gallery where we continue to present the best of local artists from the North East Region and a new initiative for 2020, our artist's cafes, where artists working in all disciplines can come to meet, chat and network. This season is a reflection of what we have worked towards, a centre that is open, engaging, innovative, and challenging for both the artists and you the audience, who's participation and engagement is crucial. And as we celebrate 30 years of Droichead in 2020, we look forward to welcoming you, to visit, engage, participate, meet, chat, share, explore and createâ€Ś

Collette Farrell Director

HOW TO BOOK

WELCOME

FREE ONLINE BOOKING

www.droichead.com

Tickets may be purchased online up to 2.00pm on the day of the performance. You will receive a confirmation email. No booking charge applies online.

BY TELEPHONE/IN PERSON

Please note from Jan 2020, all tickets booked via phone and in person at our Box Office are subject to €1 booking fee per ticket.

CONCESSION TICKETS

Concession rate tickets are available on selected shows and apply to senior citizens (over 65), students, children, people with additional needs and those unwaged. To avail of concession appropriate ID is required.

GROUP BOOKINGS

Ticket discounts are available on selected shows for groups of 10 or more. Please contact box office to enquire.

TICKET COLLECTIONS

Tickets can be collected at box office. Please arrive 30 minutes before the performance to collect tickets.

ACCESS

Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell Street is a fully accessible venue with accessible toilet in our foyer and lift to our venue and theatre. Please inform us by phone at the time of booking if you have any special requirements or require wheelchair spaces in the theatre. Barlow House is also fully accessible.

PARKING

For night time performances, we suggest parking in the Town Centre Shopping Centre on Dyer Street. This carpark remains open until 12.30am every night. Please note there is an hourly charge for this carpark.

BOOKING CHARGES

From January 2020, all in person and phone bookings will be subject to a €1 booking charge per ticket. Online booking is free.

CAFE/BAR OPENING HOURS

Our cafe/bar opens 30 mins before performance time.

LATECOMERS

OPENING HOURS

Latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance and at the discretion of management.

Tuesday to Saturday. Reopens at 7pm on performance nights

REFUNDS

Box Office: 10am - 5pm

We regret that tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase.

EVENTS AT A GLANCE JANUARY 8 Dec – 15 Feb

EMIT

Irenes Ghost - First Fortnight

Wozzeck (Berg)

Everybody Knows (Senior Cycle Spanish)

The Ponds

Ross Ainslie, Dónal O'Connor, Jack Talty & Jim Murray

Slow Sessions

Against the Tide

24-25

The Unmanageable Sisters

Everybody Knows (Senior Cycle Spanish)

Singin' In The Rain

FEBRUARY Visual Art

Porgy and Bess (The Gershwins)

Film

Sorry We Missed You

Opera

Notorious

Silver Screen

Film

Take off your Cornflakes

Theatre Club

Documentary

Women of Wit

Music

11-15

Surprise Package

Music

Slow Sessions

Documentary

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Theatre

Howie the Rookie

Film

Ablevision Production

Silver Screen

Slow Sessions

Gaza

Documentary

Heal your Hole

Trad

Theatre Club

Gabriela Montero

31 Jan – 2 Feb

A Celebration of the Voice

25-29

St Mary’s Diocesan Photography Club

25-29

The Blacksmith

DCM

Opera Film

Comedy/Caberet Theatre Music Film Theatre Club Theatre Music Comedy DCM Visual Arts Theatre

EVENTS AT A GLANCE MARCH 3-13

LMETB Robert Ballagh Art Competition

4-7

The Curious Case of Albert Cashier

Slow Sessions

10-14

The Hag

APRIL Visual Arts

Starling Blue

Music

Theatre Club

Slow Sessions

Music

I am Baba

Family

Theatre

Bait

Mozart and Beethoven Piano and Wind Quintets

DCM

Tosca (Puccini)

Agrippina (Handel)

Opera

14-18

Droichead Youth Theatre

Scoraíocht Lann Léire Gala Concert

Music

Slow Sessions

Music

Der Fliegende Holländer (Wagner)

Opera

20 Apr8 June

Traditional Singing Programme with Niamh Parsons

Music

Slow Sessions

Music

Mrs Lowry & Son

24-28

Widows Paradise

Theatre

A Bump Along The Way

26 Mar18 Apr

Shifting Walls

Visual Arts

Maura Laverty: This was your Life

Film

Mother of God

Silver Screen

The Man in the Woman’s Shoes

Theatre Club

Film

I Hear You & Rejoice

Theatre Club

29 Apr3 May

Drogheda Arts Festival

Treasures / Tesoros (Junior Cycle Spanish)

Sometimes Always Never

Happy as Lazzaro

Film Opera Theatre

Silver Screen Film Theatre Comedy

Festival

VISUAL ARTS EMIT

VIVIENNE BYRNE SUN 8 DEC 2019 - SAT 15 FEB 2020

This new body of work by Drogheda artist Vivienne Byrne seeks to navigate the rhythms and tempos of time unfolding. Her interest in the transitory experience, connection with the breath and impact of time on perceptions of mortality, has led her to explore methods of presenting captured moments as visual music. As part of a continuous quest to understand invisible forces, this work presents a series of mixed media installations, incorporating collaged fragments of video footage, projections and traditional drawing techniques. Inspired by the natural environment, the work is ongoing. Vivienne Byrne will facilitate four workshops for 2nd level students on Thu 16 Jan | Thu 23 Jan | Thu 6 Feb | Thu 20 Feb | 11am - 1pm.

