Druid announces Education and Community Programme
Druid returns to live theatre this September and October with DruidGregory, a Galway 2020 Commission. As part of an extensive rural tour, Druid is delighted to introduce an Education and Community programme which will engage with schools and communities throughout the county, making the work of two great Galway playwrights accessible to audiences of all ages. The Education and Community programme includes a special Lady Gregory bookmark for every primary school student in Galway, secondary school performances of Tom Murphy and Noel O’Donoghue’s On the Outside and free education packs and resources.
The DruidGregory Education and Community programme allows us to further explore and highlight two extraordinary Galway writers, Lady Gregory and Tom Murphy, among communities in county Galway’ says Artistic Director, Garry Hynes. ‘We hope to make theatre accessible to audiences of all ages and inspire the next generation of Galway writers and artists.’
Primary Schools
Druid will engage with Galway primary schools, introducing younger school children to the influential and inspirational figure of Galway’s Lady Gregory. Every primary school child in Galway will receive a very special Lady Gregory bookmark. Furthermore, through a free educational video, resource packs and fun activities, children will learn about who Lady Gregory was and the role she played in Ireland’s literary history. Teachers are invited to send the children’s creative responses to Druid. A selection will then be performed by the DruidGregory cast and broadcast online.
Secondary Schools
Druid will perform at secondary schools in Galway city and county presenting Tom Murphy's first play, On the Outside, written with Noel O'Donoghue. This short satirical play looks at social norms and exclusion in rural Ireland. The play will be examined by students and teachers through post-show discussions in participating schools and a specially designed education pack that will be made available online for free. Secondary school performances include: Archbishop McHale, Tuam, where Tom Murphy attended secondary school and taught Metalwork, Glenamaddy Community College, Seamount College, Kinvara and Clarin College Athenry.
Communities
The DruidGregory community programme will also include outdoor performances of On the Outside by Tom Murphy and Noel O’Donoghue in towns and villages across county Galway. Druid will provide practical engagement opportunities for community groups, venues and festivals, providing workshops in technical theatre and performance, all run by the Druid team.
Primary and secondary school free resources available here.
DruidGregory is a Galway 2020 commission.
The DruidGregory Education and Community programme is supported by Aerogen and the Adrian Brinkerhoff Poetry Foundation.