A unique look at Sligo’s harbour
Hawk’s Well Theatre will stage a unique piece of theatre, titled The Deepwater Rambler at Sligo Harbour on Sunday the 14 th of October. Celebrating the rich heritage of Sligo’s docklands, this new play has been written by actor, writer and director, Bob Kelly; author of previous productions ‘Bless the Mark’ and ‘ The Big Wall’ written during his role in recent years as theatre artist in residence.
Taking place in Sligo Dock, the immersive nature of this piece of theatre will bring the audience that bit closer to life in the Port of Sligo, which was once one of the busiest in the country; the quays alive with stories of adventure, emigration, fortune-hunting and shipwreck.
The port of Sligo grew from a medieval quay into one of Ireland’s principle emigration ports during the famine years.
Today exports are on the rise and it is the only working harbour between Galway and Derry.
The play features three performers; actor and core member of Blue Theatre Raincoat Company, Ciaran McCauley; Martin Maguire (star of Red Rock,TV3 & RTE’s The Clinic) and talented violinist and Waterboys member, Steve Wickham. There will be three show times: 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
Audience sizes will be limited for each show, ensuring an intimate and unique experience for all assembled.
The theatre performance will be followed by a history talk and Q&A with current Sligo Harbourmaster, John Carton and invited guests, who will discuss the many aspects of life at Sligo port, past and present.
Writer Bob Kelly told The Sligo Champion that this production could become something bigger: “It’s different. Nothing really has been done with the docks before like this. The docks are in the centre of town and there’s such a rich history there.
It’s sort of a work in progress, it’s not a full show. They’ ll be reading from the scripts themselves. It’s more like a rehearse reading. There’s not a massive cast or anything.
“We’re really scratching the surface here. It’s almost like a proposal really. The idea is to put something out there and see what can be done with it. This could maybe be something more in the future.”
Tickets for this event are €10 (plus €1 Renovation Fee) and are available from the theatre box office on 071 91 61518 or online at www. hawkswell.com.