Crann’s Breaking Barriers Theatre Group performing 3 acts to a sold-out Stack Theatre. Photo: Brian Lougheed

Vital funds for theatre group

A theatre group working with youths in Cork has been awarded substantial development funding.

Through financial support from the Creative Ireland programme, pioneering charity Crann’s Breaking Barriers Theatre group is set to receive €8,500 from Youth Theatre Ireland.

The funding comes as the group gets ready to be formally affiliated with Youth Theatre Ireland through which it will join a network of almost 60 youth theatres nationwide.

Commenting on the good news, Alan King, Deputy Director of Youth Theatre Ireland, said: “Not only will this financial investment make a significant impact on the members of the group, providing an enriching creative space for members to explore and grow as artists and people, it will help Youth Theatre Ireland improve equality of access for more young people and ultimately move us closer to achieving our mission.”

Established in 2018, Crann is a Cork-based charity providing life-long and life-changing solutions for children, adults, and families living with neuro-physical disabilities including spina bifida, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, osteogenesis imperfecta, arthrogryposis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinal cord injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

Over the past 5 years almost 120 children, teenagers and adults with neuro-physical disability have become involved in the arts through the Breaking Barriers Theatre group.

Colette Cahill, Head of Services at Crann, said: “We don’t receive state funding, so with this vital backing we can help children, young people, and families find their best way forward.

“Breaking Barriers ensures the basic right for its members to equal inclusion in the arts. It offers each member an opportunity to perform in a public theatre space, often for the first time, with professional lighting, stage, set, and sound that considers the group’s diverse needs. Our 2023 programme has 3 groups - children, youth, and adults - culminating in our biggest show to date in the Stack Theatre back in early March. We are so grateful to Youth Theatre Ireland and extremely excited about the partnership ahead.”