The Celtic Con is a period comedy devised by members of Limerick Youth Theatre (LYT). Mícheál journeys through a medieval(ish) Kingdom on a quest for answers after his twin brother’s untimely passing. Encountering new friends and foes along his way he uncovers the truth but does he save the day? With a Druid named Lisín and buffoon King, can he and his new friend Aoife stay on the right journey to save the village? Thanks to the financial support from the Arts Council under the YES (Young Ensembles Scheme), Limerick City & County Council’s Culture and Arts Office and Limerick and Clare Training Board, this year’s summer show directed by Tara Doolan will be staged at Belltable from 23 – 25 August 2022.
Tara Doolan from Honest Arts commented; ‘Working with Limerick Youth Theatre is always a rewarding experience. The members are always committed, enthusiastic, talented and hard working. This year’s production started with a blank piece of paper and after four weeks of dedicated efforts we had a full script to explore and consider. Thanks to their passion, contributions and creativity, we have a show that is something they can be very proud of. This will be the first live performance for some of this cast and a most welcome return to the stage for others. Together, this ensemble is going to bring something really special to Belltable with The Celtic Con.‘
She explained how the concept of the show came about ‘….we started from broad discussions with the ensemble examining the issues in the world today that interested them and impacted their lived experience. Using many theatre practices like Theatre of the Oppressed and Absurd, Commedia dell’Arte and through improvisation games, the idea for The Celtic Con took shape.’
LYT’s Artistic Director, Angie Smalis says; ‘This ambitious collaboration with two locally established, award winning, theatre/street theatre production companies with vast experience in community arts and youth work has given the LYT cast exceptional skills and experience to devise this piece of theatre after a three year absence from live performance. We are delighted to welcome back past members and undergraduates from the Contemporary and Applied Theatre Studies course (MIC) into the ensemble and present our twenty fifth summer show. The engagement of arts undergraduates and LYT alumni enriches the creative experience for all involved. She adds; ‘It helps the current members see that there are opportunities at third level and within the creative industries. Everyone gains invaluable skills as drama facilitators, writers, designers and performers. Ultimately, a project on this scale would not happen without the continued support we receive from the Umbrella Project, LCETB, The Arts Council and Limerick Culture and Arts Office, our ensemble’s parents/guardians and Belltable. We are very thankful.’
There will be three performances of The Celtic Con at Belltable from 23 – 25 August 2022.
Shows: 23, 24 and 24 August 2022
Time: 8pm
Venue: Belltable
Tickets: €10 adult/ €5 for under 18s
Box Office: 061 953 400 or www.limetreetheatre.ie
Limerick Youth Theatre (LYT) is a company of young performers, dancers, writers, designers, directors, producers and film-makers, located in Limerick. LYT was set up in 1997 with a vision of providing a unique opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to cross social/cultural divides through youth drama experiences. It runs a two-year training course in theatre and performing arts.
Lumen Street Theatre comprises of artists with years of experience in the fields of the film industry, visual arts, sculpture, fashion, costume design, street performance, construction, engineering and print making. We are very passionate about our art forms and the learning processes. There is a rich history that we draw our inspiration from, and we want to re-tell and re-imagine stories through the voices of all generations, in the place that they were born and raised. We aspire to bring these stories outside of the city, to broad audiences in imaginative and innovative ways.
Honest Arts Production Company provide creative and logistical services for small to medium events as part of our day to day operations. Our passion lies in Theatre and film. Having produced our first original theatre production, The Mid-Knight Cowboy, which went to Edfringe 2013 and United Solo Theatre Festival NY, we continue to push boundaries with new theatre productions.