Druid added to the Leaving Cert curriculum

Druid Theatre today announced that their 2023 production of Sean O’Casey’s The Shadow of a Gunman, part of the critically acclaimed DruidO’Casey play cycle, has been selected as a prescribed material for Drama, Film and Theatre Studies, a new Leaving Certificate subject.

The introduction of Drama, Film and Theatre is part of Senior Cycle Redevelopment by the Department of Education and Youth, an ambitious reform programme guided by the vision of a Senior Cycle that delivers ‘equity and excellence for all’. 57 post-primary schools have been selected to introduce Leaving Certificate Drama, Film and Theatre Studies from the start of this school year.

Garry Hynes, Druid’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director: ‘For our production of The Shadow of a Gunman to be included in this new Leaving Cert subject is a huge honour for Druid and for all the people who contributed to the success of the production. As we celebrate Druid’s 50th anniversary this year, we are especially delighted to see our work shared with young people across the country. The introduction of this new Leaving Cert subject is incredibly exciting for Irish theatre and for future generations of Irish theatre-makers.’

Teachers and students will be able to access the official archive recording of The Shadow of a Gunman via the Irish Film Institute’s new free streaming media service, the DFTS Channel. Alongside the recording, Druid has also provided a range of supplementary materials including backstage video interviews with members of the Shadow cast and creative team.

Alongside its funders, which include the Arts Council and University of Galway, and its DruidO’Casey production partner, Smurfit Westrock, Druid gratefully acknowledges the support of its Community and Education partner, the Adrian Brinkerhoff Poetry Foundation, for enabling the theatre company to offer this recording to students across the country.

Explore more of Druid's Community and Education programme.