Breath I

VISUAL ARTS ST MARY’S DIOCESAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

TUE 25 FEB – SAT 29 FEB

Set up 5 years ago, St Mary’s Diocesan Photography Club has now become the school’s largest extra-curricular activity. Students are encouraged to participate in walking and photography trips, and are encouraged to see the beauty in their home town and surrounding areas. This exhibition celebrates a vibrant heritage town, that is home to people from all communities. Due to the success of last year’s inaugural exhibition, Droichead and St. Mary’s are delighted to have now made this exhibition an annual event.

LMETB ROBERT BALLAGH ART COMPETITION

TUE 3 MAR – FRI 13 MAR

Art and photography is taught throughout the network of Louth & Meath Education & Training Board’s schools, colleges and Youthreach centres. This competition is designed to encourage all students to demonstrate their artistic skills and creativity and to showcase this work. To date the response has been excellent and the standard beyond our expectations. The renowned artist Robert Ballagh kindly judges the competition. This fifth annual exhibition of winners promises to be a wonderful showcase of artistic talent.

www.droichead.com

VISUAL ARTS SHIFTING WALLS

KATE BEAGAN, JO CUMMINS, ROISIN DUFFY, JACKIE HUDSON LALOR AND NIAMH O’CONNOR. CURATED BY SINÉAD SMITH THUR 26 MAR – SAT 18 APR

Altered States. Jackie Hudson Lalor

Internationally touring exhibition featuring five artists from Ireland’s North-East region. Through a variety of mediums and styles, the artists serve to inform viewers of their personal journeys, needs, hopes and experiences and the contribution equally to the human life cycle. The exhibition illustrates different perspectives on mental health, addiction, menopause, adult children, empty nest syndrome, and aging parents.

Workshops facilitated by participating artists for 2nd level students: Mon 30 Mar | Wed 1 April | 11am - 1pm

FIRST FORTNIGHT IRENE’S GHOST

DIR: IAIN CUNNINGHAM | UK 2018 | 81 MINS | CERT PG

TUE 7 JAN | 8PM | €8

Irene’s Ghost follows a son’s search to find out about the mother he never knew. Iain was 3 when his mother Irene died and his Dad never spoke about it. The birth of his own child inspires a journey to discover the truth about Irene, piecing together fragments of the past to uncover a long held family secret. Irene’s Ghost explores memory and mental health to movingly rebuild a lost life.   First Fortnight is a charity that challenges mental health prejudice through arts and cultural action.

MUSIC ANXO LORENZO, DÓNAL O'CONNOR, JACK TALTY & JIM MURRAY MUSIC NETWORK

SAT 18 JAN | 8PM | €18/€16

Over the past ten years these four artists have been at the forefront of highly creative Galician and Irish music-making. With a sharp intelligence and gentle curiosity about where this music sits in the world, this quartet of artists have made a massive contribution to music in both local and international arenas. Thrilling, soulful, sincere and highly communicative, theirs is a music of people and place, of stillness, of confluence and of us.

"A combination of sheer speed and unbridled imagination that simply defies belief!" - Irish Music Review

SLOW SESSIONS | BRENDAN MCCREANOR | SAT 25 JAN | 15 FEB | 22 FEB | 7 MAR | 21 MAR | 4 APR | 18 APR

A selection of easy and well-knows session tunes will be played slowly so that people in the early stage of their learning can have the opportunity to play together in an informal, friendly, supportive setting. All Welcome!

www.droichead.com

MUSIC SCORAÍOCHT LANN LÉIRE

STARLING BLUE

TRADITIONAL SINGING PROGRAMME WITH NIAMH PARSONS

SAT 20 MAR | 8PM | €10/€8

FRI 3 APR | 8PM | €15

MON 20 APR (6 WEEK PROGRAMME) 7 - 8:30PM | €70

GALA CONCERT

Scoraíocht Lann Léire, founded in 1974 are based in their own Céilí house in Dunleer. Their ethos is to promote and continue the Culture, Traditions and Language of Ireland through music and song. This concert will include performance from Scoraíocht students, teachers and members under the Musical Directorship of Rose Downes.

ACAPELLO

Starling Blue are Hannah O’Brien, Liebe Kelly, Louise Steele & Patrice Doherty. Their unique acapella vocal sound received much attention over the last number of years following the release of their arrangement of Every Breaking Wave and their Workhouse live recording sessions. Listeners are treated to stunning solos, rich and ingenious harmonies and melodies throughout, a unique concert and sound.

Intermediate traditional song workshop with traditional singer and balladeer Niamh Parsons. Improve the art of traditional singing, gain confidence, source songs, improve repertoire and learn songs. Niamh Parsons is one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music, and one of the best balladeers and vocalists of her time. The great Scottish balladeer Archie Fisher said of her, “A songstress like her comes along once or twice in a generation.”

