‘Everyman is for everyone’
The stage is set for a programme which will see young people introduced to the theatre and performance on Leeside.
Spring 2021 will see the Everyman working with the YMCA in Cork, in collaboration with Graffiti Theatre Company and with the support of the Abbey on a youth-led programme called Theatre-Making and Citizenship, Cork.
In a series of online workshops, the participants will be supported to become theatre makers themselves and to explore writing, devising and performance. They will have the opportunity to discuss and critique work, take online venue tours, and speak with established theatre designers in lighting, sound, set and costume.
Central to the programme is the role of theatre in Ireland and how they, as active participants, can contribute to or shape the future of accessible theatre for young people in Ireland.
The project begins with an online pilot phase in spring 2021 and will rollout in person, Covid-19 allowing, in Cork city and beyond during the summer. The Everyman’s newly appointed Education and Community manager, Maev O’Shea, said: “The Everyman’s story is a powerful community story. The theatre grew from a company of local amateur actors and makers. In our theatre, we believe the Everyman is for everyone. This Theatre-Making and Citizenship, Cork, programme begins the next chapter in that story.”
Áine O'Callaghan, Senior Youth Worker, Cork YMCA Youth Space, said: “Groundfloor Cork YMCA is delighted to be part of this exciting new theatre and citizenship project for young people. This project is an amazing opportunity for young people to have fun creating with others, to develop skills in cultural citizenship and theatre-making and to have their voices heard on the issues that are important to them.”
The programme is a reworking of the Abbey’s Theatre-Making and Citizenship short course, which has been a favourite in local schools for the past five years.
The pilot project will be facilitated by Graffiti Theatre Company. Julie O’Leary, Creative Learning Director at Graffiti Theatre, is thrilled to be facilitating together with director and lighting designer Hanan Sheedy. Julie said: “Delivering Theatre Making and Citizenship in this new format and forging a new relationship with young people and staff from Groundfloor, Cork YMCA, is another step forward in our mission and commitment to making high quality arts experiences accessible for all.”