Wednesday, May 18, 2011

The Lir

(Pix. Brian McEvoy)


Children of Lir: 1. Isabela Cardoso & Rob Bourke; 2. Lauren Coe; 3. Siobhan Lyons & Cillian Ryan.



The Lir, Ireland’s new Academy of Dramatic Art, which will open this September, held a very special fundraising evening featuring many of their Ambassadors from the world of film, theatre and television.

This special evening of music, dinner, dancing and performance was a celebration of the Irish acting tradition, with special guests attending the event including Sebastian Barry, Simon Delaney, Michael McElhatton, Lorcan Cranitch, Nick Dunning and Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh amongst others.

The event started with a Jameson drinks reception, supper, aerial dance from Figet Feet and music by the The Controversial Allstars, whose band members played previously with Picturehouse and the Commitments. All proceeds from the event will go to support funding for students of The Lir which was developed by the partnership of Trinity College Dublin and the Cathal Ryan Trust and is formally associated with the world-renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

Representing The Lir were board members Harry Crosbie and Michael Colgan, Chair Dermot McCrumm and Danielle Ryan of the Cathal Ryan Trust. Academic Director Brian Singleton was also in attendance. The Lir’s aim is to train young actors, designers, directors, playwrights, stage managers and theatre technicians to the highest international standards for careers in theatre, film, TV and radio both in Ireland and internationally.