Corcadorca’s Pat is the Cork Person of the month
OVER the course of the last quarter-of-a-century Corcadorca has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s most ambitious and progressive theatre companies.
Under the artistic direction of its founder, Pat Kiernan, the company has pioneered the art of staging performances at the most unusual and unexpected of venues, carving out a unique niche for itself within the world of Irish theatre.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to his craft, Pat Kiernan has been honoured with the prestigious Cork Person of the Month award for August.
The award is a well-deserved recognition for Kiernan, who has directed more than 30 productions for Corcadorca within the hallowed walls of Cork’s theatres. The company is also renowned for its non-theatre productions at venues including Sir Henry’s (A Clockwork Orange), Cork City Gaol (A Christmas Carol) and ‘site specific’ works such as ‘ The Trial of Jesus’ on Patrick’s Hill and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in Fitzgerald’s Park.
Earlier this year the company undertook one of the most ambitious projects in its history staging ‘Sacrifice at Easter’, a piece written for the 1916 centenary and staged at Elizabeth Fort on Barrack St under the banner of the Cork Midsummer Festival.
Person of the Month founder, Mallow man Manus O’Callaghan, pointed out that Kiernan was also the director of the multi-award winning 1996 movie ‘Disco Pigs’ which helped launch the careers of actors Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh.
“Pat agrees that Disco Pigs put Corcadorca on the map, nationally and internationally, but has always said his ambition was to have a company in Cork,” said Mr O’Callaghan.
He said Kiernan has also been instrumental in helping to groom the next generation of theatre professionals.
“Pat also helped establish the Theatre Development Centre at the Triskel Arts Centre as a studio dedicated to the development of professional theatre. Corcadorca makes this space available to theatre makers free of charge as a supportive environment where they can write and work with actors to create work for the stage,” he said.
Pat Kiernan’s name will now go forward for possible selection as the Cork Person of the Year, the winner of which will be unveiled at a gala lunch awards ceremony next January.