Dublin Theatre Festival 54th Ulster Bank Event

The world premiere of ten plays, including a new work by Colm Tóibín, are among the pieces of theatre to be staged across the capital.
The 54th Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival will run over 18 days from September 29th, with 28 shows in 25 venues.
Artistic director Loughlin Deegan said his fifth and final festival programme includes a particularly strong Irish programme, alongside many international artists and companies. Programme and ticket details are on dublintheatrefestival.com
Opening the festival in the Gaiety Theatre is Donka, A letter to Chekhov,  a dazzling feat of aerial acrobatics, multi-media illusion and circus magic.
Others highlights include Tóibín’s Testament,  which is directed by Tony award-winner Garry Hynes and performed by one of Ireland’s foremost actors, Marie Mullen.
Elsewhere the exciting programme features international works from theatre giants Kneehigh, les ballets C de la B, and world renowned directors Ivo van Hove, Daniele Finzi Pasca and Alain Platel.
Meanwhile Behind Closed Doors  will focus on the private lives of Dublin city’s inhabitants not always in the public eye, giving a glimpse into an often forgotten facet of Irish society.
Elsewhere, the doors of the last Magdalene Laundry to shut are set to reopen to stage a controversial play called Laundry,  which will feature personal stories from women confined to the notorious workhouse on Sean MacDermott Street in the north inner city.
The family season will also continue at The Ark, a cultural centre for children, with three of the best theatre companies in the world from Belgium and Denmark.
Mr Deegan revealed the programme includes a number of world renowned International theatre companies and directors many of whom he has been trying to bring to Dublin for many years.
“The festival continues to nurture and showcase the work of young Irish companies alongside many Irish theatrical giants,” he added.