VOICES Life is ridiculous mayhem mixed with beautiful magic; Storytelling helps us put the pieces together. Things happen in this life of unimaginable beauty, unexplainable mystery, unforeseen darkness, unforgivable selfishness and wild magic. The Act of telling stories helps us make sense of these wonders and is as deep a need in the human Man/ Woman as the need to breathe and eat. Some impulse presented itself in an un-named and rather smelly cave person 40,000 years ago; the impulse was to raise their hand to a cave wall, and make a picture of the human form on that wall; To document our existence; to ensure a legacy and prove we are indeed, alive. In other words, to tell our story. I continue this primitive legacy with every play I do - And it's a genetic need within me to tell these stories. My life has been punctuated with stories and they have helped me love, fight, learn and survive in this world; which very rarely makes sense. A great story illuminates the mystery. Or at the very least, makes us smile when a smile didn't seem natural on any given day. I became an Actor because I have had my most intense moments of human connection in the theatre and watching movies with people I love. It's the closest thing I have to a religion. Or a spiritual ritual; A group of people get together in an dark room, we switch off our phones, we watch some story told by a bunch of people we don't know, and provided the thing is done with skill and passions and honesty, we leave that room feeling more human and alive to the reality of the world and more connected with each other. I chose to dedicate my life to the sometimes ridiculous and sometimes wonderful pursuit of those very moments of human connection. Specifically in the theatre, there exists a secret, child like, MAGIC; that I crave and am addicted to. I think it is the closest thing to alchemy, or conjuring we have as humans; The concentrated attention of a group of strangers makes the thing real. It transforms it and us. From our plays in Ireland's largest theatres, to the one man show I used to do for my parents on a box in my siting room where I was mostly playing women in brightly coloured frocks. And that fact sort of makes us all Wizards and conjurers and magic beings...for at least an hour on any given night in any dark room when we all turn our phones off and listen...

Rex Ryan

Actor/Producer Glass Mask Theatre Rex performs in Howie the Rookie, part of Droichead's TheatreClub Spring Programme

www.droichead.com

THEATRE CLUB TRAD

TAKE OFF YOUR CORNFLAKES

THUR 30 JAN | 8PM | €18/€16

THUR 6 FEB | 8PM | €16/€14

BY MARK DOHERTY | LIVIN' DRED

BY ROSE HENDERSON & PAT NOLAN

Following their highly acclaimed 2018 tour, and their soldout run at The Peacock Theatre, Livin’ Dred Theatre present the award winning Trad. An hilarious, absurd and poignant tale of a 100-year-old Irishman… and his father! Together they set out to discover the son they never knew he had. Featuring live original music by Jim Doherty, and directed by award-winning actor Aaron Monaghan, ‘Trad’ is a sidesplitting, heart-warming saga not to be missed.

Tom and Trish have just celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. But what happens when Tom wakes up with a strange woman beside him and she tells him she’s his wife? And what does Trish do when she realises the person she loves is losing his mind? Inspired by Rose’s Dad, Jack, who had Alzheimer’s but couldn’t remember he had cancer. A tender, funny, heart-warming portrait of marriage with the best ‘Dad Jokes’ you’ve ever heard.

"...a terrifically funny pastiche" – The Irish Times

"Very moving performances" - Irish Mail on Sunday

DROICHEAD PRESENTS DRAMA | 7 GREAT PLAYS FOR €80

Droichead Presents Drama: Theatre Club brings people together to see a play, and then allows them the opportunity to chat and discuss it afterwards. Like a book club, our audiences can share their views, thoughts and impressions in the relaxed, informal setting of our cafe/bar after the show. So have your say and see 7 great plays for €80. Booking online at droichead.com or 041 9833946. *Theatre Club show for The Curious Case of Albert Cashier (page 13) is on Fri 6 Mar.

THEATRE CLUB HOWIE THE ROOKIE BY MARK O ‘ROWE GLASS MASK THEATRE

THE CURIOUS CASE OF ALBERT CASHIER : LINCOLN'S LADY SOLDIER QUINTESSENCE THEATRE

THUR 20 FEB | 8PM | €18/€16

WEDS 4 – SAT 7 MAR * | 8PM | €16/€14

MAURA LAVERTY THIS WAS YOUR LIFE BY YVONNE QUINN AND BAIRBRE NÍ CHAOIMH

THUR 23 APR | 8PM | €16/€14

A 20 year anniversary production of MarkO’Rowe’s brutally poetic modern classic, featuring two of Ireland's most exciting theatre actors, Stephen Jones and Rex Ryan. This new production is a thrilling journey of two men and a Dublin City gone wild. Through two explosive monologues, this story charts a dark adventure that includes violence, family, brotherhood and redemption.

Quintessence Theatre use their innovative physical ensemble storytelling techniques to create an original dramatisation of the incredible true story of the transgender soldier Albert D.J. Cashier, born a woman; Jennie Hodgers, of Clogherhead, Co. Louth who became a decorated war hero in Lincoln's army.

This sparkling new play will spirit Maura Laverty, Ireland’s famous broadcaster and writer of banned novels and iconic cookery books, back from the dead to face a contemporary audience as a guest on the ‘This Was Your Life’ show. Starring Bairbre Ní Chaoimh and Pat Ryan.

"Lincoln wanted soldiers. I wanted excitement."

"powerful, poignant and pulverisingly funny" - The Irish Times

Theatre Company in Residence at Droichead Arts Centre, funded by the Arts Council.

