Latest News

People sought for disability led theatre project -

Strabane and Donegal

Absolute beginners and experienced theatre people are being sought to tell their stories on stage in a disability led project in Strabane and Donegal which starts February 2012.

An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny and The Alley Theatre, Strabane are looking for ten people to form a forum theatre group as part of a cross border awareness project. The group will devise a new play inspired by the personal stories of its members.

The play will be toured in Strabane and across County Donegal; reaching out to young audiences aged 14-25 through theatres, schools, community centres and festivals to raise awareness of disability.

This is a project for people who feel strongly about the issues relating to disability in Ireland and want to bring their story to the stage; to encourage debate, to challenge, to raise awareness and above all to create change.

There is no audition process; instead you go along to a taster workshop in one of the participating theatres. On-site workshops can also be arranged for groups.

You need to be:

• over 18
• living in Donegal County or Strabane District Council areas,
• a disabled person (physical or sensory impairment), and
• have the time to commit to the programme.

This involves meeting on a weekly basis from February to April to devise and rehearse the piece, then occasional days to tour the production from May to September and two festivals in October and November 2012.

To find out more about the taster workshops contact Kate Brown, Project Co-ordinator.

Email: kate@katebrown.ie Telephone: 086 3590564

Tin Pan Alley – Strabane’s New Musical Society

Committee Members from Strabane & District came together last week to announce the launch of the new ‘Tin Pan Alley Musical Society’. Chair of the Committee Jacqui Doherty said ‘The aim of Tin Pan Alley is to present a high quality artistic musical performance to be staged at the Alley Theatre in the autumn of this year.  The society’s mission is to provide opportunities for adults to become involved in the production, performance and management and in fostering greater participation in the arts through greater accessibility and inclusiveness. We are very excited about this new and innovative music society and are going to be busy in the coming months in the facilitation and preparation of our first production.  The production will be announced shortly and will be held on 28th and 29th September and 4th and 6th October 2012’  If interested in becoming a member of Tin Pan Alley please contact Jacqui Doherty on 07925441469. 

Ulster Sports Museum Touring Exhibition Visits

Strabane

Strabane District Council in partnership with the Ulster Sports Museum are to celebrate the success of local sporting talent both past and present by hosting a sports exhibition in the Alley Arts and Conference Centre from 20th February until 16th March.

Sport is a very important part of life in Ulster and indeed Strabane and the achievements of our local players and teams rank among the very best in the world and their exploits and achievements have stood the test of time.
Over the years we have been enriched by the magic of George Best during his lifetime, the wizardry of Jack Kyle on the rugby field, the elation of Mary Peters winning her gold medal at the Munich Olympics, the euphoria of the Ulster teams winning the Sam Maguire Cup and the courage of blind athlete Janet Gray in water skiing.

During the last 12 months Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke have performed at the very top of their sport individually and in the Ryder Cup and have inspired and excited world wide audiences, not forgetting the exploits of our gold and silver medal winning amateur boxers at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.
In order to celebrate Ulster's past sporting achievements and to inspire the youth of the future, the Ulster Sports Museum Association has created a Touring Exhibition that highlights all that is memorable within Ulster sport.
The purpose of the exhibition is to allow the general public to experience our rich and diverse sporting heritage and to provide feedback and comment about their sporting heroes and memorable sporting moments.

More specifically, sports men and sports women from the Strabane District area have achieved huge sporting success down through the years. The exhibition will look at a range of local sports and sporting heroes, and will include memorabilia from the north-west, providing an opportunity to highlight and celebrate our local sporting excellence from within the Strabane District Council area. 
It is hoped the exhibition will:-

• Acknowledge sporting achievements across all sporting disciplines within Ulster.
• Provide for the display of medals, trophies and other memorabilia.
• Be a centre for educational awareness.
• House and archive film, video and sporting images and photographs.
• Inspire the general public to have a general awareness of sport within Ulster.
• Develop an oral archive of sporting memories.

Chairman of Strabane District Council, Brian Mc Mahon stated, “This is an excellent opportunity to recognise the success of our local athletes, both past and present. It allows us to reflect and celebrate their contribution to sport and society in general. I would encourage everyone to come along and view this wonderful exhibition”

The exhibition will be hosted in the Alley Arts and Conference centre from Monday 20th February until Friday 16th March 2012. If you have any sporting memorabilia that you would like to donate to the exhibition please contact Aiden Lynch, Sports Development Officer, 02871 382204, alynch@strabanedc.com

Caffé Fresco New Sponsor of the Alley Theatre

 
The Alley Theatre is proud to announce a new and exciting sponsorship partnership with Caffé Fresco.  The sponsorship was launched on Friday 25th November where the Alley came alive with live music from Nicky McCallan and Aslan. 

Speaking about the new sponsorship Chairman of Strabane District Council expressed ‘We are delighted that the Alley has secured such a high profile company as its platinum sponsor.  Caffé Fresco has established itself as one of the most successful restaurants in the North West developing a superb reputation based on the excellence of their menu and the high quality of their service.   Sponsorship of the arts can be good for business.  We have all been witness to the flourishing relationship between the Alley Theatre and Craft Recruitment which have resulted in the creation of a number of very innovative projects such as the recent creation of Santa’s grotto and the panto set for Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves and I have no doubt that this partnership will be just as successful’

Proprietor of Caffé Fresco Trevor Mealiff added ‘ We are delighted to be associated with the Alley Theatre and we are looking forward to developing joint projects in the future, arts and business go hand in hand and I am very excited about this sponsorship partnership’.

