Galway gets set for Culture Night

Blue Teapot Theatre Company will showcase a world premiere of the screenplay 84 written by Len Collin, as part of Culture Night Galway this Friday, September 23 at Druid Lane Theatre.

The action is set in a dystopian world redolent of Orwell’s Oceania, the cold war communist states, or Nazi Germany; yet is still recognisably Ireland. Those who do not ‘fit in’ with the regime’s ideals are ‘disappeared’. However, as long as there are people willing to challenge authority there is hope for the future.

Using actors with intellectual disabilities, Blue Teapot produces high quality, professional performing arts. The collaboration with Len Collin sees them move from theatre to the medium of film. Petal Pilley, Director of Blue Teapot Theatre describes the project as groundbreaking.

“This has never been done before. The Blue Teapot actors themselves chose the medium of a screen play. We are delighted to have Len Collin on board as our writer and it’s a privilege to have attracted someone of his calibre.”

As part of a partnership between Blue Teapot, Arts & Disability Networking (ADN) and supported by Fishamble, The New Play Company, Westport based screenwriter Len Collin was commissioned to write a short film script for Blue Teapot’s actors. The resulting work, 84 will be premiered as a performance reading of the screenplay.

Len, originally, from Sligo and has written for film, theatre and television including The Clinic, Ultimate Force, The Bill, Casualty and Eastenders. He is set to direct his first feature, To Dream with Open Eye in 2012.

This new writing project is part of an initiative to pilot a new model of developing local capacity in the area of arts and disability in Ireland. The screening is at 8pm, so secure a seat contact 091 520 977 in advance.

You can begin your journey through Galway Culture Night with some morning music from musicians who are also celebrating their last day of training with the Access Music Project. At 11am in St Patrick's Bandroom, Fairgreen, musicians who have trained under the project will perform a mix of original, folk, rock, a Capella and percussion pieces. The concert concludes at 12.30.

Other Culture Night events include a full day of celebration from Bell, Book and Candle Book and Music Store in the West end of Galway City.

Their event, showcasing some of best established and up and coming artists, independent music labels and musicians in Galway and beyond. The day will be run in association with Wingnut Records, an independent music shop, which now hosts approximately 500 releases of new Irish music on tape, CD and vinyl.

For the first time, the store will release an album plus booklet, featuring 15 tracks covering diverse and talented artists from a host of different musical genres. This will be only be available on the day. The booklet accompanying it is printed in a very old music/fanzine style, making this a must-have for any music fan.

Sliabh Bán estate in Ballybane will host an open house and café for the night. Since July, artists Ailbhe Murphy and Ciaran Smyth of Vagabond Reviews have been conducting research for a Public Art Commission awarded by the Galway City Council for Sliabh Bán. This Friday, they are throwing open the doors of Number 18 to showcase the work they have done so far.

Other events include a walking tour of Galway city, visits to art galleries and studios, as well as celebrations at the Museum, the Arts Centre, and NUIG. Full details are available from www.galwayculturenight.com