"charming play full of detail, wit and tragedy" - Irish Independent

www.droichead.com

THEATRE CLUB THE MAN IN THE WOMAN’S SHOES

I HEAR YOU AND REJOICE

WED 29 APR | 8PM | €18/€16

THUR 30 APR | 8PM | €18/€16

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY MIKEL MURFI

Set in October 1978 – Pope John Paul the First is not long dead, autumn is closing in and Pat Farnon has ‘some business’ to do in town. The Man In The Woman’s Shoes follows Pat Farnon as he walks to town and back again. It is a beautifully observed piece, utterly simple and widely praised. The show is funny, tender and at times downright daft.

"Astonishing performance" - The New York Times

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY MIKEL MURFI

We catch up with Pat once more as he embarks on a journey he had not quite planned and finds that every twist in the road can bring its own surprises. Late in his life, Pat Farnon, a cobbler and all-round contented man, marries the redoubtable Kitsy Rainey. It’s a match made in heaven, in more ways than one. Written and performed by Mikel Murfi, I Hear You and Rejoice is a tender and joy filled account of a most unlikely marriage. You may never look at life in quite the same way again. "This is pure distilled 100 per cent theatrical magic" - London Evening Standard

DROICHEAD PRESENTS DRAMA | 7 GREAT PLAYS FOR €80

Part of Drogheda Arts Festival. A festival double bill ticket will be on sale from January.

THEATRE THE UNMANAGEABLE SISTERS | COLAISTE NA HINSE

SURPRISE PACKAGE

THE BLACKSMITH

24 & 25 JAN | 8PM | €12/€10

TUE 11 - 15 FEB | 8PM | €14

TUE 25 – SAT 29 FEB | 8PM | €15

It’s 1970’s Ballymun and Ger Lawless has won a lottery of 1 million green shield stamps! She has called over all her near and dear “friends,” and “family,” for a wonderful stamp sticking party. However, when voices start to raise and booklets begin to disappear, you only know it’s going to be the best craic you’ve had in ages. Written by the award-winning Deirdre Kinahan, this show is an absolute must see.

AISTEORI NA BOINNE

The Mooney family's package holiday in Spain proves to be an even greater change from Ballybunion than expected. Young Ron has persuaded his father to book the same hotel as Gloria, the girl Ron loves despite the disapproval of her mother, who also turns up. Everyone becomes involved when Granny’s teeth float out to sea, Dad’s trousers go walkabout and a passing Octopus takes a shine to one of the guests. Then a final surprise shatters everyone!

DULEEK DRAMA GROUP

When a major film company decide to locate a scene from their latest Blockbuster in Bill Smith’s humble Forge, it generates great excitement and curiosity among his usual clientele. However, dark forces have been awakened in the shape of The Banshee and The Terrible Puca when the Fairy Hawthorn tree is cut down. This comedy is non-stop throughout the three acts with a marvellous interpretation of our unique heritage of Irish Folklore.

www.droichead.com

THEATRE THE HAG

ST BRIGID’S DRAMA GROUP

WIDOWS PARADISE

DONORE/ROSSNAREE DRAMA GROUP

ABLEVISION PRODUCTION FRI 21 FEB | TIME TBC

The culmination of a drama workshop programme facilitated by our company in residence Quintessence Theatre. Funded by Creative Ireland. TUE 10 – SAT 14 MAR | 8PM | €15

The Hag, an original play, written and directed by Fintan (Ogie) Harmon, one of the group's own members, is a hilarious situation comedy in two acts. Centred on the occasion of a stag and hen party travelling to France, where planned events don't go quite go as anticipated. With a large cast, this witty, clever and entertaining show is not to be missed!

24 - 28 MAR | 8PM | €15

Set in the early 1960's, widower Harry Bradshaw, his friend Ernie and son Alan are enjoying a quiet fishing break in their caravan, when their peace is shattered by the arrival of five women who are on a "Getaway from Men" holiday weekend. Add to this, some surprise visitors and the action flows relentlessly. A great Sam Cree Irish Comedy complete with some unexpected romantic developments. Supporting local charities throughout the Louth Meath area.

DROICHEAD YOUTH THEATRE APR 2020 DATES AND TIMES TBC

Droichead Youth Theatre's Shakespeare festival, featuring headline productions As You Like It and Richard II. In collaboration with Tailtiu Theatre Company and funded by the Arts Council's Young Ensembles Scheme.

CABARET & COMEDY WOMEN OF WIT

NORMA SHEAHAN

ALISON SPITTLE

FRI 7 FEB | 8PM | €16/€14

SAT 22 FEB | 8PM | €16/€14

SAT 25 APR | 8PM | €16/€14

WOW PRODUCTIONS

HEAL YOUR HOLE

MOTHER OF GOD

A cabaret style evening with an exciting mix of spoken word, comedy, activism and music.Featuring: Comedians Anne Gildea (The Nualas), Priscilla Robinson, and Aideen McQueen; Actor/Writer Noelle Brown; Singer/Actor Flo McSweeney and Spoken Word Artist, Sarah Richardson.

Norma Sheahan’s hilarious comedy night promises to heal every hole in your life, one laugh at a time. As seen in The Clinic, Bridget & Eamon, Mooneboy, Damo & Ivor, Finding Joy and hanging over the Liffey in Celebrity Ireland’s Fittest Family. Plus much more…

Alison Spittle, star of RTÉ‘s Nowhere Fast, returns to Droichead with herhilarious new show Mother of God. Its 2001, the world's changed irreparably and somewhere in the middle of Ireland, a girl fights for the meaty role of Mary of Nazareth in the school nativity. This is a show about righting a wrong and looking like you want it enough. Light a candle for a ticket.