Watch out for Caffé Fresco’s Pre – Theatre Menu’s available Thursday – Sunday nights and discount offers for Caffé Fresco on the back of Alley Theatre tickets.  For more information contact Caffé Fresco on 028 71 884901

Local Joinery Trainees Get Creative

The Alley Theatre’s new pantomime by Puddle Alley Theatre Group ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ taking place from Friday 13th – Saturday 21st January is receiving the creative treatment from local young apprenticeships thanks to a unique project between the Playhouse Theatre, Derry, The Alley Theatre and CRAFT Recruitment and Training.

Over the next ten weeks North West joiners will not only be designing and building a new set for the upcoming pantomime but will also be designing and building a new Santa’s Grotto which will be in Strabane Community Library for ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ on Saturday 26th November.

The project, sponsored by the Department of Social Development (DSD), will assist students in completing their qualifications for their training course.

Max Beer, Playhouse Coordinator, said

‘The Santa’s Grotto and the Pantomime Set will be a great project for the trainees to work on we are all very excited about the outcome.  Over the few weeks the trainees will be building models of the set design to flesh out the details a bit more. This is essential as they will gain more of an understanding of the look and feel of the show’ commented Director of Puddle Alley Theatre Group Aodh McCay

‘We are delighted to be working on this project. This project will give the trainees a host of new joinery skills as well as developing their creativity throughout the whole design and production process which they can later use in the workplace’ added Seamus Nealis Managing Director of CRAFT Recruitment and Training’

John Kerr Alley Theatre Manager added ‘The Alley Theatre and Strabane District Council is delighted to be associated with this project and thank you to CRAFT recruitment for their ongoing support in developing the arts within the Alley.  The next ten weeks is not only going to be exciting for the trainees but also for us as we will be keeping a photo diary of the design process to see the set and santa’s grotto being designed from start to finish which will be uploaded onto the Alley Theatre Facebook page. The trainees will be working  with a professional set designer, investigating the design process, evaluating the best materials to use and discussing the design brief with the panto director Aodh McCay and Arts Development Officer Jean Smith.’ 

For more information about the Alley panto ‘Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves’ running from January 13th to Saturday 21st contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.

For more information on the Christmas Lights Switch On contact Jean Smith on 028 71 382204

For further information about CRAFT courses please contact 028 7488 4304.

Strabane Halloween Carnival – Something Big is

Brewing in October

The full programme of events from Friday 28th – Monday 31st October is out now and can be downloaded by clicking here

Join the Strabane Halloween Carnival Facebook page

Guaranteed to be a scream, Strabane is getting ready for the most magical time of the year as Halloween is quickly descending on us at the end of the month.

The weekend programme commences on Friday 28 October and runs through to Monday 31 October 2011, with something on offer for all the family.

The programme is the result of an effective partnership between Strabane District Council, Local Community representatives, Strabane Community Safety Partnership, the Strabane Vintners Association, the Strabane Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Strabane District policing Partnership, and the Western Education and Library Board. All groups came together yesterday along with children from Strabane District Playclub to launch the programme of spook-tacular events.

The carnival weekend will be fun for the whole family with special events taking place including ghost tours through the town, workshops, storytelling sessions, Halloween zumba, zombie cage soccer, fun days, Halloween and pool disco’s being held in Melvin, Riversdale and Derg Valley leisure centres.  There will be street entertainment and live music by Mr Men along with fabulous Halloween parades and not forgetting the wonderful fireworks extravaganza to name but a few of the events taking place.

Over the weekend there will also be late night entertainment in the Alley Café Bar by the Three Fivers featuring Bobby Moore, Terry McCafferty and Brian Hassan on Saturday 29th October at 8pm. Other Halloween events will be taking place over the Halloween weekend in The Fir Trees, Mk’s Bar, The Farmers Home, Joe’s Bar, Devlins Bar, Katy Daly’s. Dicey’s, The Classic Bar and Mary O’s Bar.

Speaking about the festivities Chairman of Strabane District Council commented
‘I am delighted with the Programme of events planned for this Halloween weekend. There is something to suit everyone. I hope that everyone comes out and participates.  I guarantee you all a fun filled weekend.

I would also like to commend the contribution of all the groups who have been involved in producing this impressive programme. The partnership approach to ensure a safe and fun filled event which can be enjoyed by the whole community and visitors to the town.’

The full programme of events from Friday 28th – Monday 31st October is out now and can be downloaded by clicking here. 

For further information on the programme of events  please contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.

Flann O'Brian Centenary Programme

Brian O'Nolan was born on 5th October 1911 in Strabane. Both a novelist and satirist he is best known for his works At Swim-Two-Birds and The Third Policeman, written under the pseudonym Flann O'Brien. He also wrote the novel An Béal Bocht as well as many satirical columns in the Irish Times under the name Myles na gCopaleen

To mark the centenary of his birth, Strabane District Council, Gaelphobal, Strabane Gaelscoil, Strabane History Society and Libraries NI have compiled a programme of talks, discussions and performances designed to explore the life and work of one of Strabane’s most famous sons.

To Download a full programme of events CLICK HERE

Culture Night Strabane Programme Announced.

On Friday 23rd September 28 cities and towns across Ireland will be offering access to an amazing array of free late night cultural entertainment and for the first time Strabane District will be hosting their own culture night.  Organised by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust, Strabane will be joining other cities in the North such as Belfast and Derry/Londonderry in a night which will bring people of all ages together in a unique programme of events that will explore, participate, interact and experience the exhilaration of live performances, workshops, tours, talks, drama, dance and a whole range of other creative activities for free! Culture Night brings together a very unique and diverse audience who all share a desire to explore and enjoy culture.

