Preview – Dathanna Geala Amháin – An Taibhdhearc

An Taibhdhearc – Muireann Kelly, Chooses ‘Dathanna Geala Amháin / Bright Colours Only’

An Taibhdhearc is the Irish language theatre in the heart of Galway city. This new production, ‘Dathanna Geala Amháin / Bright Colours Only’, is the first production from An Taibhdhearc under their new artistic director, Muireann Kelly. And it’ll arrive in the Axis, Ballymun, on the 21st of May, which is this Wednesday! Some details of the spooky new production are below…

Touring Schedule 

• 1 – 10 Bealtaine: An Taibhdhearc, Gaillimh
• 14 Bealtaine: Amharclann Ghaoth Dhobhair, Dún na nGall
• 17 Bealtaine: Ionad Ealaíon Linenhall, Caisleán an Bharraigh
• 21 Bealtaine: Axis Baile Munna, Baile Átha Cliath
• 23-24 Bealtaine: Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, Béal Feirste

This legendary Irish wake show has toured from Belfast to Brazil in a hearse with rave reviews! A wickedly funny one-woman show, performed by Brídín Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh, (Katie in Ros na Rún) is now resurrected in this unique translation into Irish for the first time in An Taibhdhearc from 1st May and then touring. As with all good wakes, the play invites us in, quite literally, to experience someone else’s moments of loss and grief – giving us permission to reflect on our own experiences of loss and our wider attitudes to death. The tradition of waking the body, and keeping them company, until the time comes to say goodbye, is such an important part of our culture. This play celebrates that space, that time when we come together to share stories, cry, and sometimes laugh however irreverently, and it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.

Although the play is set against the backdrop of some of the most difficult times on this island, it is not a play specifically about The Troubles – but like anyone who lived through those times, the writing reflects the impact that was felt, absorbed even and is still being absorbed as trauma, down through the generations to today. With all good playwriting, the personal and specific serves to highlight the universal and timeless fears many of us face about death. The translation and use of a Donegal dialect celebrates our unique perspective on this story. It is a play that celebrates humour and resilience, how we are at our best when we come together. It weaves specific moments in The Troubles with personal stories and that connection is where we, or any generation, can find understanding and empathy.

This will be the first production under the new Artistic Director Muireann Kelly. She believes that as the National Irish Language Theatre of Ireland, it is vital that we tell stories like ‘Bright Colours Only’ – stories that come from all parts of this island that need to be heard and seen in Irish, across the North and South of Ireland and abroad. “Our vision for An Taibhdhearc is to produce engaging work in Irish, reflecting who we are today, while providing a home for ambitious Irish language artists and their work. This is the first production in our new season of five events that will take place in 2025, stories about and for all of us, for those who use Irish every day, those learning and the Gaeilge curious.” In a full circle moment, Muireann herself was directed by Pauline Goldsmith, the writer, in an adaptation of ‘Bright Colours Only’, which she performed partly in Scottish Gàidhlig and in Gaeilge in Glasgow. Drawing on the writer’s memories of a Belfast childhood, this tour-de-force show celebrates the struggle to be ourselves in life and in death. This show is only suitable for those dying to live! Tea, sympathy and sandwiches will be provided in this fully immersive experience.