'A Vital Stage.’ That’s the pretty irresistible title of this year’s Theatre Forum Ireland’s annual conference in Limerick on June 15 and 16. And even though I’m not normally inclined to promote in this column theatre conferences, purely because they tend to be of relatively limited appeal, that certainly is not true of this particular gathering.
Then again, this is hardly surprising given that theatre forum is the representative association for the performing arts community in general in Ireland: its members include all theatres and arts centres around the country, contemporary dancer and opera production companies, as well as arts festivals, freelance directors and designers.
One of the main reasons to be in Limerick for this forum is to hear and participate in the keynote address, discussions and ‘soapbox’ sessions. Chief among these this year is opening address ‘Art as Moral Action’ which will be given by one of America’s most creative and significant artists, Peter Sellars. A theatrical visionary who is ‘committed to exploring the role of the performing arts in contemporary society’ Sellars firmly believes that art is not merely a medium for entertainment but can, must, and at is best does, enact social change.
Equally exciting is the major discussion by a panel of artists and commentators for the second day, ‘Asking for Trouble? Censorship and Artistic Freedom.’ The panel will include Sellars, Conall Morrison, Janet Steel. Neal Foster and Stewart Lee who has first-hand experiences when it comes to the subject of a work being censored. Last year a tour of his show Jerry Springer: The Opera was derailed by Christian Voice. Just as ominous was the fact that the controller of BBC 2, who had commissioned the broadcasting of the show, was forced to place security guards outside his home. The eruption of this kind of new religious revivalism is, therefore, one of the subjects that will be discussed.
Other discussions include ‘Finding A Stage – The Irish Playwright Abroad’ which will be given by Stella Feehily, Wilson Milam and Loughlin Deegan, ‘and Tom Murphy in Conversation (an interview with the playwright). There also will be ‘parallel sessions’ where you can pick one of four: ‘Venues with Alan Rivett and Claudia Woolar; ‘International Touring’ with Andrew Collier and Michael O Suilleabhain and Brian Jackson, ‘A New Direction for Irish Writing’ with Richard Bean and Thomas Conway and ‘Dance in Conversation’ with Lloyd Newson and Paul Keogan. Meanwhile those ‘soapbox’ sessions are ‘We Are Not Second Class Citizens’ from Anne Clarke and ‘Multi-annual funding – What’s the Problem?’ with Fergal McGrath.
A wide range of choices, right? But entertainment will be offered in the Stable Bar on Limerick University campus – the forum takes place in University Concert Hall – and include 'The Theatrical Cavaliers present the Theatre Forum Brainteaser Special’ which promises ‘lots of questions, prizes and fun brought to you by your host Mark O’ Regan.’
However, of listening to debates, discussions, soapbox deliveries and talking theatre, theatre, theatre all day is more than you can bear there also will be music provided by the magnificently named Brad Pitt Light Orchestra. As you may know, this particular ensemble of musicians first got together in mid ‘90s but started playing again last year thanks to the Celtic Tiger ensuring, they say, ‘that everyone was back on home soil again.’
It’s also said that their music features a blend of warm vocal harmonies, classy instrumentation and ear-catching melodies that are ‘desperately hard to categorise but easy to love.’ Sounds like the perfect way to wind down after an intellectually ravaging day.
While you are at it why not consider joining Theatre Forum who also organize training and professional development course. It’s website is www.theatreforumireland.com and as they claim, this really is ‘an invaluable resource containing fact sheets and model contracts, an opening night clash diary, an industry employment page, a barter page for stage managers and a notice board’ etc. However, if you simply want further information on the A Vital Stage conference the phone number is 01 – 8746582.