The theme of this year’s Culture Night is ‘What Will You See?’ and there is plenty to choose from!  The participating regions: Strabane Town, Donemana, Bready, Sion Mills, Plumbridge and Newtownstewart will be hosting an array of brilliant cultural entertainment. At the Alley Theatre David Oliver will be performing in the Alley Café Bar while Strabane District film makers will be showcasing a variety of short films, music videos and sketches.  In the Alley Exhibition space Strabane Camera Club will be bringing their fantastic exhibition to a close.  Next door in Strabane Community Library story teller Declan Forde will be performing followed by Missing Time – a unique accordion duet with an interesting repertoire of traditional Irish, classical, old time, swing and Latin American tunes.  Meanwhile in the Farmers Home Pub local photographer Treasa Giblin will be exhibiting her latest contemporary street style photography from around Iceland, Romania and Algeria.  Later in Strabane local comedian Rauri Woods will be performing in MK’s Bar.   In Killeter the Killeter Heritage Centre will be holding an Irish Traditional Music Session a must see for all Irish Trad music lovers.  Tom Agnew will be demonstrating and discussing the use of ceramic techniques at his open day at Mill Pottery Donemana. Also in Donemana listen to some fantastic music by St Josephs Brass Band in St James Parish. In Bready, the Sollus Centre will be holding a fantastic Scottish Ceilidh Night and in Sion Mills the Parish Hall will be transformed into a magnificent performance space as Strabane Concert Brass will perform in a very special concert.  In Newwonstewart Patricia Woods will be playing in Newtownstewart Golf Club while Tuteer Productions will be presenting a unique play ‘Whose Wake is it Anyway’ in St Eugene’ Parish Hall. Also in Plumbridge local talent will be taking to the stage in ‘Craic in the Harvest’ in Plumbridge Parish Hall. 

Chairman of Strabane District Council, Councillor Brian McMahon commented, ‘ Culture Night is for everyone and Strabane District will have much to offer, it will give the people the opportunity to try something different in venues that they have maybe never attended before.  Culture Night will let people see what a diverse range of culture Strabane has to offer and I would urge everyone to come along and see as many attractions as possible around the district’

To help visitors move around the Strabane District Easilift will be providing free buses around three different routes which will leave Strabane from 6p.m. onwards.  Please note seats on these buses must be pre- booked. For further information on the routes and to book seats please contact Easilift on 028 71 883282

For a full programme of events please visit www.alley-theatre.com or join the Culture Night Strabane Facebook page on www.facebook.com/culturenightstrabane.

New Alley Autumn/ Winter Events Guide

Out Now!!!

Strabane went diva crazy as the new Autumn/Winter Events guide was launched by Strabane District Council Chairman Brian McMahon with the help of Fifi Fontaine, Candy Love and Heidi Chic aka the fabulous drag queens of The Foyle Follies who will be performing at the Alley on 17th September.

The Alley Theatre has a packed programme of events running from September to January with a great variety of entertainment, exhibitions, community events and workshops.

To Download Your Copy Click Here

Manager of the Alley Theatre John Kerr commented ‘This season we really do have something to suit everyone from wonderful comedians such as Conal Gallen, Colin Murphy and Jake O’Kane to great music sessions both in the Alley Bar and in the main auditorium of the theatre including 4 Men and a Dog, Alsan, David Oliver, Anthony Toner and Robert Mizzell.’’

‘’The Summer season has been a great success with sell out Jazz nights throughout the Summer and Winter is set to see even more sell out shows with tickets already selling fast for Conal Gallen and David Meade. ‘’

‘’Top ballet productions can also be expected as the European Ballet will be presenting the Nutcracker in November.  Plus top class medium Margaret Hurdaman is also making a welcome return in November.’’

‘’The Alley has always been in the heart of the community and this season is no exception with school performances from the Strabane Gaelscoil, Strabane Academy and St Columba’s Primary School.  Schools from all around the district will also be taking part in a special performance in aid of the Foyle Hospice in October.  Festivals also play a key role this season as Strabane will take part in their first ever Culture Night, a night of free cultural events all over the district.  Venues will open their doors to late in a night of discovery and adventure. For more information please visit the Culture Night Strabane Facebook page: www.facebook.com/culturenightstrabane. Special events are also planned for the Flann O’Brien Centenary Programme and the Johnny Crampsie Festival.’’

‘’Want to get involved?  There are many ways you can become involved in the new seasons events, at the moment we are searching for local film makers to showcase their films on Culture Night.  If you are interested please contact Emma at the Alley Theatre on 028 71 384444.  Puddle Alley Theatre Group will be holding open auditions on Saturday 17th September from 1pm in the Alley for their community panto: Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves which will take place in January.  Calling all leading Men, we are also recruiting immediately for men interested in performing in a showcase performance on the 24th September, if you are interested please contact Jean Smith on 028 71382204.’’

‘’The Autumn/ Winter season would not be the same without children’s shows , this season the brilliant Cahoots N.I theatre company are back with a brand new show Egg in October, and City Theatre Dublin will be presenting Santa and the Present Pirates in December.  Its panto time in January with early booking offers now available for  Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’’

‘’As well as great events superb exhibitions are lined up in the coming months with Strabane Camera Club having their annual exhibition in the award winning exhibition space in September. The Alley will also play host to the RDS Craft Exhibition displaying works from the RDS Student Art Awards and RDS National Craft Competition.’’ 

‘’The Alley is also offering a superb array of top art workshops for all ages, ranging from music classes, drama classes, painting, dance and lots more.’’

