theatre

NAYD Young Critics Swing into Summer.

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

 

Janet Moran and Steve Blount in Swing by Fishamble Theatre Co.

Janet Moran and Steve Blount in Swing by Fishamble Theatre Co.

With the Young Critics firmly established as a hugely popular and beneficial programme, we decided to pilot some new elements to the programme this summer.

Following on from Alan King’s trip to the Theatre Critics of Wales Awards in February we took on some ideas from Guy O’Donnell and are piloting them for 2014.
Guy is the Arts Development Officer for Bridgend Council in South Wales and runs a Young Critics Scheme there.

Over the summer months we are asking the Young Critics to become programmers and select one professional production that they feel they and their fellow youth theatre members might enjoy. With the support of their local Arts Centres and venues, who will offer special youth theatre discounts to shows, the Young Critics will get to see more productions in their home communities.

The Young Critics will then do a short video blog on the production they saw and submit it to NAYD. From here, four of them will be invited to write reviews for the Young Critics Blog.

The intention of this approach is to allow the Young Critics to take their own independent steps of choosing a show for their fellow youth theatre members to see. They can develop their own programming tastes using some of the learning from Karen Fricker and Alan from the first Young Critics weekend.

The uptake and support from the venues have already been really strong.

The New Theatre in Temple Bar are offering all members of Complex Youth Theatre and Cabinteely Youth Theatre special €10 tickets for all productions.

Fishamble Theatre Company’s production of Swing, is touring over the summer months and has proven a popular choice with the Young Critics.

Members of Fracture/ Play Youth Theatre in Tipperary have received a special two for one deal when it plays at the Source Arts Centre in Thurlas on June 26th. There will be a post show discussion facilitated by Young Critic Sophie Quin.

Meanwhile 30 members of Griese and Kildare Youth Theatres will catch Swing thanks to a very special low price youth theatre rate at the Riverbank Arts Centre, in Newbridge on July 11th. Young Critics Emma Gallagher and Kyle Walsh will get to meet the cast of Swing after the show.

The Garage Theatre is home to Monaghan Youth Theatre and already does a lot to support the work of the youth theatre. Again they are hosting Swing and Lisa McPhillips has chosen this as the show for the group to attend.

In Cork the Everyman is extending their special school rate to Activate, Lightbulb and CIT Cork School of Music YT members. Aimee Wallace from Lightbulb has programmed her group to go see God Bless The Child on its Opening Night.

An Grianán Theatre is home to Letterkenny Youth Theatre. They will continue to provide many opportunities for the members to see shows for free or at significantly reduced rates, as does the Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda, who have also extended that offer to the members of M.A.D Youth Theatre in Dundalk.

The Roscommon Arts Centre has extended another youth theatre rate to the members of Roscommon County Youth Theatre.

The benefits are huge for all involved. The venues will be building new audiences and all the young people will get to see even more quality theatre than usual. We would hope to develop and establish these relationships between venues and our members over the coming years.

The content created on the video blog and reviews will find a home on the Young Critics blog so expect a lot of updates in August and September.

Those venues supporting the Young Critics for 2014 are:

The New Theatre, Dublin
The Everyman, Cork
The Garage Theatre, Monaghan
An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny
Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda
The Source Arts Centre, Thurlas
The Riverbank, Newbridge
Roscommon Arts Centre.

We would like to thank all the venue managers and their staff who have helped support this new initiative.

NAYD Young Critics Continue Into Summer 2014

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

NAYD Young Critics visit the Abbey Theatre, Dublin for their production of Quietly by Owen McCafferty at the Peacock Theatre

NAYD Young Critics visit the Abbey Theatre, Dublin for their production of Quietly by Owen McCafferty at the Peacock Theatre

 

 Towards the end of April, this year’s sixteen Young Critics met for the first time. They had the usual three days of viewing exciting theatre while participating in workshops and having a fair amount of craic in Dublin town.

