By Paul McElwee
LETTERKENNY’S iconic An Grianán Theatre will this evening host a special event as part of its 25th birthday celebrations.
A performance by CoisCéim Dance Theatre, one of the first acts to perform at the theatre following its opening a quarter of a century ago, will once again take to the stage after a pre-show drinks reception.
After CoisCéim dazzle the crowds, there will be live music in the foyer from the Szabó-Yélamo String Duo.
First opened on Monday, October 4, 1999 by then Minister for Tourism, Sport & Recreation Dr James McDaid, An Grianán Theatre has a rich history on the performing arts scene.
The name, meaning ‘sunny place’ or ‘sun palace’ was chosen via competition and won by Margaret McGinley, mother of acclaimed Donegal actor Sean McGinley.
The An Grianán story has seen some of the biggest artists from home and abroad grace e the stage.
The first performance at the theatre was ‘The Magic of the Musicals’ with the theatre hosting its first-ever in-house touring production of Brian Friel’s ‘Translations’ in November of that year whilst in 2002, a production of ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ was awarded an Irish Time Irish Theatre Award for Best Actress for Eleanor Methven.
Much-loved entertainers such as Bill Bailey, Johnny Vegas, Jimmy Carr, Tommy Tiernan and Dylan Moran followed, as did Oscar and Tony Award winners Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova who performed the beautiful ‘Falling Slowly’ from the movie ‘Once’ among other hits to a rapt audience.
To celebrate, a number of events are taking place throughout the anniversary year, which began with a specially commissioned exhibition entitled “The Story of An Grianán Theatre”, launched at the start of the month and taking the viewer through a series of chapters detailing the rich history of drama, dance, comedy and music which has graced the stage.
Hosted by local entertainer Noel Cunningham and curated by Harriet Purkis, Shaun Hannigan and Mitch Davies the exhibition, through plans, programmes, documents, newspaper clippings, photographs and video, featured poster, props and costumes from past productions.
The celebrations will continue on Saturday, November 23 when the theatre hosts a special Gala concert featuring artists such as Clannad legend Moya Brennan, blues sensation Muireann Bradley, as well as perennial favourites the Henry Girls and Little John Nee.
This event is invitation only, but a limited number of free tickets will be made available to the general public
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