For more information about the new season please contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or download your copy from www.alley-theatre.com.  Remember for all the latest updates join our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre

Wanted - 'Giant' talent from Strabane for NI's largest arts event

Giant Events Company, organiser of Land of Giants, the largest arts event ever seen in Northern Ireland, is on the lookout for more than 500 creative cast and crew. An epic, ambitious event, Land of Giants is scheduled to take place on Belfast’s Titanic Slipways on 30th June 2012. Combining acrobatics, aerial dance, carnival, circus, physical performance, music, multi-media and pyrotechnics, the event will present a spectacular production to an audience of over 20,000 people at the City’s newest open air events space.

As the planning and preparation work for the event are building speed, the organisers are asking for local creative talent to get in touch to find out how they can be a part of this unique opportunity, working either behind the scenes or centre stage in a wide range of paid and voluntary roles.

From musical director and costume designer through to health and safety and stage management there are numerous backstage opportunities available. An array of performers will be required including aerialists, circus and physical performers, drummers, musicians and singers. Land of Giants also hopes to offer a series of apprenticeships in areas such as design, production, lighting, sound, special effects and community engagement.

Jean Smyth, Arts Development Officer at Strabane District Council, commented:  "We are excited at the prospect this phenomenal opportunity presents for artists, performers from Strabane. Not only will those involved be part of the largest arts event ever staged in Northern Ireland, but they will also be able to develop new skills and experience which will benefit our own arts community.”
 
Land of Giants has been awarded £750,000 by Legacy Trust UK and is one of only four UK Community Celebrations to be funded by the organisation. The four national events, which are taking place in Scotland, the East Midlands and South East England as well as Northern Ireland, will enable communities across the UK to come together to stage large-scale outdoor celebrations as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

Dugald Mackie, Chair of Legacy Trust UK, said: “The Olympic games are about more than sport. They are a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of people across the world. We believe that Land of Giants will inspire and encourage people throughout Northern Ireland to get involved and will leave a lasting legacy for the region.”

Partnership funding has also been committed from a range of sources including Arts Council for Northern Ireland’s National Lottery Fund and Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
The consortium behind Land of Giants represents a wealth of talent in the fields of creativity and event management.  This consortium, comprised of Beat Initiative, Belfast City Council, Belfast Community Circus School and Young at Art, aims to deliver a world class event to put Belfast firmly on the map for quality outdoor arts and community engagement.

Speaking about the opportunities available Will Chamberlain from Belfast Community Circus School said:  “Land of Giants is just one year away today and we would like to invite people from throughout Northern Ireland to get in touch and get involved. The abundance of indigenous creative talent has an amazing opportunity to be part of a unique event being developed here, staged here, and delivered by people based here.

“Investment in the project is an investment in the future of the arts and events industry as we anticipate that those who join the Land of Giants Creative and Production teams will be inspired to use their skills to contribute to the major events set for Northern Ireland in 2013 and beyond. The training and development opportunities on offer throughout this project will result in the arts and events sectors becoming more confident and enabling them to promote the highest quality product both at home and for export.  We want to encourage people to push themselves and to be ambitious for the future of outdoor arts and events in Northern Ireland.” 
In addition to the personnel required to deliver the events on the 30th June 2012, the three partner organisations Young at Art, Belfast Community Circus and Beat Initiative will be employing their own teams to create and deliver a 12 month long programme of training and community participation to deliver the cast of hundreds for the final event.

To express interest in getting involved in Land of Giants please visit www.landofgiants.info

For further information please contact Laura Willis on 07912 158362 or
Nicola Bothwell 07590 606727.

Strabane District Students Bring

Art to Life

Tuesday 28th June saw the launch of the Schools Art Exhibition at the Alley Theatre.  G.C.S.E and A Level students from Holy Cross College, Strabane High School and Castlederg High School showcase a wonderful exhibition of arts and crafts including the use of metal, paint, ceramics and textiles at the award winning Alley Art Gallery.  Running until the 15th July this exhibition is based around several different themes including animals, nature, emotions, and addiction to name but a few.

Launching the exhibition was local artist and teacher Gloria Perry.  Gloria has been very much engaged in the arts all of her life, primarily in the teaching of Art & Design for almost 30 years. Throughout this time Gloria has found herself experimenting with many different ideas and mediums in order to find her own expression therefore was able to give the students some very valuable advice.

Speaking at the launch Gloria expressed ‘this is a great opportunity for young people to display their artwork to the public and I must say the standard and quality of work is overwhelming.  Well done to the teachers as well for all their hard work in getting the students to set their standards so high and also to the parents as a mum myself I know what it is like to have paint and textiles scattered all over the house.  This is a great opportunity for young adults to explore and take new skills and develop them in a career in the creative field, well done to you all’

Over 40 pieces are displayed in the gallery and is the finished product which has went through many developmental stages before the finished product arrives at the eyes of the examiner, this material shows the examiner the various thought process employed by the student.

Linda Swaile Head of Art at Castlederg High School expressed ‘ This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to see some of the artwork and design which takes place in the school and the work you see here today is really only the tip of the iceberg, I am delighted with the work which my students have created’.

Maura Convie Head of Art at Holy Cross College also commented ‘This exhibition is very worthwhile for the pupils to have their art work displayed in a professional gallery such as the Alley Theatre as it inspires them for the future’

Also commenting at the launch Head of Art from Strabane High School Laura Gormley expressed ‘This is an excellent way to mark the end of the school year as well as the end of Strabane High School before merging to Strabane Academy, well done to all the pupils’.

The Schools Exhibition is now on show until Friday 15th July, for further information contact The Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444.

