Dublin Theatre Festival promises to celebrate artistry

The Dublin Theatre Festival opens today, offering plays, shows, events and workshops on stages and venues across the capital.

Founded by theatre impresario Brendan Smith in 1957, this year's festival marks the countdown to the its 70th anniversary next year.

It also marks the second year of programming from Artistic Director and Dublin Theatre Festival CEO Róise Goan.

She said people can expect extraordinary performances and all kinds of wonder across 18 days, including "flying motorbikes and prams zooming across the city".

She added that the team was "absolutely thrilled" to be bringing "fantastic international and Irish theatre to audiences across Dublin".

One of the most anticipated productions is 'Animals' at The Abbey Theatre, based on the critically acclaimed short fiction of contemporary Irish writer Blindboy Boatclub.

Adapted and directed by Dan Colley, the cast includes comedian Pat Shortt.

Speaking before opening night, he described himself as "very excited" to be appearing as Erskine Fogarty.

"I've been lucky enough to do Broadway and the West End but I've never appeared on the stage of my National Theatre in Ireland so it's a big, big deal for me," he said.

Mr Shortt outlined how "there is so much history attached to this building", adding "and there will be after this show".

He described the production as very physical, adding that "there is a big wonderful cast in it, and lots of experimental stuff, a lot of multimedia cameras and it's done really well and is beautiful".

"The show taught me a real understanding of neurodivergence," he said, adding that he loved the inclusive approach from The Abbey to the show.

"If you are at a performance and you feel you just want to get up and move around, that is totally acceptable, which I think is great".

The Gaiety Theatre is hosting The Goat Exchange Theatre company's "bold new theatrical work" 'Radio Bette' inspired by the Hollywood icon, Bette Davis.

The show promises to be "smart and mischievous" using the historic Lux Radio Theater recording of 'All about Eve' to create a fun and irreverent production.

Actress Ruth Negga was originally due to feature in this production, but had to withdraw a few weeks ago.

"We were really sad to hear that she had to leave the show, unfortunately it's theatre, and the show must go on so there is a wonderful line up now including Michael Cerveris and Roberta Roberta Colindrez who people will know from TV," Ms Goan said.

For Anu theatre company, the team have turned to a Dublin story for writer and director Louise Lowe's new creation 'Cyclone'.

The production tells the story of Billy 'The Cyclone' Warren, a curious Dublin figure who spent decades standing outside the GPO in a bowler hat, wearing a sandwich board advertising Nugget boot polish.

This immersive show at the Railway Court uncovers his hidden past as an undefeated international boxer and a sparring partner to Jack Johnson, who was also a gun runner for Michael Collins in his colourful past.

Described as a "blistering production" the show pieces together the untold story of a Dubliner who left his mark on the city.

For Druid, this year the company has turned to Eugene O'Neill for its production of 'A moon for the Misbegotten', the sequel to 'Long Day's Journey into Night'.

Directed by Garry Hynes, the play tells the much loved story of one day and night in rural Connecticut where Josie Hogan, the last of her immigrant Irish family is left at home with her alcoholic father and anguished landlord, as she dreams of escape.

The cast of Marty Rea, Eileen Walsh and Lorcan Cranitch will bring this production from Druid's Galway home to Gaiety for the festival from 1 October.

'Meredith' at The Gate Theatre is a new play written by Erica Murray and directed by Annabelle Comyn and is described as a "fresh witty new family drama" which tells the story of a family held together by secrets, shared history and a strong desire to live life differently.

Ms Goan said that programming the international shows is a joy.

"It's about bringing productions to Dublin that ask, what are the current stories, what are the relevant stories that speak to people's lives right now.

"Whether it is a show like 'Radio Bette' which is exploring a classic Hollywood story and personas and performance, or if it's a really exciting new show from an artist like Florentina Holzinger, who's defying all conventions, the festival programme is speaking to people's experience of now," she said.