"McSweeney’s voice has equal measures of gravitas and grace" - The Irish Times

"Sheahan, whose extensive CV includes roles on Bridget & Eamon, Can’t Cope Won’t Cope, and A Date for Mad Mary, is in danger of stealing the show" - RTE.ie

"Whether character or citizen, Spittle comes across as a kind of genius." - Irish Times

www.droichead.com

DOCUMENTARIES REAL LIVES, INSPIRATIONAL, SAD, FUNNY AND MOVING. EXPERIENCE IT ALL WITH OUR NEW SEASON OF ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES. TICKET BUNDLE: 3 DOCUMENTARIES FOR €18 OR CHOOSE ANY 5 FILMS OR DOCUMENTARIES FOR €30

THE PONDS

AGAINST THE TIDE

TUE 14 JAN | 8PM | €8

TUE 21 JAN | 8PM | €8

DIR: PATRICK MCLENNAN & SAMUEL SMITH | UK 2019 | 74 MINS | CERT CLUB

DIR: STEFAN STUCKERT | UK 2019 | 87 MINS | CERT CLUB

GAZA

DIR: GARRY KEANE & ANDREW MCCONNELL | IRE 2019 | 92 MINS | CERT CLUB

TUE 28 JAN | 8PM | €8

In the middle of metropolitan London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest, parkland, wildlife plus three swimming ponds. People swim in the ponds all year round, whatever the weather. Cameras filmed over 12 months as they swam, laughed, sang, complained, ruminated, and philosophised and simply sought respite from all that life threw at them.

A woman’s ambition, to swim all seven of the world’s most harrowing sea channels tests both her athletic limits and her personal relationships. Driven by her desire to set an example for her autistic son and by her life-long battle with a debilitating illness, Beth aims to become the first person in history to swim all seven channels in one year.

A beautiful portrait of everyday Gazan citizens, leading meaningful lives beyond the rubble of perennial conflict. Gaza depicts a people plagued by conflict but not defined by it, painting a tender portrait of a beleaguered humanity. Gaza is wholly cinematic in intent and delivery, with its breathtaking cinematography, orchestral score and masterful editing. Winner of Best Documentary at DIFF.

"Full of uncomplicated happiness" - The Guardian

"Tense and engrossing" - TIME OUT

"Personal, compassionate and beautifully shot" - Hot Press

FILM FILM CLUB MEMBERS BUNDLE: CHOOSE 3 FILMS FOR €18 OR ANY 5 FILMS OR DOCUMENTARIES FOR €30

SORRY I MISSED YOU

THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON

TUE 4 FEB | 8PM | €8

TUE 18 FEB | 8PM | €8

DIR: KEN LOACH | UK 2019 | 101 MIN | CERT 15

Ken Loach’s latest critically acclaimed multi-award winning drama explores the consequences of zero hour contracts and the gig economy. Ricky and his wife Debbie are zero-hours workers. They are hard-working, loving parents, but with mounting debts and their teenage son going off the rails, the pressures begin to tear the family apart. Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival "An intimate and powerful drama" - Variety

DIR TYLER NILSON | US 2019 | 98 MINS | CERT 15

An American comedy-drama adventure story set in the world of a modern Mark Twain that begins when Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, runs away from the nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Starring Shia LaBoeuf, Zack Gottsagen & Dakota Johnson. "LaBeouf brings a winning combination of toughness and soul" - The Guardian

www.droichead.com

FILM FILM CLUB MEMBERS BUNDLE: CHOOSE 3 FILMS FOR €18 OR ANY 5 FILMS OR DOCUMENTARIES FOR €30

HAPPY AS LAZZARO

BAIT

A BUMP ALONG THE WAY

TUE 31 MAR | 8PM | €8

TUE 7 APR | 8PM | €8

TUE 21 APR | 8PM | €8

DIR: ALICE ROHRWACHERHAS | ITA 2018 | 130 MINS | CERT 15

DIR: MARK JENKINS | UK 2019 | 89 MINS | CERT 15

DIR: SHELLY LOVE | IRE 2019 | 95 MINS | CERT 15

Director Alice Rohrwacherhas has crafted a thoughtful, surprising magical-realist fable that’s quite unlike anything else. While deeply attuned to the issues facing modern Italy, it never forgets the characters at the centre of this strange but wonderful drama. Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and winner of the award for Best Screenplay.

Cornish filmmaker Mark Jenkin’s breakthrough feature. Stunningly shot along the Cornish coast on a vintage 16mm camera using monochrome Kodak stock, Bait is a timely and evocative film that gets to the heart of a community facing unwelcome change.

Pamela is a boozy 44-year-old single mother whose teenage daughter Allegra disapproves of her care-free lifestyle. Their fragile relationship is further tested when Pamela becomes pregnant after a one-night stand. Starring Bronagh Gallagher and Lola Pettigrew, this is a tender and warm-hearted feature debut from director Shelly Love.