Sounds Like Summer 2011 Musicians

Announced

Its that time of year again and Sounds Like Summer is back offering four nights of great music all battleing it out to be crowned the winners of Sounds Like Summer 2011.  The lucky winners will win the opportunity to professionally record thier own original compostion along with a music video.  Heats ake place from Saturday 11th June with the final on Saturday 24th June.  For more information or to book tickets click here

Saturday 11th June at 8p.m

Troubadour
Conor McAteer
The Clameens
Louis McTeggert

Friday 17th June at 8p.m.

Bettylee and the Blonde
Eyes of the Enemy
Dan Official
Heavyset Bayonet

Saturday 18th June at 8p.m.

Red Right Return
Like A Ninja
Zia Regime
Lochenlode

Final: Saturday 24th June at 8p.m.

'Reflection in Form - Jeopardy'

by Maurce Harron Exhibition Launch

Maurice Harron's latest exhibition 'Reflection in Form- Jeopardy' was launched in the Alley Theatre on Friday 15th April.  This is the brilliant speech which Maurice gave on the night:

 
I would like to thank Noelle McAlinden of City of Culture Derry / Londonderry 2013, for performing this opening ceremony. And also extend my thanks to Councilor Thomas Kerrigan, Chairman of Strabane District Council.
Also I wish to thank John Kerr, Director of the Alley Arts Centre, for inviting me to put on this exhibition and Patrick McCabe for all the help in setting it up.

An art exhibition is a bit like a modern version of a Wake. All the relations and friends gather for a sociable evening n have a wee cup of tea or a drink and a good gossip. I think I’m the stand-in for the corpse this evening !!!

 It’s very strange for me to be here in the Alley, because my father  Joe worked all his life in the Alexander Motor Company next door and 100 years ago my grandfather Hugh worked across the river in Lifford in a sawmill.

Men in that era had no time or understanding for time-wasting activities like art and certainly my father was concerned with the practical realities of daily life. But they each understood beauty and valued workmanship and musicianship.

Each generation has their own priorities, beliefs, leisure and work patterns. I am of my time, and most of us here have lived through enormous changes, from a much simpler world of certainties, stability and social and family security to our modern times of extraordinary technological advances, linked to a sense of insecurity, disbelief, material wealth and spiritual / mental insecurity.

For about 10 years my main artistic aim was to create / re-create something of the vanished culture of Gaelic Ireland. All over the country there are public works on that theme and on the religious icons of that culture. I feel that, with the last work “the Saints and Scholars” in County Offaly, I have made my contribution.

Another concern for me has been the wish to encourage a recognition and an acceptance of the dignity and worth of the ‘other side’. Generations have been born, lived and died here, gripped in prejudice and hatred. Over the last 20 years I have made some works like the Tinnies here in Strabane that make a direct comment on that mind-set  Martin McGuinness told me recently that the ‘Hands across the Divide’ in Derry , made in 1991, promoted an idea that was ahead of it’s time, that was to be an inspiration for the Peace Process and that came to fruition in recent years.

There are 2 more on this theme to go – due to be erected in the next month in the centre of Lurgan and in Portadown.

The work on display here represents some of my interests and fears. An art work is not an answer. Rather it is something that poses a question, that does not reveal a meaning unless the person looking at it, already sees the meaning in their own soul.

May I finish by encouraging us all to recognize and value our own and other’s talents and genius.  I remember a teacher who was marking 25 years in a school. I asked him if any of the school management had ever told him that he was doing a good job. And he said that no, no-one had ever said that to him.

Every person has some special talent or ability. I wish that we lose our begrudgery and celebrate each other’s qualities and abilities by directly praising and making positive comments whenever opportunity arises. And it is especially important that we praise and celebrate our children and young people and encourage their creativity at all times.

Thank you

"Reflection in Form - Jeopardy”

by Maurice Harron

The Creator of the most visual and popular public sculptures in Ireland “Let the Dance Begin”, Derry Artist Maurice Harron brings his latest exhibition “Reflection in Form - Jeopardy” to the Alley Gallery.

Maurice public work has addressed issues of belief, ethnicity and political tension. Themes connected to social, historical and cultural identity are recurrent feature of his public sculptures. He has been commissioned to create a number of works on religious themes which have been interpreted in various media and semi-abstract and naturalistic styles.

Private gallery work reflects more personal concerns, from serious meditations on contemporary unease, isolation, loss of belief, to works celebrating love and joy in life. Nature and animals, birds, fish are recurring themes.
Many of these public works are famous in their own right. ‘Reconciliation’ has been reproduced in press and TV worldwide and is known as a symbol connected to peace-making with the creation of the bronze figures ‘Hands across the Divide’ in the City of Derry.   ‘Let the Dance Begin’ (popularly known as the ‘Tinnies’) was awarded the United Kingdom Civic Trust Award in 2003 for a piece of public sculpture. ‘Gaelic Chieftain’ has been voted ‘most popular public work’ in Ireland on a number of occasions.

Maurice is invited to speak at public occasions and has lectured to students at all levels. He has held practical workshops with community groups to create involvement and participation in projects.

After exhibiting “Reflection in Form” in Derry’s Gordan Gallery this is the artist’s first gallery show in almost twenty years. Sculptures of the “Scholars” and the “Chieftain” will be on display, as well as many of Harron’s smaller pieces. Museum Curator Pat McCabe explains ‘’Maurice is a renowned artist in his own right and is extremely well known for his award winning sculptures however this is an opportunity to see his works on a smaller scale.This is a must see exhibition.” 

Congratualtions to C.R.A.F.T and Customised

Training Students...

