Ar Snámh

Ar Snámh by award-winning Irish language writer Seán Mac Dhonnagáin is presented at The Ireland Institute, 27 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 K037, on Friday, 18 October and Saturday, 19 October, nightly at 7.30pm.  Each performance is followed by a post-show panel discussion with the artists and guest speakers on the theme of ‘The Irish Language and the Arts: Unique forms of expression to promote equality, human rights and diversity’. Ar Snámh is directed by Hilary Bowen-Walsh and produced by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality as part of the Aisling programme supporting emerging and established artists working in the Irish language with a focus on the arts for equality, human rights and diversity.

Ar Snámh follows Jane, a young woman who moved away from Dublin as a child, as she returns to
her home county by travelling up the Liffey in a dinghy she bought in Lidl. Along the way, Jane
considers the moments that have led her to this journey, from the death of her father when she was
a child to the budding relationship she is developing with a local lad, Stephen.
Along her journey, Jane speaks into a tape recorder her father left her and tries to fill him in what
he’s missed over all these years, and the struggles she is encountering as a young person in a small
village. Jane recalls conversations with various people in her life, playing the parts of friends and
family members as she gives us a view of her past and tries to work out her future.
Ar Snámh is performed in Irish with English-language surtitles.

Is dráma é Ar Snámh a leanann Jane, bean óg a d’fhág Baile Átha Cliath agus í ina páiste, agus í anois
ag filleadh ar a cathair dúchais tríd taisteal suas an Life i ndingí ó Lidl. Ar an mbealach, déanann Jane
macnamh ar na heachtraí a chuir ar an mbóthar seo í, ó bhás a hathar agus í óg go dtí an caidreamh
nua atá ag fás idir í féin agus buachaill áitiúil, Stiofán.
Ar an turas seo, labhrann Jane isteach i dtéipthaifeadán a d’fhág a hathair aici, í ag insint dó faoin
saol atá aici agus na deacrachtaí atá aici mar dhuine óg i mbaile beag. Tosaíonn sí ag dul siar ar
chomhráite le daoine éagsúla ina saol, go háirithe ar eachtraí a bhain lena cairde agus lena teaghlach.
Foghlaimíd faoi scéal Jane agus í ag oirbriú amach cad atá i ndán di sa chéad chaibidil eile dá saol.

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Artists

Seán MacDhonnagáin, writer

Hilary Bowen-Walsh, director

Bláthnaid Daly, Aisteoir/Actor

Réiltín Nic Eoin, Aisteoir/Actor

Donncha Crowle, Aisteoir/Actor

Deirbhile Larkin, Bainisteoir Stáitse/ stage manager

Lara Gallagher, Dearthóir Fuaime/ Sound Designer

Sophie Cassidy, Dearthóir Soilse/ Lighting Designer

Full Event Details

Ar Snámh by Seán Mac Dhonnagáin, is produced by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality for the Dublin Arts and Human Rights Festival 2024. Two performances in Irish take place in The Ireland Institute, 27 Pearse Street, Dublin 2,  D02 K037 on Friday 18 October and Saturday 19 October, nightly at 7.30pm. Each performance is followed by a post-show panel discussion with the artists and guest speakers on the theme of ‘The Irish Language and the Arts: Unique forms of expression to promote equality, human rights and diversity’.

Ar Snámh follows Jane, a young woman who moved away from Dublin as a child, as she returns to her home county by travelling up the Liffey in a dinghy she bought in Lidl. Along the way, Jane considers the moments that have led her to this journey, from the death of her father when she was a child to the budding relationship she is developing with a local lad, Stephen. Along her journey, Jane speaks into a tape recorder her father left her and tries to fill him in on what he’s missed over all these years, and the struggles she is encountering as a young person in a small village. Jane recalls conversations with various people in her life, playing the parts of friends and family members as she gives us a view of her past and tries to work out her future, as well as reflecting on the housing crisis that is impacting on the lives of people today.

Ar Snámh is written by Seán MacDhonnagáin who is an award winning Irish Language author.  Ar Snámh won Best One-Act Play in the literary competition at Oireachtas na Gaeilge 2018.  The director is Hilary Bowen-Walsh. The creative consultant is Mary Moynihan, writer, theatre and filmmaker, Artistic Director of Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. 

Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality are delighted to work with  Irish language author Seán MacDhonnagáin to present Ar Snámh and to support the Irish language.  Smashing Times are dedicated to promoting artistic and creative work in the Irish language with a focus on original material that addresses issues and concerns impacting on communities today with a focus on equality, human rights and diversity. The company is dedicated to supporting the professional development of artists and the professional presentation of their artistic creations in the Irish language to as wide an audience as possible.  This show is presented as part of the Smashing Times Aisling Programme celebrating the Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality, human rights and diversity.

Artist Biographies

Is scríbhneoir agus aisteoir ó Bhaile Átha Cliath é Seán Mac Dhonnagáin. I measc na ndrámaí atá scríofa aige tá An Chos Eile AerachAiteachGaelach) agus ALVA (Polliwog Theatre Collective). Bhuaigh a dhrámaí Ar Snámh agus An Chos Eile an chéad duais do Dhráma Aonghnímh i gcomórtas liteartha Oireachtas na Gaeilge (2018, 2023) agus bhuaigh a dhráma raidió Séasúr Oscailte an dara duais i gcomórtas liteartha Oireachtas na Gaeilge (2023). Bronnadh sparántacht air ó axis Bhaile Munna sa bhliain 2020, agus bhí a dhráma An Chos Eile ar stáitse axis i mí na Samhna 2023.
Le déanaí, rinne Seán aisteoireacht sa cheoldráma Shauna Carrick Wants a Dog (Aon Scéal Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival), a bhí ainmnithe do ghradaim “Best Production” ag Dublin Fringe Festival. Is ball é Seán de AerachAiteachGaelach, comharghrúpa ealaíon a thugann tacaíocht d’ealaíontóirí aiteacha atá ag obair trí mheán na Gaeilge.
Seán Mac Dhonnagáin is a writer and actor. His plays include An Chos Eile (AerachAiteachGaelach) and ALVA (Polliwog Theatre Collective). His plays Ar Snámh and An Chos Eile won first place in the One-Act Play category at Oireachtas na Gaeilge’s literary competition (2018, 2023), and his radio drama Séasúr Oscailte won second place in the Radio Drama category of the same competition (2023). He was awarded a bursary by axis, Ballymun in 2020 and his play An Chos Eile was on stage in axis in November of last year.
Recent aciting roles include Shauna Carrick Wants a Dog (Aon Scéal Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival), which was nominated for the Best Production award at Dublin Fringe Festival. Seán is a member of AerachAiteachGaelach, an arts collective dedicated to supporting queer artists working in the Irish language.

Hilary is an actor, director and writer. Theatre credits include ‘Me, Mollser’ (Abbey Theatre), ‘The Travels of Jonathan Swift’ (Best Ensemble Irish Times Theatre Awards 2020), ‘Amazing Grace’ (Mumbro Top), I am BABA (Anna Newell, Gate Theatre), and ‘Sruth na Teanga’ (Branar). Screen credits include ‘Clean Sweep’ (RTÉ, Shinawil), ‘Resistance’ (RTÉ), ‘Jack Taylor’ (Telegael), ‘Bonsoir Luna’ (Cannes Film Festival), and ‘Tír na nÓg’ (RTÉJr).

Is aisteoir, stiúrthóir agus scríbhneoir í Hilary. I measc na saothair amharclainne a luaitear lena hainm tá ‘Mise, Mollser’ (Amharclann na Mainistreach), ‘The Travels of Jonathan Swift’ (Best Ensemble Irish Times Theatre Awards 2020), ‘Amazing Grace’ (Mumbro Top), I am BABA (Anna Newell, Gate Theatre), agus ‘Sruth na Teanga’ (Branar). I measc na saothar físe a luaitear len hainm tá ‘Clean Sweep’ (RTÉ, Shinawil), ‘Resistance’ (RTÉ), ‘Jack Taylor’ (Telegael), ‘Bonsoir Luna’ (Cannes Film Festival), and ‘Tír na nÓg’ (RTÉJr).