"Beautiful and mysterious film, flowers into something inexpressibly moving" - The Guardian

"A thrillingly adventurous labour of love -a richly textured, rough-hewn gem" - The Observer

"Vibrant Bronagh Gallagher shines in charming Irish crowd-pleaser" - The Irish Times

SILVER SCREEN CINEMA IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPECSAVERS HEARING CENTRE

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

NOTORIOUS

DIR: GENE KELLY USA | 1952 102 MINS | CERT: G

DIR: ALFRED HITCHCOCK USA | 1946 101 MINS | CERT: PG

TUE 28 JAN | 2PM | €3

TUE 4 FEB | 2PM | €3

One of the greatest musicals ever made, Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s technicolor masterpiece has been rereleased. This film pays tribute to movies - westerns, costume dramas, screwball comedies, singin and dancin the whole way!

In one of Alfred Hitchcock’s darkest thrillers, a traitor’s daughter is engaged by an American agent to get close to one of her father’s Nazi associates. Starring Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, Notorious is among Hitchcock’s most thrilling and tense films.

SOMETIMES ALWAYS

MRS. LOWRY & SON

NEVER

DIR: ADRIAN NOBLE UK | 2019 91 MINS | CERT: PG

DIR: CARL HUNTER UK | 2018 92 MINS | CERT: 12

TUE 31 MAR | 2PM | €3

Alan, a stylish tailor and scrabble enthusiast, has spent years searching for his missing son Michael. When a body turns up matching Michaels description, Alan must repair the relationship with his youngest son Peter to help reunite the family. An offbeat gentle dramedy, Sometimes Always Never is eccentric and charming.

TUE 21 APR | 2PM | €3

Beloved British artist L.S. Lowry (Timothy Spall) lived all his life with his over-bearing mother Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave). Bed-ridden and bitter, Elizabeth actively tried to dissuade her bachelor son from pursuing his artistic ambitions, whilst never failing to voice her opinion at what a disappointment he was to her.

FREE OF CHARGE TO OVER 55’S | €3 FOR UNDER 55’S www.droichead.com

OUTREACH VISUAL ARTS OUTREACH PROGRAMME FOR SECOND LEVEL STUDENTS

We host FREE workshops in our gallery and print studios, where professional artists work with students on the creation and making of artworks. For Leaving Certificate Art, Craft and Design students in 5th and 6th year, we provide tours specifically based around Section III Appreciation of Art: The Gallery Question.

WORKSHOPS

EMIT | Artist Vivienne Byrne will facilitate four workshops. Thu 16 Jan | Thu 23 Jan | Thu 6 Feb | Thu 20 Feb | 11am - 1pm A series of mixed media installations, incorporating collaged fragments of video footage, projections and traditional drawing techniques inspired by the natural environment. SHIFTING WALLS | Workshops facilitated by participating artists: Mon 30 Mar | Wed 1 April | 11am - 1pm Exploring the theme of ‘Shifting Walls’, interpreting what that means to them as artists at this particular phase of their lives – a time of great flux and change on a personal, social and physical level.

TOURS

Student tours take place from Tues to Thurs in our gallery. Each student will have the opportunity to go through the resource pack for Leaving Certificate Art, Craft and Design, devised for Section III Appreciation of Art : The Gallery Question (q:16). To enquire and book tours, email rita.mcquillan@droichead.com

YOUTH FOCUS GROUP

In 2019, we introduced our new Youth Focus Group, designed to look specifically at the needs and interests of young people aged 14-20. The purpose of the group is to advise on programmes that interest young people, to propose new initiatives, means of communication, and to be a consistent youth perspective for the Centre. In 2020, we intend to increase the number of people participating in the focus group, so that it may be more representative of young people in the area, and we plan to visit schools and youth organisations to encourage more young people to join. If you would like to organise a visit/receive further information please contact rita.mcquillan@droichead.com

FAMILY

LITERATURE EXPLORING GENRE

I AM BABA

MON 9 MAR | 16 MAR | 23 MAR | 30 MAR | 6 APR | 20 APR 7PM | COST €95 | BARLOW HOUSE

TUE 7 APR | 12PM, 1PM, 2PM | €10

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME WITH FERDIA MAC ANNA

Have you ever wanted to write a Thriller, Horror tale or Comedy? This 6-week programme is aimed at beginners and will focus upon Thrillers, Comedy and Horror to explore character, storyline, structure and more. A lively and informative introduction to writing for genre. Ferdia Mac Anna is a Teaching Facilitator at the Innovation Academy, UCD. He has worked as a lecturer in TV Production, English Literature and Creative Writing. He is also a director and producer of Film and TV, novelist and screenwriter.

ANNA NEWELL

I AM BABA returns, a magical show adventure for babies, comprised of gorgeous live harmony singing and playful objects – jellyfish-like scarves dance and tiny lights fly in this intimate immersive performance which happens inside a specially designed tent that holds just 6 babies – each with their adult guest. Created by Anna Newell, the production has toured internationally. A show for babies aged 0 -12 months. Ticket price covers both baby and grown up!

www.droichead.com

DROGHEDA CLASSICAL MUSIC PRE SHOW TALK: 7:00PM | PERFORMANCE: 7:30PM TICKETS: €19/€17, €20/€18 ON THE DOOR, CHILDREN €5, WEEKEND TICKET €60