The first Strabane Artskills Showcase and Graduation took place this week. Having successfully completed Artskills Training, obtaining new UK recognised qualifications in Literacy, Creative Writing, and Performance and  a renewed sense of achievement; our 17 young adults, aged between 16-19, demonstrated their new skills by reading their individual creative writing pieces aloud, and performing their short plays, and  monologues including the works, of Willie Russell, Frank Mc Guinness, William Shakespeare and others, they produced in groups, in front of family and friends, before receiving their certificates and qualifications at the Creative Approaches to Literacy Showcase on at the Alley Theatre Stranbane on Thursday the 24th  of February 2010.

The Creative Approaches to Literacy; Artskills is an arts-based Essential Skills Literacy Programme designed by Sharon Moran, Head of Education at the Playhouse.  This unique type of training provides literacy training in a tri-fold approach, comprising 20 sessions Literacy,10 sessions of Performance and 10 sessions of Creative Writing over a 20 week programme. The training was managed and delivered by the Playhouse Theatre and took place through, September 2010- February 2011, at the Alley Theatre.

In July 2010 The Playhouse, was delighted to receive news that they were successful in their funding application and secured Funding from Strabane Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and  the Department of Social Development who provided the required financial support for this project. Without this support, the project would not have been possible

C.R.A.F.T Recruitment who are based in Omagh, Strabane and Derry/Londonderry and Customised Training based in Strabane are two innovative organisations, and with their young adults that became involved with Artskills Strabane.

Performance Facilitator, Jane MC Carter commented, That these young people left their comfort zone and sought out an alternative path, to obtain qualifications and improving their employment opportunities when the signed up for Artskills.  The Showcase today is a testament to these young individuals who arose to the challenge 20 weeks ago and now. I wish all our participants all the best in the future, and trust they will take pride in exercising their new skills in life and of course on your journey to employment. The success of this project had a lot to do with the creative environment, the Alley Theatre has. The Alley Theatre Manager, John Kerr and staff have been instrumental to the success of the project. 

Project Coordinator Max Beer explained; “The participants attended Artskills for 6 hours a week at the Alley Theatre. 3 hours of Literacy and 3 hours of Performance and Creative Writing every second week. The 3 hour workshops were taken by 3 professional facilitators who delivered the creative arts-based training. I would like to extend a huge thank you, to our Arts Facilitators who provided professional training delivery in a friendly, approachable manner throughout the Project. Our Facilitators are instrumental to our participants’ engagement, progress and success during the Artskills Project. Sharon Mc Lennan; Literacy Facilitator, published novelist,  Emma Hetherington; Creative Writing Facilitator, Jane Mc Carter; Performance Facilitator. Also to the Staff of The Alley theatre, Customised Training, and CRAFT Recruitment and Training, who have all contributed to the success of this project,

I would like to express my biggest and heartfelt Thank you to all our Participants for making a 20 week commitment to the Artskills Project, contributing, learning with an open mind and successfully completing and obtaining your qualifications. We have learned so much from each participant, as well, and your ambition and dedication is extremely inspiring.

Speaking at the event Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Councilor Michaela Boyle also expressed ‘We are most grateful to the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership for their support of this initiative, to the Playhouse for the coordination and delivery of the programme, to Customised Training and Craft recruitment – proud sponsors of the Alley of course - for their partnership in the delivery of this initiative. And of course we must not forget the trainees themselves, who have taken on the challenge, secured their qualifications and are now about to take to the stage for the first time.  Finally, we would like to extend our appreciation to the Department of Social Development who provided the required financial support for this project.’

Top Drama Festival in Strabane celebrates 25years!!!

Strabane Drama Festival will this year celebrate a landmark 25th Anniversary. Running from Friday 18th March – Saturday 26th March the festival will again be bringing nine drama groups from around Ireland to the Alley Theatre presenting a wide variety of theatre from the comedies, ’Key For Two’ and ‘Steel Magnolias’ to powerful, dramatic theatre including ‘Stolen Child’ and ‘Angels in America’.   

The variety continues with ‘Our Town’ the famous play by Thorton Wilder and ‘Immaculate’ which will be staged by local groups, Lifford Players and Backburners from Newtownstewart respectively. 

Top travelling drama groups travelling to Strabane include Silken Thomas (who won the festival last year with a spectacular performance of ‘History Boys’), Duleek and Wexford staging such different productions as ‘Bernadette’ and ‘Doubt, a Parable’ both of which have been made into highly acclaimed films as was ‘Steel Magnolias’ to be presented by Ballyshannon Drama Society which was also made into a film starring Dolly Parton.

Aodh Mc Cay, Festival Director, commented on the variety on offer in the special anniversary festival: “As usual,” said Aodh, “we have in store a wonderful theatrical treat for the local community with nine very different productions being staged in the magnificent Alley Theatre.  The best way to enjoy a spectacle such as this is to fully immerse in the festival experience viewing as many of the plays as possible – or, better still, all of them!” 

“This year is a major milestone in reaching our 25th staging of an annual drama festival and is probably unique in community festivals locally for its longevity.”  Aodh went on to invite the entire community to this celebration, “When we started up all those years ago, there were many who doubted if such a theatrical experience would be supported in Strabane – how wrong they were!  Strabane Drama Festival has gone from strength to strength and continues to do so.  There is something in this festival for every age and every taste so it is there to be enjoyed and experienced with the thrill of live theatre.  I would ask if any of our followers from the past 25 years have any memories they want to share or photo’s from past festivals which they would like displayed please send them into the Alley Theatre’’

Emma Simpson, Marketing Officer from the Alley Theatre concluded ‘this year is set to be even bigger and better with a great range of events on every night before each play starting from 7p.m.  We have a great range of special festival tickets available, including a series ticket for the full nine shows at £40 (£25 concession), student ticket package for three shows which is £5 and individual shows for £8 (£6 concession).  Early booking is advisable, for a full breakdown of events or for further information please contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online at www.alley-theatre.com ‘
 

‘A Life of their Own’ a Unique and

Environmentally Friendly

Exhibition by Strabane Artist

The Alley Theatre is delighted to be showcasing Tracey O’Neill’s latest exhibition ‘A Life of Their Own’ a unique and environmentally friendly exhibition showcasing the importance of reusing and recycling materials.

