Winter is coming…to The Civic
By Mary Dennehy
THE CIVIC Theatre has launched its Winter Season, which boasts an inclusive and diverse mix of arts and entertainment for all ages and interests.
A hot bed for culture in the area, the Civic is building on its aim to make theatre and the arts accessible to communities – and relevant to the many different audiences who live there.
It’s also continuing to provide a welcome and encouraging stage for local talent, with the winter programme, which runs until March, featuring Springfield natives, Al Porter (comedian) and Emmet Kirwan (actor and writer) alongside a line-up of fresh, new, Tallaght musical acts, which will take to the Civic’s stage in February for a Battle of the Bands competition.
The Civic Artistic Director, Michael Barker-Caven told The Echo: “We are always trying to do a mix of programming that includes everyone and all types of audiences.
“Sometimes people want to laugh, sometimes they want to cry and sometimes they want fun entertainment and we strive to provide something for everyone.
“As a local theatre we are passionate about the local community and proud of our roots in Tallaght, and the communities that we serve.
“Alongside making theatre accessible, we want to create a place for local talent…and a place where people can come not only to watch but to play.
“Tallaght is an amazing place and the people who live here are raring to go, with lots to say and lots of creativity and, here at the Civic, we want to build a space where people can come.
“We want to draw people into this space and give them the opportunity to share things, which in today’s life is getting rarer and rarer with mobile phones, television and all of the other distractions.”
The Winter Season is an energetic mix of events and productions including Al Porter, Declan O’ Rourke, performer Panti, the Dublin Gospel Choir, Bosco’s Magical Christmas, The Nutcracker ballet, comedy trio Foil Arm and Hog, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament and plenty of music and cutting edge plays – all in the comfort of a local, accessible and inviting community space.
Concluding Micheal said: “On a final note I want to give our thanks to South Dublin County Council for their invaluable support to the local theatre over the past year.
“Without their vision we would not be here and you would not have access to great art and entertainment right on your doorstep.
“And most of all, thank you all for continuing to help make the Civic a place where people count.”
For further information on the Civic, which is selling gift vouchers for Christmas, and its Winter Season visit www.civictheatre.ie
