Back on Stage: Movements in Irish Theater, 2006

Abstract

year 2006 in Irish theater came complete with a centenary political nego tiation regarding government funding, and, of course, the obligatory discussion about the Abbey Theatre's future venue, now supposedly destined for George's Dock. It also saw the appointment of the national theater's new artistic direc tor Fiach Mac Conghail and the arrival of much anticipated national touring scheme funding from the Arts Council. Over the course of the year, the the atrical community regularly tried to bring its concerns into the political arena. Ultimately, though?and in contrast to recent years, when offstage concerns have dominated the conversation?-what 2006 most provided was a theater rich in innovation and professionalism. Along with such well established events as the Dublin Theater Festival, Dublin Fringe, the Galway Arts Festival, and International Dance Festival Ire land, several original projects arrived in 2006. April's Centenary Festi val provided a wealth of productions to pay homage to the prolific writer, and while the debate raged as to which nation can claim as its own, many of his greatest admirers flocked to Dublin to see productions of his plays, hear readings of his works, and partake in debates surrounding his legacy with fel low enthusiasts. Gate Theater and Project Arts Centre produced several plays, while Trinity College Dublin, the author's alma mater, hosted a symposium tided The Legacy; A Centenary Celebration, where such speakers as Terry Eagleton, Paul Muldoon, John Rockwell, and Marina Warner discussed the artist's life and work in sessions that included Beckett and Performance, Beckett and Ireland, and Beckett, Religion and Philosophy Simultaneously, Beckett's films were shown at the Irish Film Institute, while exhibitions about the artist were mounted at the Douglas Hyde Gallery and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Beckett's Ghosts, produced by Bedrock Productions at the Project Arts Centre, saw the performance of four of his most challenging works: A Piece of Monologue, That Time, Not I, and Breath, all dark yet amusing late