The local artist has been painting for over 20 years and has sold countless numbers of work however it was in her formative years living and working in Scotland, where she first starting painting during her spare time and it was upon her return to Ireland in the late 90's where Tracey took time to develop her passion for art and design.

Tracey successfully studied and refined her rich techniques at the North West College and begun selling her artwork in Linton and Robinsons and Oysters Restaurant.  Over the last five years Tracey’s has taken her private collections across the UK, Ireland, Europe and America. With worldwide appreciation of her rich collection of work, Tracey has now cemented her reputation as one of Ireland most sought after new artists.

Pat McCabe Galley Curator from the Alley Theatre ‘We are delighted to have Tracey O’Neill’s artwork displayed as she has a modern twist that highlights the importance of renewing and reusing materials that otherwise would have been thrown away.’

The mother of three explains ''I am inspired by so many things in life, however above everything I believe my love of rich vibrant colours stand out for me in my art. My distinct style flows with texture, rich colour, abstract in form and are full of depth. The providence of materials I use is particularly important to me and I am keen to use recycled materials within the fames and artwork themselves. These materials bring added soul and heart to a piece, enriching the art work to a further spiritual level.''

‘This exhibition ‘A Life of Their Own’ is created by reusing stones from unwanted jewellery and not only do I use new frames but I also renew old frames which I incorporate my own art work into.  Stones are an object of acute visual interest, sculptures in their own right. These works not only transform something that were once a bracelet, brooch or chandelier but they also compel the viewer to see what can be used and reused every day in my art. To transform objects into significant worth and value is not only environmentally friendly but make my art even more captivating and unique. The art work draws in the viewer to think about making changes to every day functional objects that are disregarded. For me, it is satisfying to know that my passion for painting is helping the environment.’

Tracey’s exhibition running at the moment until Friday 25th February at the Alley Theatre, for further information contact The Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444

'MOBILE'

Strabane District Council Good Relations section provided 270 school children and teachers the opportunity to enjoy a riviting performance of the play 'Mobile' this week.  The performance was organised by Strabane District Council's Good Relations in partnership with Derry Travellers Support Group.  The play aimed to raise awareness of traveller culture, to encourage participation, promote intergration and build mutual undrstanding amongst young people in the district.

During the performance, actor and playwright Michael Collins presented his story in a poignant and often funny way.  'Mobile' looks at the dilema of a Traveller man who is required by his family to fight another Traveller to settle a family dispute.  The play is powerfully performed alone by Michael Collins who acts with the authenticity of someone who is not only an excellent playwright, but also a renowned actor in his own right.  His Irish Traveller background provided both the inside knowledge of Traveller culture, together with his deep commitment to the advancement of his community.  The play betrays not only the complexity of culture dynamics, but also the community's informed consciousness about the need to respond with wisdom and dignity to the newly expereinced environment of soical inclusion offered by majority society.

Participating puplis came form Holy Cross College, St Eugene's High School and Castlederg High School.  The young people got a chance to ask Michael Collins questions on Traveller beliefs and life in an interactive session after the play. The schools were also offered workshops to explore some of the issues raised during the performance.  Feedback from both the play and the workshops was excellent, adding an extra dimension to the citizenship teaching pupils are involved in during class.The Derry Boat Sails to the Alley Theatre

Speaking abput the project, the Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle said 'Strabane District Council is committed to the promotion of equality and good relations in the Strabane District.  We feel that it is particularly important that people gain an insight into other traditions and minority groups, including those from the Traveller culture, who live in the community.  It is important that respect, understanding and tolerence for all cultures are fostered and that they are welcomed in the district.'

The Derry Boat sails to the Alley Theatre

The Derry Boat, the successful comedy play which has toured the island of Ireland arrives at the Alley Theatre on Tuesday 15th February. Set to tell the tale of four generations of migration the play has been written and performed by the fabulous Little John Nee star of TG4 and RTE.

Little John Nee tells the history of the O’Donnell family starting with from wee John O’Donnell who emigrates with high hopes of a better future in the 1800’s and finishing with the return of his, grandson Shuggie, a Glasweigan wide boy at the end of the 1990’s.
‘This comedy drama provides an unlikely roller-coaster ride that tells a funny but poignant story that has affected North West families through out the generations’ commented Emma Simpson the new Marketing Officer at The Alley Theatre. ‘The play’s title is taken from the Derry/Glasgow ferry on which emigrants and travelers sailed back and forth from Donegal and Glasgow up until the 1960s.’
John Nee, who has taken the lead role, was recently nominated for the Helen Hayes Award in Washington for his Outstanding Lead Actor performance. He has also played a number of roles on TG4 as well as a regular on RTE .  The highlight of his career has been an appearance in Neil Jordans award winning film ‘High Spirits.’

Emma Simpson stated "this new play has been heralded by theatre critics across the island of Ireland as a much seen play. The Sunday Independent theatre critic stated ‘It was the highlight of the Dublin Festival...I don't think I've seen something this funny in years."

The Derry Boat is supported by the PEACE III Programme managed for the Special EU Programme Body by Donegal County Council.

