Youth theatre opens it doors

Dundalk’s M.A.D (Mad About Drama) youth theatre opened their doors to the public last Thursday as part of a nationwide event celebrating the relaunch of the National Youth Theatres of Ireland as Youth Theatre Ireland. Visitors to their rehearsal space in Hagan House were impressed by the enthusiasm, commitment and confidence of the young people who demonstrated the skills they had learned and spoke about what youth theatre means to them. ‘It was fantastic and it allowed us to show people what youth theatre is all about,’ said founder Kwaise Boyce. ‘It was very moving to see the young people standing up and saying how important youth theatre is for the community, how they can come to this space and be themselves and be a better version of themselves,’ he recalled. The past year has been a busy one for M.A.D, as members travelled to Prague for a performance festival with ‘Be Mine’, an original devised piece about the issue of sexual consent , travelled to Kilkenny for the National Youth Theatre residential, and staged work locally as well. The coming weeks will see them performing two new devised pieces, while plans are already underway for two summer camps, including one for younger children at Stephenstown Pond. M.A.D. has different groups catering for chidren and pre-teens as well as teenagers. In addition to helping members develop theatrical skills and confidence while exploring issues which affect young people, they get great opportunities to take part in youth theatre events at home and abroad. ‘‘We are hoping that our members will be involved in the Young Critics programme which sees them attending professional productions and also the National Youth Theatre’s play in The Abbey this year.’