Innovative Spring programme for Arts Centre
THE new programme for the Droichead Arts Centre in 2018 has just been launched and looks set to be every bit as eclectic, entertaining and diverse as ever.
2017 was primarily a year of looking forward for the Droichead Arts Centre and an opportunity for new Director Collette Farrell to put in place key aspects of her vision for the centre.
Part of that process was very much about connections with both artists and audiences near and far, the results of which can be seen in Orientation, a group exhibition featuring ten artists from Drogheda and its environs which runs until March 3rd, Droichead Presents Drama - Theatre Club and the re-imagining of Leanbh Children’s Festival.
In 2018, Droichead will continue this process, and showcase and support the work of artists in a new pilot programme.
A man with one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music, singer/musician/composer SJ McArdle will join the Centre in 2018, as the Artist in Association, and will spend the year devising and composing a song cycle around the deep and rich history of Drogheda’s Port, culminating in a not to be missed performance in spring 2019.
SJ will also be part of the curatorial team for the Stowaway Sessions during the Maritime Festival in 2018.
Music will feature heavily in 2018 with Fleadh Ceol na hÉireann taking place throughout the town in August featuring the best in traditional arts. The year will kick off with a foot tapping and pulsating music gig to get everybody warmed up, featuring Arcady’s Niamh Parsons, Donegal fiddle maestro, Ciarán Tourish, flautist Liam Kelly, and guitarist John Doyle. To complete Droichead’s pre Fleadh programme, the hugely successful slow sessions will return in January, with musician Brendan McCreanor.
Of course, Droichead’s partnership with Drogheda Classical Music is ongoing, and next season features three beautiful concerts in St. Peter’s Church of Ireland.
DroicheadPresentsDrama TheatreClub is back in 2018, with a brand new programme of theatre that will enthrall, excite and engage. A mix of Irish and International performances awaits, stories about love, loss, unlikely friendships, hardship and redemption, with powerful imagery and potent storytelling. Similar to a book club, where you read and then discuss a book, here you see a play, and then you get the opportunity to talk about it, express your opinion, your likes and dislikes.
This season’s programme includes one of the hottest tickets for 2018, Swan Lake/Loch na hEala. From the imagination of one of Ireland’s foremost dance and theatre-makers, Michael Keegan Dolan, comes a magical new adaptation of one of the most famous story ballets in the world. Performing off site at the Barbican Centre on the 3 and 4 Mar, tickets are now on sale.
Drogheda has a growing reputation as a hotbed for cinematic talents so it is no surprise that film has been a part of the Droichead programme for the past 20 years, and 2018’s Film Club programme is one to savour with a feast of Irish and international film on screen beginning with an Australian film noir, Goldstone on the 16 January.
Droichead will also partner with First Fortnight Festival, a festival that challenges prejudice against mental health, and will screen a new Irish film, The Drummer and the Keeper on the 9 January. Finally, the Silver Screen season continues once a month in association with Specsavers Hearing Centre, Drogheda.
Droichead will continue to bring you the best of local talent, with The Sonata Singers and Free Spirit; Sean Tester’s concerts, Glory of Love; St. Peter’s Male Voice Choir Saint Patrick’s Day celebratory concerts and the brilliant drama groups - Aisteoiri na Boinne, Donore Rosnaree, Duleek Drama and St. Brigids. The Centre is particularly delighted this season to showcase the creativity of our young people in Drogheda, with the LMETB Robert Ballagh Art Competition, the St. Mary’s Diocesan School’s Photography club exhibition, and a new production from Droichead Youth Theatre.
Droichead would like to thank their friends; sponsors – Anglo Printers, Specsavers Hearing Centre; funders Louth County Council Arts Office, Arts Council, Creative Ireland and Intreo; board of Directors, the brilliant staff and finally, the audiences and the artists, see you all in 2018.
For more details on the programme, or to buy tickets for our new season www.droichead. com 041 9833946.