THEATRE
DRUID THEATRE present
A World Premiere of "The Donahue Sisters" and "The Stanley Parkers". Two one-act plays by Geraldine Aron. Directed by Garry Hynes. Druid Lane Theatre, 26 - 28 July at 8.00 p.m. (Previews 24/25). Tickets: £6.00, £5.00 (concession), £3.00 (previews).
A new play produced by Druid is always a special occasion. Last year their spectacular premiere production of "Wild Harvest': was the Irish theatrical happening of 1989. This year the new work is from the pen of Geraldine Aron, a Galway born but much travelled playwright, who had her first play produced by Druid back in 1978. It was one of Druid's first ventures into newly published work and ''Bar and Ger" went on to become a major hit, being translated into five languages and being presented in 12 countries. With "The Donahue Sisters" and ''The Stanley Parkers': Aron once again return to a setting of tight family situations. Although each play is complete in itself, they both reflect a theme of the enduring capacity of the nuclear family for survival. These two new plays also see the revival of the writer-director combination of Aron with Garry Hynes. Garry Hynes is, of course, the founding force behind the Druid Theatre and its artistic director. As one of the major figures in the Irish theatre, her directorial work is done mainly outside Galway these days, whether in the Royal Shakespeare Company in England or the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Her direction of ''The Donahue Sisters" and ''The Stanley Parkers" is now a rare opportunity for Galway audiences to experience her unique directorial skills.
PUNCHBAG THEATRE
co.
present "Philadelphia Here I Come" by Brian Friel. Directed by David Quinn. The Columban Hall, Sea Road. 23 • 28 July at 8 p.m. Tickets: £5.00, £3.00 (concession).
"Philadelphia Here I Come" is undoubtedly one of the classics of contemporary Irish theatre. First performed irt 1964, it is constantly revived. in the play Friel examines with delicacy and humour the circumstances and the climate of the most distinctively Irish social phenomenon of the 20th Century: Emigration.
Punchbag is a new young and vibrant theatre group in Galway which gave its first performance in July 1989. Under artistic directors David Quinn and Sean Evers, the company has concentrated mainly on new works such as "Never Look Back" by company member Frank McDermot. For Arts Festival 1990 however, Punchbag turns its talented hands to probably the greatest Friel play. It should be a powerful combination!
NA FANAITHE
present
"Clann Lir". Aras na nGael, 45 Dominick Street. 19 • 28 July at 2.00 p. m. (except 22ndl23rd). Tickets: £2.00, £1.50 (concession).
Na Fanaithe are Ireland's only Irish language theatre company. Formed in 1987 by five U.C.G. students, they have specialised in the last three years in touring Irish language productions to the Gaeltachts and the Irish Summer Schools. 1989 saw their biggest and most successful production, directed by renowned Polish Director, Kazirnierez Braun. In that year also they were nominated for a Sunday Tribune Arts Award. Their Spring 1990 production of "My Girl" toured 17 venues from Donegal to Kerry.
"Clann Lir" is a new work, based on the ancient Irish mythical story of the Children of Lir. It is a story of strength, passion, loyalty, pain and suffering played out against the theme of the struggle between good and evil. The show is presented in the Irish language but relies heavily on visual spectacle, music, mime and dance. The unusual setting in 45 Dominick Street and the afternoon timimg adds to the overall effect of a magical journey into the underwater world of "Clann Lir". Sponsored by Bia Mara Irish Salmon Producers Group Ltd.
Direct from Mombasa in Kenya
THE MAPAPA ACROBATS AND THE BAND 'MANDINGO' 4 Shows: 26 & '27 July - 3.00 p.m. & 8.00 p.m. Matinees: The Big Tent, Fisheries Field. Nightly: Leisureland. Tickets: Matinees - £3.00 Evenings - £4.00
The seven Mapapa Acrobats are regarded to be the finest in Kenya - having won many national competitions. Based in Mombasa, they have developed a style that combines the Chinese and N. African traditions of acrobatics. Theshow proceeds at a startling pace - 'items' include limbo, tumbling, ring jumping, dance and spectacular balances (for which they are renowned). The four members of Mandingo, also from Mombasa, play a particular style of East African music known as 'Benga Beat'. Similar to the traditional music from the Congo, it became popular with the Lui tribe of western Kenya - today it is one of the youngest of the pop styles of Africa. The incessant rhythm and busy bass line underpin sweet vocal harmonies.
The Harambee Tour has been grant-aided by the British Council and assisted by Kenya Air ways. ..:. nu,tha,n Sponsored by Northern Telecom. ( tctacum
1,,1,