PuddleAlley  presents  “Aladdin” in

the Alley Theatre

Oh yes it is! It’s  Panto time in Strabane when local theatre group, PuddleAlley, take to the stage in the Alley Theatre next Thursday with their production of the traditional pantomime, Aladdin.

Packed with family fun to suit ages from the very young right through to those a bit less young, this show brings all the traditions of Panto to the local stage.  The comedy team is led by well known artiste, Gary Gamble and the audiences can be assured of a night of real enjoyment and entertainment with Gary’s humour and talent.   Gary is famous for his “tribute” performances of Daniel O’Donnell performed throughout the country and his comic genius is a certainty to keep the Panto audiences highly entertained.

This will be the 21st Panto directed by Aodh Mc Cay and he promises that this show will contain all the traditional ingredients that local audiences have enjoyed in Strabane Panto in his previous 20 productions.  The show includes a magical fairytale for the children with Aladdin’s quest for riches to claim his Princess as a bride with plenty of dangerous encounters on the way which will need the help of all the children in the audience. 

For the less young, the show is packed with hilarious comedy and beautiful singing from the cream of local talent.  

“This show,” said Aodh, “will be full of fun and laughter from start to finish with the traditional fight between good and evil to ensure that everybody can live ‘happily-ever-after’.  Who will win?  We aim to ensure a night of real family entertainment with plenty of laughter and enjoyment!”

The show runs for five performances only so early booking is strongly advised to ensure the best seats in the modern, luxurious Alley Theatre. Opening night is Thursday 13th January at 7.30pm with following shows on Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd January.  Tickets: £8, £5 (con).  Group rates are also available.

For further information or to book tickets contact the Alley on 028 71 38444 or click here.

These Are Our Truths

What is it like to be young and living in Strabane? During 2010 Strabane District Council started a new project to explore this theme and that of reconciliation with students in post primary schools of the district. The result from this project is a stunning new photography exhibition, entitled"These Are Our Truths", set to go on display at the Alley Theatre this Christmas.

The overall project, “Understanding Our Present” involved training Year 10 pupils in creative writing and digital photography skills, and with the help of experts the students were encouraged to explore themes of reconciliation and the world around them. The students benefitted from expert guidance from North West photographer Raymond McCarron and Anne McMaster – Welch from the North West Regional College, helping the students develop the project theme further and examine their own views and perspective in depth. The results from the project are now set to be exhibited in a stunning new photography exhibition entitled "These Are Our Truths".

Talking prior to the exhibition launch, Raymond McCarron, one of the tutors on the course commented that “the photographs in the exhibition are taken in cars, in school yards, up trees and provide a unique insight into the lives of young people in Strabane. They aren’t acting in these photographs, they are simply snatching a moment in time in their young lives.  The exhibition is a collection of wonderful visual documents, made by young people in Strabane district, and have a lot to offer all ages.”

“These images exhibited here are important, because they contain human universals, they convey honestly how life is experienced by the young individuals in Strabane district; the bedroom walls, the landscape, fun, isolation and the innocence of youth. The older generation is often quoted in the media saying they don’t understand the younger generation, however in this exhibition the images can say a thousand words and I personally feel offer a wonderful insight into a different world for many people to explore and understand.”

“They are without agenda, they are mirrors of adolescence in Strabane district today. The students involved should be very proud” concluded Mr McCarron.

The exhibition and programme is supported by Peace III programme managed for special EU programmes body by the N.W Peace III cluster of Derry City Council, Strabane District Council and Omagh District Council.

“These Are Our Truths” is FREE to attend and runs from December 27th until January 21st within the Alley Theatre Gallery space. For more information contact the Alley Theatre on 028 7138 4444, check out the Alley Facebook Page (The Alley Theatre) or visit www.alley-theatre.com/exhibtions.

Widow Twankey star

announced at the Alley!

This week Puddle Alley announced that Gary Gamble, one of the Ireland’s leading singers is set to take the lead role in his hometown panto production of Aladdin! Taking the all singing and all dancing role of the panto Dame, the lovable Widow Twankey, Gary is looking forward to stepping out on the famous Alley stage as the comical panto character, who is loved by millions of children across Ireland and the UK.

The singing sensation is certainly no stranger to the entertainment scene and is eagerly looking forward to his panto role at the Alley. Over the past five years, Gary's performances throughout the UK, Ireland & Spain have seen him make his mark on the Country circuit in dance halls, festivals, concerts and award shows. His forthcoming appearences at the Alley has already seen fans from across the North West start to snap up tickets to see this singing sensation on stage with a host of stars from the Strabane district.

Gary is well-known in the UK and Ireland for his unique and uncanny tribute act to Daniel O'Donnell and his tribute has seen him appear alongside Hugo Duncan, Dominic Kirwan, Philomena Begley, Margo O’Donnell, Big Tom, Declan Nerney and various other great Country stars. Will Daniel be turning up to the panto? On that Gary is keeping tight lipped as “the script is top secret” he states. “However I’m so used to portraying Daniel as an act, this is certainly going to be a new challenge, but very comical, we had children and adults in laughter at our showcase”.

John Kerr, Manager at the Alley Theatre stated “Having Gary in the Strabane community panto this year is something we know will be a big hit with his North West fans. After appearences on Glor Tire, RTE’s Podge & Rodge, TV3 and UTV country music awards, word of his appearance and Puddle Alley’s Traditional Panto has even reached UTV and they intend to interview Gary next week, for one of their television programmes!”

Aladdin is being performed at the Alley Theatre, Strabane, from January 13th – 22nd 2011, with tickets on sale now at the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or book online by clicking here. Starting at only £5 for children and over 60’s, this show is the ideal night out for all the family, early booking advised!