By Andy Spearman
The multi-talented people at Droichead Arts Centre have just published their new Programme of events for January to August 2024 and there really is something to delight all-comers.
The old favourites such as the Droichead theatre and film clubs are featured once again with productions taking place either in their Stockwell Street venue, Barlow House or in several offsite venues include new music, new work and new artists.
Some personal highlights include a major exhibition of the work of well-known local painter Richard Moore who has contributed so much to the cultural life of Drogheda for several decades.
Richard’s exhibition “From Life” runs from July 6th to August 17th and includes a cross section of his work featuring superb landscapes, drawings, still lives and portraits. Richard’s love of working directly from life and his love for his home place Drogheda is evident in his many paintings.
He and his easel are a common sight around the town. This long overdue exhibition is described in the brochure as an intimate and personal portrait of a life connected to place. Hear, hear to that!
Ever since it was established seven years ago The Droichead Theatre Club has been a big hit with drama lovers and, with seven plays costing just €87, it’s fantastic value too!
Droichead Theatre Club brings audiences together to see a play and, like a book club, they can get together after the show to share their views, thoughts and impressions with the cast, writers and other crew members.
The first production in the Theatre Club series is ‘Belfast Girls’ by Jaki McCarrick. Directed by Anna Simpson and produced in association with the Lyric Belfast and the Northeast Network (Droichead Arts Centre, an Táin Arts Centre and Solstice Arts Centre), it is being staged on February 9th and 10th .
Set in 1850, Belfast Girls tells the story of five young women who face their dark pasts on a ship bound for Australia, as they leave Belfast in search of a better life.
Confined in close quarters in the belly of the ship, they embark on a tumultuous sea journey as they sail away from their homeland. Secrets are revealed, enemies made, and it becomes clear that no matter where they go, there is no escaping the past.
Drogheda Classical Music returns with another wonderful season of concerts featuring some world class performers and compositions to astound and delight, all set in the beautiful St. Peter’s Church of Ireland. Highlights include the Vanbrugh Quartet, the IRISH BAROQUE ORCHESTRA and one of the UK’s leading pianists, Tim Horton.
Another exciting aspect of the new programme is Night Moves an innovative and dynamic series of late night events designed to provide new and engaging night time cultural experiences across Drogheda and East Meath.
Produced by Droichead Arts Centre, and delivered with curators SJ McArdle, Brian Hegarty, 33-45, Brenda Mc Comesky and Dorothy Smith, promoters and alternative venues, and in partnership with Love Drogheda BIDS, supported by the Arts Offices in Louth and Meath County Councils, and the newly established Night-Time Economy Advisor in Drogheda.
This programme sets out to extend the cultural offerings locally by fostering partnerships, and creating diverse opportunities for artists and audiences alike, and is funded under the Arts Council’s Late Night Events Programme.
That all of this and much, much more is taking place in the very special town that we call home is a great credit to all concerned at Droichead who deserve all of our thanks.
The above selections are but the tip of a very beautiful iceberg, for more details you can pick up a printed copy of the programme at Droichead Arts Centre in Stockwell Street and in other public places such as the library or you can also download a digital copy by clicking here!
