Siamsa Tíre launched its 43rd Summer Season (or Repertory Season) on Tuesday 4th of May with a production of Oileán.
The season continues until the 25th of September with alternating performances of Oilean and Clann Lir, two of the most popular and acclaimed productions in the repertoire of the National Folk Theatre.
OILEÁN - A CELEBRATION OF THE BLASKET ISLANDS
This production celebrates life on the Blasket Islands in times past, exploring the way of life of the islanders and their spirit of survival. Oileán captures the essence of this island community, their traditions and customs, their wealth of song and story, their love of life and their strong kinship with one another.
Presented by the members of the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, this production celebrates and explores Blasket Island living while also challenging our own notions of identity as contemporary islanders.
Premiered in 2003, Oileán marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the Blasket Islanders to the mainland. The Great Blasket Island, located off the coast of West Kerry still retains an almost mystical significance for many, both from Ireland and abroad. The way of life of the islanders and their spirit of survival is framed in this production, whichcaptures the essence of this island community, their traditions and customs, their wealth of song and story, their love of life and their strong kinship with one another.
Oileán is delivered in the unique Siamsa style through the medium of dance, mime, music and song.
CLANN LIR - THE STORY OF THE CHILDREN OF LIR
Clann Lir, an eternal tale of evil and salvation, is a story as old as Ireland itself. According to the legend, the four children of King Lir, Fionnuala, Conn, Aodh and Fiachra were turned into swans by their wicked stepmother, Aoife.
This production portrays the journey of the Four Children of Lir who are doomed to spend nine hundred years in the guise of swans, but are allowed to keep their beautiful singing voices.
The production was devised by the Siamsa Tíre Professional Company under the direction of John Sheehan. Choreography is by Mary Nunan, Lighting Design by Jimmy McDonnell, Set Design by Ben Hennessy, Costume Design by Leonore McDonagh.
This is a glorious visual, musical and magical performance, delivered in the unique Siamsa style through the medium of dance, mime, music and song.
Performances take place five nights a week throughout May and September (Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays) and six nights a week (Monday to Saturday) from June to August.