CELEBRATING THE VOICE FRI 31 JAN – SUN 2 FEB | ST. PETERS CHURCH OF IRELAND

CELEBRATING THE VOICE - a weekend dedicated to the voice in all its glorious forms. Under the guest artistic direction of international mezzo soprano Tara Erraught. Drogheda will become the centre for a weekend of seminars, interviews, masterclasses, concerts and much more all focused around the voice. Tara Erraught is one of the leading lights in the operatic world and brings her wealth of singing experience to audiences in and around her home county of Louth. Much in demand on the concert and opera stages, Tara has learned how vital vocal health is to her career and that this relates to so much more than just avoiding coughs and colds. To this end, Tara’s own Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, Dr Paul Kwak will travel from New York to give a talk on the importance of vocal health. There will be a yoga seminar and session by qualified yoga instructor, Emma Wallace Ahern. Learn more about the inner workings of a singing class when Tara coaches some of the finest emerging singing talent from the region. All masterclasses and concerts will feature RTÉ Lyric FM broadcaster Liz Nolan who will engage with Tara throughout and help explain the process.

Drogheda Classical Music is grateful for the support of the Geraldine McGee bursary.

"Tara Erraught was a knock out…She has a magnetic stage presence"  - operatraveller.com

DROGHEDA CLASSICAL MUSIC PRE SHOW TALK: 7:00PM | PERFORMANCE: 7:30PM TICKETS: €19/€17, €20/€18 ON THE DOOR, CHILDREN €5

GABRIELA MONTERO PIANO

MOZART AND BEETHOVEN PIANO AND WIND QUINTETS

SUN 23 FEB | ST. PETERS CHURCH OF IRELAND

THURS 12 MAR | ST. PETERS CHURCH OF IRELAND

Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the great pianists of today, when South American Gabriela Montero performs a programme of Mozart, Beethoven and Schumann. Plus the promise of playing some of her famous improvisations based on themes suggested by the audience which have garnered her critical acclaim and a devoted following on the world stage.

With a stellar line up of artists, this concert features two of the great works in the chamber music canon; the quintets for piano and wind instruments by Mozart and Beethoven. Both pieces could be classed as mini piano concertos. The ever-engaging Irish pianist Finghin Collins is joined by an ensemble of distinguished wind players including Matthew Manning oboe, Macdara Ó Seireadáin clarinet, Constantin Barcov bassoon and Cormac O hAodain french horn.

"There are not many artists of whom it can truly be said that their talent borders on genius" - ConcertoNet

"a great artist: virtuosity, mastery, sensitivity, inspiration" - Nice Matin

The Series is in partnership with Droichead Arts Centre, funded by the Arts Council and Louth County Council with sponsorship from the d hotel and RTÉ Supporting the Arts. www.droichead.com

OPERA WOZZECK

PORGY AND BESS

SAT JAN 11 | 17:55PM | €24/€12

SAT 1 FEB | 17:55PM | €24/€12

BERG

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts William Kentridge’s critically acclaimed new production of Alban Berg’s expressionistic masterpiece Wozzeck, regarded for its intense emotional power and brilliant score as one of the most significant operas of the 20th century. Composed during and in the aftermath of World War 1, Berg’s dark exploration of a soldier besieged by the evils of society, is powerfully staged to evoke a nightmarish world of crashed planes, searchlights, ghostly gas masks, and battlefields.

THE GERSHWINS

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess returns to the Met for the first time since 1990. America’s “folk opera,” as the 1935 creators described it, tells the story of beggar Porgy, sung by Eric Owens, and his love for the drug-addicted Bess, portrayed by Angel Blue. Infused with the timeless melodies of the much-loved classics “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” & “I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin,” the new coproduction with English National Opera and Dutch National Opera was hailed as a triumph at its premiere in London earlier this year.

OPERA LIVE FROM THE MET IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLASSICAL ARTS IRELAND

OPERA AGRIPPINA

DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER

TOSCA

SAT 15 MAR (DEFERRED) | 17:55PM €24/€12

SAT 21ST MARCH (DEFERRED) | 16:55 €24/€12

SAT 11 APR | 17:55PM | €24/€12

HANDEL

In the Met’s first-ever performances of Agrippina, Handel’s satire of sex and power politics, Sir David McVicar production evokes a scandalous world in which the Roman Empire never fell but simply kept going right up to the present. Holding a distorted mirror to contemporary society, the production presents the corrupt intrigues of the political classes, brought to life by Joyce Didonato as the power-hungry empress Agrippina.

WAGNER

For the first time at the Met, Sir Bryn Terfel sings the role of the mysterious Dutchman, condemned to roam the seas for eternity, with Anja Kampe as the devoted Senta, whose love can set him free. In a nod to Senta’s obsession with a portrait of the legendary title seafarer, the Met stage is transformed into a colossal oil painting.

PUCCINI

Sir David McVicar’s bold staging of Puccini’s operatic thriller returns to the Live in HD series. This time star soprano Anna Netrebko is the passionate title diva, opposite Brian Jagde as her lover the idealistic painter Mario Cavaradossi. Bertrand de Billy conducts the electrifying score, which features some of Puccini’s most memorable melodies.

OPERA LIVE FROM THE MET IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLASSICAL ARTS IRELAND www.droichead.com

DROICHEAD ARTS CENTRE SUPPORTING THE WORK AND DEVELOPMENT OF ARTISTS IN THE NORTH EAST REGION. One of Droichead’s core strategic aims is to support the development and work of local professional artists in the North East Region. We do so by providing opportunities for partnership, artist in association and company in residence schemes, showcasing work through productions and co-productions, solo and group exhibitions and commissioning work through a variety of initiatives. We offer a limited number of open calls and our Artist in Association and Company in Residence programmes are year round.