As the summer months approach, we are piloting some new and exciting angles to the Young Critics Programme that, with the support of the youth theatres along with their local venues and arts centres, can expand the Young Critics programme beyond those lucky sixteen.

Through a partnership approach we would hope to involve more young people in their local communities, develop stronger relationships between venues and youth theatres and help to build and sustain local audiences for theatre in that community.

Over the summer months we are asking the Young Critics to become programmers and select one professional production that they feel they and their fellow youth theatre members might enjoy. With the support of their youth theatre leader they will then organize a theatre trip to a professional production in their local Arts Centre or venue.

The Young Critics will then do a short video blog on the piece they saw and submit it to NAYD. From here, four of them will be invited to write reviews for the Young Critics Blog.

The benefits are huge for all involved. The venues will be building new audiences and all the young people will get to see even more quality theatre then they normally would. This should encourage them to go and see more theatre than before and broaden their love and knowledge of the art form. Once the spark is ignited they will choose to go to more and more performances over the coming years and this will have a very positive influence on how they make their own theatre.

This is a really exciting departure for the programme and one that we would hope to develop and establish over the coming years.

www.nayd.ie/programmes/young-critics

 

 

 

 

 

 

Call Out for The Young Critics Programme 2014

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

‘Seeing the plays made me more excited about theatre, it made me want to go see more shows and to experiment in the non-acting elements of theatre when I returned to my own youth theatre.’  Young Critic 2013

[The Young Critics] has improved my ability to watch theatre in a critical manner and my ability to write reviews. I met lovely people and made lots of new friends.’  Young Critic 2013

 What is The Young Critics Programme?

The Young Critics Programme is now in its incredible eleventh year. One of NAYD’s most popular programmes, it is open to youth theatre members who are interested in watching theatre, discovering how and why theatre is made, and learning how to critically discuss, analyse, and review theatre.

Along the way they will see some incredible shows, make new friends and learn about the art of theatre criticism.

This is a very exciting programme and one where young people are given an opportunity to see quality productions, while developing their critical skills in a safe and encouraging atmosphere. This will allow them to develop their own critical voice and express their views in a confidant and knowledgeable way.

There are only sixteen places available to youth theatre members from affiliated youth theatres around Ireland. If you are in any way interested, we would encourage you to apply.

Image

The Young Critics will meet in Dublin from Friday April 25th to Sunday 27th for the first time and again in October. Over the two weekends the Young Critics will attend at least four theatre productions, and participate in workshops and discussions with leading international theatre critic and academic, Dr Karen Fricker and Alan King, NAYD Youth Theatre Officer.

The group meet again in October to see further productions, take part in more workshops and participate in a public panel discussion. In between the two residential weekends, the Young Critics will be encouraged and supported to go and see other local productions, write some reviews and contribute to the Young Critics blog.

 

 

How do I apply to take part in Young Critics?

Participation in the programme is free: accommodation, food, theatre tickets and travel costs are covered by NAYD.

It is open to NAYD affiliated youth theatre members who will be aged 16 or over on April 1st 2014.

To be a Young Critic you must be fully available for both weekends.

NAYD will have welfare leaders in place all weekend to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all participants.

If you are interested in the programme, please fill out the application and consent forms fully and return to:

photo (1)

 by Monday April 7th 2014.

 

Watch some former Young Critics Talk about the Young Critics Programme.

 

Feeling Wicked

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

Wicked The Musical
Bord Gais Energy Theatre

Review by Deirdre Wray
Image

This musical was as amazing as it was when I saw it in the Apollo Victoria theatre in London in 2012.

Two amazing actresses, Niki Davis Jones and Emily Tierney played the roles of Galinda and Elpheba. They were both powerful singers and interpreted the roles very well in their own ways.
The dragon was just as good and the costumes and dancing were also spectacular.

It is a real family musical, which shows the background to the story of the Wizard of Oz and what really happens and who is evil after all.

If you haven’t seen it yet I would recommend it hugely. Although tickets can be pricey because it’s the Bord Gais you may find some cheap seats left but even if you did pay top price it is well worth it.

