Auditions... from the beginning

Passing on the traditions... Finuge in the early days

  In 1974 the first ‘tithe’ Siamsa was built in Finuge in North Kerry and the second the following year in Carraig, in the Chorcha Dhuibhne Gaeltacht. It was in these houses that the training in dance, music and song was delivered to students over a period of three years. For those who showed promise they progressed to an advanced class in Siamsa Tíre Tralee and from there to the company’s community cast.

Learning the Tin-Whistle

This Friday in Teach Siamsa na Carraige, West Kerry, and on Saturday in Siamsa Tíre, Tralee the traditional auditions continue. It is advisable for the young people auditioning to have a song and an Irish dance prepared for the audition.  Our training and development officer, Anne O’Donnell has been visiting local schools to encourage young people (aged 7 to 12) to try out their skills this weekend. Auditions are by appointment only – please contact the box office at 066 7123055 to book an appointment. Good Luck!

 

 

 

Let the Celebrations begin!

Young and old gathered for the celebration

Sunday last (May 11th) marked the first event in our year-long celebration of our 40th anniversary.  A gathering of founder, former and current cast members along with staff, members of the Board (past and present) and friends enjoyed a reception in the foyer before the official unveiling of the commemorative plaque.  And there were plenty of stories to be heard from across the generations!

Fr. Pat Ahern

It was a very special day, and for none more so than Fr. Pat Ahern.  A beautiful plaque was inset in the wall at the entrance to the theatre and unveiled by the man responsible for founding the National Folk Theatre way back in 1974. An RTÉ production for the series RADHARC, entitled Bímís ag Rince, was also screened on the day.  The film, dating from 1974, traced the development of the National Folk theatre and documented the building of Teach Siamsa in Finuge – the first of the training centres where the passing on of traditions in the unique Siamsa style to the next generation began.
One of the highlights of the evening was a surprise performance by founder and former members.  As the credits rolled for Bímís ag Rince, and the screen rose, a full stage of performers was revealed who then treated us to a wonderful 20 minutes of music, song and dance.  It was a Great Auld Siamsa!

(photos by Domnick Walsh)



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