Our First Solo Award offers support at a key point in the careers of local visual artists and, for the first time in 2020, this will also be open to all professional artists in the region who have yet to present a solo show, while focusing on recent art graduates every second year. We provide space and facilities for artists to work in, such as rehearsal spaces, The Yard, our print studios, meeting rooms, and our new dedicated artist room (our ‘Borrowed Space’) in Barlow House. We are committed to providing spaces for artists, and our recent ‘Borrowed Ground’ project, designed to draw attention to the lack of available work spaces for visual artists locally, created eight purpose-built studios in our gallery, in which eleven artists worked for a period of eleven weeks. From this, we have instated a permanent ‘Borrowed Wall’ on the landing of our Stockwell Street venue, where one artist will be chosen to exhibit a piece of work each month, beginning with our Borrowed Ground artists, this initiative will be open to all artists in the North East region for late 2020. We will continue to work with our current artist in association Grainne Rafferty, our companies in residence, Quintessence Theatre and Tailtiu Theatre and with the Borrowed Ground collective to support them in the search for permanent studio space in Drogheda. In 2020, Droichead will host three Artist’s Cafes, with the first one in April (date tbc). These cafes will be a space for artists working in all disciplines, to meet, to network, to share ideas with each other, and with us about projects, needs and future plans. A space also for Droichead to share information about our artist support initiatives, facilities, industry news and projects. Please note our closing date for First Solo is 31 Jan 2010. Further enquiries on First Solo/ to book our Borrowed Space, contact Rita rita.mcquillan@droichead.com To book The Yard, our print studios, contact Carol Anne barlow@droichead.com

ONGOING ACTIVITIES DRAMA CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Droichead Arts Centre, Barlow House New classes will begin in Jan call 041 9875150 for more details Drama is a fun and playful way to be creative, developing confidence in your child through role play, drama exercises, storytelling, physical movement and games.

DROICHEAD YOUTH THEATRE DYT has been central to theatrical life in Drogheda since its foundation in 1991. The Youth Theatre serves multiple purposes, including drama training, and development of social, educational and personal skills. For more details email rita.mcquillan@droichead.com

JO JINGLES Droichead Arts Centre, Barlow House TUES 9.30AM & 10.30AM SAT 9.30AM, 10.30AM, 11.30AM & 12.30AM Music, singing and movement classes for babies and pre-school children in a relaxed and caring environment. Contact Jane on 086-4113301 or jojinglesnortheast@gmail.com

THE YARD | DROICHEAD PRINT STUDIOS

Our print studios are available as a resource for professional artists at a small charge. Training can also be provided for those wishing to upskill. Please contact Carol Ann at 041 987 5140 for more information

DROICHEAD ARTS CENTRE ROOM AND VENUE HIRE DROICHEAD ART CENTRE BARLOW HOUSE A beautiful Georgian heritage building, situated in a great location on West St, in Drogheda's town centre. OFFICE SPACE We currently have office spaces available for long term license, with onsite kitchen, parking and reception facilities. MEETING ROOMS We have a number of unique spaces for hire, suitable for group meetings, presentations, classes, training, interviews and launches. To make an enquiry, please contact Carol Ann at barlow@droichead.com / 041 9875140 VENUE HIRE You can also hire the Theatre at Stockwell St for concerts, launches and conferences. For all inquiries/more information please contact Rita at rita.mcquillan@droichead.com / 041 9875140

www.droichead.com

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRE

We need your support in 2020. To keep Droichead Art Centre, Drogheda’s creative and cultural home running, we are dependent on the support of our audience and our community. Each year we welcome and facilitate over 30,000 visitors to the centre, creatively engage over 2000 children through workshops and schools programmes and support employment of over 300 artists through our programme. But we can’t do it on external funding alone. By becoming a Friend, a corporate sponsor or donating even a small amount, you enable the Centre to continue to bring you the very best of local, national and international talent. You enable us to continue to be the hub of creative life and work in Drogheda and its environs, supporting the work and development of local artists, and supporting and providing creative projects in the community. We know the arts are a fundamental component of a healthy community - strengthening them socially, educationally, and economically—benefits that persist even in difficult social and economic times. The arts bring us joy, help us express our values, foster creativity and build bridges between cultures. Please consider becoming our Friend, making a donation or becoming a corporate sponsor. Droichead Art Centre is a charity and your support makes all the difference.

BE OUR FRIEND

INDIVIDUAL FRIEND €50 | PAIR €95 | CORPORATE FRIEND €250 You, your family or your company can support us by becoming a Friend of the Arts Centre. By becoming a Friend you help us deliver our ambitious outreach programme, bringing the world of arts, culture and creativity into the community; for people of all ages, from all socio-economic backgrounds, cultures and traditions, and in a broad range of contexts. Your Friendship means a lot to us, but the positive experiences your Friendship provides, can be life changing to others. Range of benefits incl: invitations to launches & exhibition openings, complimentary tickets, tax deductible donation and a lasting association with the leading Arts Centre in the North East. We can also create tailored sponsorship packages for local businesses. For more information contact friends@droichead.com | 041 9875140

ADDRESS

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Stockwell St, Drogheda & Barlow House, Drogheda

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