5 stars from my sisters and me and I’m sure from others as well.

Performance reviewed on Jan 3rd and posted Feb 12th  2014
Deirdre Wray was a participant on NAYD Young Critics 2013

The Risen People – Review

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

Saoirse Anton from Laois Youth Theatre went to a recent performance of The Risen People at the Abbey Theatre. This is her review.

I, like many others, studied the 1913 Strike and Lockout in school, I know the history of it, the facts, the figure, but never before has it been more alive in my mind than as I watched the Abbey Theatre’s production of  The Risen People by James Plunkett, directed by Jimmy Fay.

A moving and engaging piece of theatre, The Risen People brings the harsh reality of the lockout to life, reminds us of the day to day difficulties of the families involved and draws the audience into the world of Dublin in 1913.

Every aspect of the production added to the atmosphere and drew the audience further into the story. The incredible musical numbers, choreographed by Colin Dunne with music by Conor Linehan are, in my opinion, some of the best I have ever seen. Some serve to convey the raw suffering of the people, some show the dissatisfaction that sparked the rising and some, such as  The Internationale  serve to rouse the spirits of the audience and give them a taste of the pride and drive that led the workers to stand up for their rights.

The shadowy, cold lighting (Paul Keogan)  and sparse set (Alyson Cummins)  are beautifully designed to give the audience a sense of the poverty and hardship felt by the workers. These, when combined with the excellent acting performances, particularly by the female characters, played by Hilda Fay, Charlotte McCurry and Kate Stanley Brennan, make for a truly breathtaking production.

L-R Phelim Drew (Mr. Hennessy), Joe Hanley (Rashers Tierney), Keith Hanna (Pat), Kate Stanley Brennan (Lily Maxwell), Charlotte McCurry (Annie), Ian Lloyd Anderson (Fitzpatrick), Hilda Fay (Mrs. Hennessy), Lloyd Cooney (Joe), Simon Boyle (Keever / RIC Man), Conor Linehan (Piano / Ensemble) and Niwel Tsumbu (Guitar / Ensemble) in The Risen People by James Plunkett, adapted by Jimmy Fay from a version by Jim Sheridan. Photography by Ros Kavanagh.

L-R Phelim Drew (Mr. Hennessy), Joe Hanley (Rashers Tierney), Keith Hanna (Pat), Kate Stanley Brennan (Lily Maxwell), Charlotte McCurry (Annie), Ian Lloyd Anderson (Fitzpatrick), Hilda Fay (Mrs. Hennessy), Lloyd Cooney (Joe), Simon Boyle (Keever / RIC Man), Conor Linehan (Piano / Ensemble) and Niwel Tsumbu (Guitar / Ensemble) in The Risen People by James Plunkett, adapted by Jimmy Fay from a version by Jim Sheridan. Photography by Ros Kavanagh.

The cherry on top, which really brings the production into the here and now, is the Noble Call in which each night, a well known figure is invited to give their opinions on the production and share the message they gained from it through words, art or music.

I can promise you that from the striking opening sequence through the stirring story, as the houses are emptied and the pawn shop is filled, to the final line, your eyes will be riveted to the stage and you will feel every emotion of every character.

You will live the lockout.

The Risen People runs until Feb 1st 2014. For more information and booking details please visit The Abbey Theatre Website 

‘We sure ain’t in Cork anymore, Toto’ – The Young Critics Come to the Dublin Theatre Festival

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

Jess Richter from Lightbulb Youth Theatre in Mallow, Co Cork shares her thoughts on the Young Critics programme and unveils the productions we will be going to see as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival 

“Excuse me, do you know where the GPO is, please?” I may as well have asked what planet I was on. “We sure ain’t in Cork anymore, Toto.” Ironically, the GPO is the place in which I and 15 of my fellow comrades met in March, to be introduced to a new planet; the World of Critiquing.

