January News at The Ark
January proved to be a great month for The Ark, between touring theatre productions, announcement of our Awakening Curiosity Programme in celebration of Dublin City of Science 2012, a sell-out Tradfest programme in association with Templebar Tradfest, and the appointment of a new theatre programmer, Maria Flemming. Here's an update on all that's been going on this month!
IPAY
We had a great start to January when The Ark and Theatre Lovett presented ‘The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly’ at the IPAY showcase in Austin, Texas. The production was one of just 12 full productions chosen from around the world to be showcased at IPAY. IPAY, International Performing Arts for Youth, is an annual curated showcase which ran from the 18th – 21st January 2012. A North American based network of members, IPAY is made up of artists, producers, presenters, agents, educators and students who create and present work in all forms of theatre, music, dance, circus and puppetry worldwide.
The productions taking part in the Festival were chosen by a jury of practitioners working in the field of theatre for young audiences. Directed by Lynne Parker and starring renowned actor Louis Lovett, the production was an outstanding success at IPAY, receiving a standing ovation and many invitations to perform in venues throughout the US. ‘The Girl who Forgot to Sing Badly’ premiered in The Ark January 2010, was originally commissioned and produced by The Ark in association with Theatre Lovett.
AWAKENING CURIOSITY
The Ark’s Art Science call-out closed at the beginning of January and we received many exciting, imaginative and creative proposals from Ireland and abroad for our Awakening Curiosity summer programme. Starting on the 14th May until the 6th August 2012, the programme is specially designed and commissioned for school groups, children aged 2-12 and families. This exciting programme will include an interactive exhibition, guided experiences and a range of special events. Awakening Curiosity explores nature, biodiversity and our environment in an imaginative fusion of art and science.
We were invited to be part of the launch of Dublin City of Science at the Conference Centre, Dublin on the 26th January, which was a great honour and a fantastic way to announce our participation in this International event. Lead artist of the Awakening Curiosity programme, Terry O’Farrell, facilitated a workshop for a small group of children at the launch giving them the opportunity to paint and draw animals from all over the world. The Ark’s programme will be announced in the upcoming weeks so keep an eye out!
TEMPLEBAR TRADFEST
This year, The Ark was the family hub for Templebar Tradfest and with our children’s workshops and family concerts sold out we were delighted with such a positive start to the year. The building was buzzing all weekend with over 400 children visiting each day, taking part in the open trad session, free craft club, workshops and concerts. A great weekend was had by all!
Not only did we have some fantastic musicians like Sephira, The Henry girls, Sinead Madden and Emma O’Sullivan take part in our Tradfest Family Programme, but in the lead up to the festival we spent our lunchtimes enjoying the sound of music and singing from our theatre where the Dubliners held court, practicing for their Tradfest gig, celebrating 50 years together.
NEW THEATRE PROGRAMMER APPOINTED AT THE ARK
The Ark is delighted to welcome our new Theatre Programmer, Maria Fleming. Maria has worked with Druid Theatre Company, Calypso Productions and most recently Barabbas Theatre Company. As a freelance producer she has worked with Donal O’Kelly productions, Irish Modern Dance Theatre, Calipo, The Performance Corporation, Featherhead Productions and HotForTheatre. Maria was Special Events Co-ordinator for the Dublin Theatre Festival in 2010 and 2011.
Another member of staff who joined our team is Aideen Lynch, who has just finished working with the Crafts Council of Ireland in Kilkenny as the project assistant on Year of Craft 2011, a packed programme of almost 800 craft throughout Ireland. Aideen will be working as Artistic Project Support.