 

Bláthnaid Daly is an actor and writer from Co.Westmeath. In 2021, she
graduated from the Gaiety School of Acting. She frequently works as a
voiceover artist, dubbing cartoons in the Irish language.
Recent theatre credits include her own one woman, bilingual English/Irish
comedy Connemarvellous, (Scene + Heard), Heartstring (Scatterdream
Theatre Company), An Triail (Fíbín), Fionn agus an Bradán Feasa
(Fíbín), Prawn Cocktail (Colour & Ducks Theatre Company), In the Midst
of Plenty (Enchanted Croí Theatre), Space Deli The Musical (Pay
Attention! Collective) and Catastrophe Bay (National Youth Music
Theatre).
Screen credits include Homofónia (Alana Daly Mulligan and Luke
Murphy).

Rugadh Donncha i gCorcaigh. D’oibrigh mar mhúinteoir is mar aistritheoir i dtíortha éagsúla sarar chuaigh sé le h-aisteoireacht. Ar na scannáin go bhfuil sé le feiceáil iontu tá  Abode, Call Me Nancy, Sentinel, West Kerry Cowboy, The Green Knight, Gretel & Hansel, I Never Cry, Zoo, & Pilgrimage.  Father Ted & Runway.  As Gaeilge; áirítear Rúbaí, Klondike, An Crisis, Scúp, Rásaí na Gailimhe, & Kings srl. Ghlac sé páirt in Drainage Scheme sa Phéachóig anuraidh don Fringe Festival. Is iomaí dráma stáitse go raibh sé páirteach ann, anseo & thar lear; is cuimhin leis go háirithe Waiting For Godot (trí huaire), Translations, The Field, An Cat & An Ghealach, Boicíní Bhóthar Kilburn, Námhaid Don Phobail, An Béal Bocht agus Bullai Mhártain. Agus dhá phanto sa Taibhdhearc.

Born in Cork, Donncha worked abroad as a teacher and translator, and other things, before acting. Screen work includes the films Abode, Call Me Nancy, Sentinel, West Kerry Cowboy, The Green Knight, Gretel antd Hansel, I Never Cry, Zoo & Pilgrimage. Not forgetting Father Ted and Runway. Irish language films and TV include Rúbaí, Klondyke, An Crisis, Scúp, Rásaí na Gailimhe, Kings srl.  He played a role in  Drainage Scheme last year in the Peacock. Among his favourite stage plays from around the country are Waiting For Godot, Translations, The Field, An Cat & An Ghealach, Boicíní Bhóthar Kilburn, An Béal Bocht agus Bullaí Mhártain. And two pantos in An Taibhdhearc!

Réiltín is 9 years old from Co Chill Mhantáin and loves roller-skating and gymnastics. She loves reading to her little dog Betty and when she’s not doing that, she’s singing and dancing around the house! 

Sophie is a Lighting Designer and Theatre Maker from Drogheda, Co. Louth. They found a love of theatre through Droichead Youth Theatre, who they now work with as a designer, mentor and
dramaturg. They completed an MFA in lighting design at the Lir Academy in 2022.
Recently, Sophie has lit Theatre for One: This Ireland with Landmark Productions and Octopus Theatricals for the 2024 Cork Midsummer Festival, the Irish Premiere of Belfast Girls in An Táin Theatre which then transferred to The Lyric, Solstice and Droichead Arts Centre, and the award winning you’re needy (sounds frustrating), for a sold-out runs at the Dublin Fringe Festival in 2023 and the Edinburgh and Gothenburg Fringe in 2024. Sophie’s work has been described as “striking” and “excellent” by the Irish Times, “haunting” and “ingenious” by Chris McCormack and “beautiful” and “majestic” by The Arts Review.

Deirbhile is a freelance Stage Manager and Production Manager based in Belfast, and has worked with Northern Ireland Opera, Opera Holland Park, Replay Theatre Company, Belfast Ma Productions, Bright Umbrella, Aisling Ghéar, Green Room Productions NI, Kabosh, and the Northern Ireland Executive for the 21 Artists for the 21st Century. 

Deirbhile Larkin is supported through the NI Opera Artist Development Programme 2024-25.

 

Lara Gallagher

Lara Gallagher is an Irish sound artist and composer working across a number of mediums. She performs interdisciplinary improvisatory work, composes works for ensembles and orchestras, presents spatial installations and works across an array of artistic mediums from dance to children’s theatre. She holds an MA in Sonic Arts from Udk Berlin.