Introductions were made, roommates allotted, and it was straight down to business. We began with a workshop, to get energy and creativity flowing, and discussed what we had researched about the plays we were about to see. I, Malvolio, written and performed by award-winning playwright and actor Tim Crouch; and the Abbey Theatre’s King Lear- both Shakespearian, both beyond my everyday comfort zone.

I expected professionalism, I expected to be awed. What I did not expect, was to be blown from one extreme to the other: crying tears of laughter at I, Malvolio; and those of devastation for King Lear, played by Owen Roe.

Under the guidance of Alan King, NAYD’s youth theatre officer, and Dr. Karen Fricker; we began to learn to critique. We discussed what we liked, what we disliked, directors influence, standard of acting; we began asking new, deranged questions like; “What was the relevance of nuditiy in this piece?” We began to have the courage to voice our opinions.

What I found most interesting was reading the reviews written by professional critics, of shows that we had seen ourselves. While reading an article on the Abbey Theatre’s ‘King Lear’ on the train home, I felt as if my head had been lifted from its shallow cultural trough, for the first time.

Now, in under a fortnight, I am blessed to be returning to the genuine capital, from October 4th to 6th to watch and discuss three productions as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

For this  weekend filled with theatrical enlightenment;  I will be joined with only 14 fellow young crtiics this time.   The 16th member, Alice Murphy, is cast in I’ve To Mind Her a play by Shaun Dunne, which we will be critiquing (no pressure, Alice).

Image

We will also see Waiting for Godot, by Samuel Beckett, along with Ground and Floor, by Toshiki Okada; a Japanese production with English subtitles.  Needless to say, our expectations are skyhigh, and I expect that even these will be surpassed.

I look forward with eager anticipation to the Young Critic Panel, where we can discuss our views with the public at the Project Arts Centre, Templebar.

The Young Critics programme has given me the opportunity to look at a whole new level of theatre. It has broadened my horizons, leaving me hungry for new plays, shows and productions. It has thought me to voice my opinions; that mine are just as important as those of any professional critic. It has introduced me a new kind of writing, a new lease of creativity, and to some truly terrific people.

And as if that all wasn’t enough; it has shown me how to find the GPO.

The Young Critics Panel discussion will take place in Project Arts Centre at 1pm on Sunday Oct 6th. This is a free event and tickets can be reserved from Dublin Theatre Festival Box Office 

Put that in your notebook- I,Malvolio

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

I, Malvolio  written and performed by Tim Crouch
Peacock Theatre, Dublin
9 March 2013
Review by Michael Mc Grath

As the 19 members of our group (16 young critics and the facilitators Alan, Karen, and Diane [they’re also critics – we’re all critics!]) piled through the door of the Abbey’s Peacock Theatre, our expectant gazes were met with an accusing glower. It came from a figure dressed in excrement-stained pajamas dotted with flies, and bright yellow stockings, standing in a sparsely decorated set.

Image

Tim Crouch in I, Malvolio
Marcus Yam for The New York Times

Variations of these actions; our engagement and Malvolio’s judging looks were repeated over and over, and we were also soon met with his accusing words. The routine was denied the chance to stagnate by the increasing brutality of our relationship with one another, culminating in the arrival of a noose. An hour later we left our seats feeling a bit puzzled after Malvolio’s subtly-delivered “revenge,” a surprise that we are promised from the start, a punishment for our casual sins. Puzzled and intimidated but also intrigued and impressed. This I won’t spoil for you on the off chance that you are ever given the chance to see Tim Crouch’s brilliant I, Malvolio.
This is a one-man play told from the perspective of Shakespeare’s Malvolio, locked in his prison after the curtains have drawn on Twelfth Night. He is eager to have his say as he peers down on his squirming audience, and often orders us up to the stage to stand with him under the spotlight, literally and figuratively, in this clever performance.

“I am not mad,” Malvolio insists to his audience, whom he regards with contempt but who he believes need to respect his sanity. “Put that in your notebook” he spits at us after noticing our hasty scribbling. This is a taste of Crouch’s witty improvisation which dots I, Malvolio and provokes the most laughs in response to the play.

Soon after “mounting the horse of the script” — as the wonderfully strange half-Malvolio, half-Crouch puts it — we are told exactly how Malvolio intends this “well, whatever ‘this’ is” to go: he will first make us laugh and then attack us for laughing. This is the root of I, Malvolio, which brings the human cruelty inherent in comedy out in the open, where it both causes and silences our laughter with constantly changing tides of glee and guilt.

© Michael Mc Grath 2013

Gulliver’s Travels – A Review BY Niall McDaid

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

Photo by Ros Kavanagh

Photo by Ros Kavanagh

The  National Youth Theatre production of 

Gulliver’s Travels

by Johnathan Swift, adapted for the stage by Conall Morrison

I went to see the NYT’s production of Gulliver’s Travels on Monday 26th August. As it was the first preview I was expecting one or two small mistakes but I didn’t notice any. It was clearly very well rehearsed and well put together. I really liked the way it looked exactly like a professional production but kept the feel of a youth theatre play about it. The story was shown very clearly and the use of a live camera feed to help show the size difference between Gulliver and the Lilliputians worked very well. Never having been to the Peacock before, I was expecting a larger stage and auditorium but I really think the smaller stage worked well as the show felt much more personal. All sixteen cast members were absolutely brilliant! The animated facial expressions were a real highlight for me. Overall it was an excellent show, well written script, brilliant performance from the cast, great style and just a spectacular show and I’d highly recommend it. 

Niall McDaid is a member of Letterkenny Youth Theatre and a recent participant on the NAYD Young Critics International Encounter

Gulliver has finished it’s run at the Peacock Theatre and has now travelled down to the Everyman, Cork. Three shows only.

Cork

Venue: The Everyman
Dates: 5 -7 September at 8pm.
Tickets: €18. Concession €15  Family price €60 (2 adults, 2 children)
Youth Theatre members €12 (not available online)
Bookings: Phone The Everyman on 021-4501673

http://www.nayd.ie/news/press/gullivers-travels-tickets-now-on-sale

The Ties That Bind- Shibari Review

Posted on by Youth Theatre Ireland Young Critics

Janet Moran and Orion Lee in the Abbey Theatre production of Gary Duggan’s SHIBARI, directed by Tom Creed on the Peacock stage as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival. 4 Oct – 3 Nov 2012. Pic by Fiona Morgan.

SHIBARI by Gary Duggan
Directed by: Tom Creed
Reviewed by: Luke Casserly, 08 October, 2012

Shibari is a contemporary piece of modern theatre which hones in on the ties, connections and interlinked relationships which exist between people in modern-day Dublin. Through a series of vignettes we see into the lives of six ordinary people living in the city.
A distinct and bold Japanese flavour wavers through this play at all times and many aspects of the lighting, setting and costume design are inclusive of this Japanese sense.

The clean and elegant knot transitions were admirably smooth, as was the quirky set, designed by Frank Conway. The gradual colour changes in costume from knot-to-knot were wickedly effective and acting was faultless throughout. I commend Janet Moran and Kate Nic Chonaonigh in particular on their excellent character development, which shone brilliantly on the night I attended.

I enjoyed this play a great amount. It doesn’t follow the conventional and linear structure of a play, instead, it unfolds in a series of knots, rather than scenes. The play’s clever structural arrangement along with its direct and sometimes witty dialogue was highly entertaining and indeed thought-provoking; Shibari is a play which is intensely real and relative to a modern Irish audience. Having said this, the play did not personally offer me any long-term effect. It did not cause me to think for any longer than a few hours post show.
Tom Creed has directed a wonderfully modern, symbolic and different piece in the form of Shibari, which is presented on the Peacock Stage. A play full of realism and quirk, it is highly entertaining to say the least. As I had seen it in its preview stage, I look forward to seeing the further development which the production undergoes. It is highly recommended by this critic that you go and experience Shibari for yourself.

Luke Casserly is a member of NAYD’s Young Critics 2012