Treading the boards once again
After a torrid 2020, The Gate transforms into a creative studio for several projects
The Gate 2021
After a grim 2020, the Gate Theatre has announced major plans for 2021. The entire Gate auditorium, including the stage area, has been transformed into a new Creative Studio space for work to be made by some of Ireland’s top theatre artists.
Artists and companies scheduled to work in and with the Creative Studio over the coming months include Theatre Lovett THISISPOPBABY, ANU Productions, Michael Keegan-Dolan & Teac Damsa, Cois-Céim, Camille O’Sullivan, Mikel Murfi, Dead Centre, Marc Atkinson (Gate Bursary Artist) and Loosysmokes (Gate Artists-in-residence).
The Gate plans over the coming months to focus on three new elements.
GATE AT HOME
– A new artistic initiative of productions streamed live from the Gate Creative Studio, recreating live performances viewable from home. Plans for the first production in early 2021 are well underway and full details will be announced in the coming weeks.
MASTERCLASSES
– As part of the Gate’s commitment to investing and developing Irish talent, a new series of producing masterclasses will take place online, led by international producer Kate Pakenham.
Kate is an independent theatre producer and arts consultant. From 2012-2018 she was executive producer of the Donmar Warehouse in London. Prior to the Donmar, she worked at The Old Vic Theatre for 11 years.
A workshop series for up to 12 emerging producers will be held in March.
The four-part free online series, curated and hosted by Kate Pakenham, will bring together experienced international theatre professionals to share practical advice.
Participants will receive insight into funding models, relationships between not-for-profit and commercial sectors, theatre festivals, producing in non-traditional venues, and theatre’s evolving relationship with online platforms.
Early-career theatre professionals (with no more than three years experience) from all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Further details at www.gatetheatre.ie/production-masterclasswith-kate-pakenham.
COMMISSIONED WRITERS/COMPANIES
– Over the past 12 months, the Gate has been working with a range of Irish writers and creators under commission to create work for the Gate from 2021 onwards.
These include Marina Carr, Julian Crouch, Roddy Doyle, Nancy Harris, Loosysmokes, Louise Lowe, Philly McMahon, Mikel Murfi and Mark O’Rowe.
‘2020 has left us humbled but determined,’ said director Selina Cartmell (pictured). ‘Like everyone else, we struggled with the challenges presented by 2020. The financial implications of keeping a Dublin city centre venue and cultural organisation going throughout the pandemic felt almost impossible.
‘There were times we thought we wouldn’t make it, but we are innovating and reinventing ourselves to emerge stronger and more resilient.
‘With the support of our incredible team, our supportive board and the Government investment of the vital Arts Council emergency stabilisation funding, we are gratefully in the position of looking forward to how we can best support artists and find new ways to reach our audiences in 2021.
‘The Gate is and will remain a beacon for social and cultural change and will be limited only by the limits of our imagination.’