Other theatre credits include: Dancing at Lughnasa (Gate Theatre, Dublin); The Wolf of Wall Street and The Immersive Great Gatsby  (West End, London); Dubliners and Spear (Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin); 0800 Cupid and In heat (Project Arts Centre, Dublin); beat. and Outlying Islands (Samuel Beckett Theatre, Dublin); Absolute Hell, Untitled and Three sisters (The Lir, Dublin); The Whispering Chair (Cavan County Museum, Cavan); You’re Needy Sounds Frustrating (Gothenburg, Edinburgh and Dublin Fringe).

The Aisling Programme

Celebrating Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality, human rights and diversity

The Aisling Programme supports emerging and established artists working in the Irish language with a focus on the arts for equality, human rights and diversity. The programme features workshops, performances, poetry, literature, music and creative conversations in both Irish and English, alongside the commissioning and presentation of original artworks in Irish, celebrating the Irish language and the power of the arts to promote equality, human rights and diversity for all across the island of Ireland.

Smashing Times support the Irish language as our national language and believe a commitment to Irish as the official language of the Republic of Ireland is a key element for the development of the company. The Aisling Programme is a Creative Arts Programme for Equality, Human Rights and Diversity with workshops, performances and creative conversations in both Irish and English, using the arts to promote and celebrate the Irish language and the arts linked to equality, human rights, diversity, health and well-being,  leadership training, inclusion and peace.

The Aisling Project fosters and promotes the Irish language and the arts through Irish as well as bilingually as an integral part of the company, network and festival programme and provides a stage for the Irish language community linked  to the arts sector. Smashing Times are delighted to partner and work with artists who work in the Irish language and who are interested in using the arts to promote equality, human rights and diversity.

Open Call to Artists

Arts and Human Rights Network available through Irish

We want You

Smashing Times wish to support the Irish language as our national language and believe a commitment to Irish as the official language of the Republic of Ireland is a key element for the development of the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality. We are inviting you to join with us and to take part in Aisling: A programme of the Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality celebrating the Irish language and the arts linked to equality, human rights, diversity, inclusion and peace. As part of this work we are looking for key artists who speak Irish  to become involved in the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights network and we are now developing an Irish language section as part of the network. We invite you to take part in this unique network for artists, individuals and communities interested in linking the Irish language and the arts for the promotion of  human rights, equality and diversity.

Join the Smashing Times Arts and Human Rights Irish Language network as Gaeilge across Ireland, linking with artists, activists and individuals who are interested in using the arts to promote human rights, equality and diversity through the Irish language.

A core strategic aim is to ensure a strand of the Smashing Times centre is conducted through and promotes the Irish language. The centre is situated in Ireland and operates across Ireland with a European and international reach, and we believe that as Irish is our national language and a recognised language within the EU it is essential that the centre incorporates the Irish language as an integral and core part of the overall work.  The aim is to provide a community-orientated Irish language arts and human rights service to the Irish speaking community of Dublin and across Ireland, Northern Ireland and internationally on a non-profit basis.

If you are an artist, community group member or a member of the general public and are interested in using the Irish language through the arts to promote equality, human rights and diversity,  and would like to join the Arts and Human  Right network, do get in touch. All welcome.

As a member, you will

• Receive exclusive invitations to online and onsite networking events.
• Meet like-minded artists and people who believe in the power of the arts to promote human rights issues.
• Receive invitations to Smashing Times events across Ireland.
• Be contacted with opportunities to share your work or perform at Smashing Times events across Ireland.
• Connect through a monthly newsletter, weekly bulletin; and through attendance at bi-monthly online or onsite meetings

Resource and Advice service available through Irish promoting the arts for equality, human rights and diversity

This entails the translation of existing information into the Irish language and providing up-to-date information on resources, grants and opportunities through Irish for artists and communities using the Irish language and creative processes to promote equality, human rights and diversity for all.

Dream of Freedom / Aisling na Saoirse

A Dream of Equality / Aisling an Chomhionannais

In Irish we say

Fáilte for Welcome

Aisling for Dream or Vision

Saoirse for Freedom

Comhionannas for Equality

Cruthaitheach for Creative

Suaimhneas for Peace

Amhrán for Song

Croí for heart

Grá for Love

 Macnas for playfulness

Draíocht for Magic

Abhainn for River

Óiche for night

Organisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):

Venue Information: