2021 at the Gate Theatre
A new Creative Studio space for Irish artists, 9 commissioned writers and a Masterclass series announced.
(Dublin, February 16, 2021) The Gate theatre today announced the first details of their 2021 plans, with a focus on new delivery models and pushing theatrical boundaries.
The entire Gate auditorium, including the stage area, has been transformed into a new Creative Studio space for work to be made by some of Ireland’s finest theatre artists. Artists and Companies scheduled to work in and with the Gate Creative Studio over the coming months include: THISISPOPBABY, Theatre Lovett, ANU Productions, Michael Keegan-Dolan & Teac Damsa, CoisCéim, Camille O’Sullivan, Mikel Murfi, Dead Centre, Marc Atkinson (Gate Bursary Artist) and Loosysmokes (Gate Artists-in-residence).
“2020 has left us humbled but determined,” said Director Selina Cartmell. “Like everyone else, we struggled with the challenges presented by 2020. The financial implications of keeping a Dublin city centre venue and cultural organisation going throughout the pandemic felt almost impossible – and yet more important than ever. There were times we thought we wouldn’t make it, but we are innovating and reinventing ourselves to emerge stronger and more resilient.”
Much of the planning and commissioning, and the work it took to keep the Gate going in 2020, has taken place behind the scenes. Today’s announcement is the first of the Gate’s 2021 plans, and further details will be will be shared in the coming weeks about the first live-streamed production.
The Gate plans over the coming months are to focus on 3 new elements:
Creative Studio — the launch of the Gate Creative Studio, a new space and way of working where artists can create, develop and pilot new and ambitious work. This is also where the Gate Associate Artists and commissioned artists will develop their work through digital collaborations and live interactions over the coming months.
Masterclasses — As part of the Gate’s commitment to investing and developing the best of Irish theatre talent, a new series of producing masterclasses will take place online, led by international producer Kate Pakenham.
Gate at Home – a new artistic initiative of bespoke productions streamed live from the Gate Creative Studio re-creating a unique and distinctive live performance experience viewable from your own home. Plans for the first production in early 2021 are well underway and full details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Gate Creative Studio
https://www.gatetheatre.ie/gate-creative-studio/
In response to the times we live in, the Gate auditorium has been transformed to create a socially distanced creative studio space with flexible use for artists, companies and communities. The Gate Creative Studio will inspire artists to work together when guidelines allow, to stream and record, and eventually for audiences to access their work in person.
Commissioned Writers/Companies. Over the past 12 months, the Gate has been working with a range of talented Irish writers and creators under commission to create work for the Gate from 2021 onwards. These include Marina Carr, Julian Crouch, Roddy Doyle, Nancy Harris, Loosysmokes, Louise Lowe, Phillip McMahon, Mikel Murfi and Mark O’Rowe.
Gate Associate Artist. Tom Lane is a Dublin-based composer and sound designer. Previous work at the Gate includes Romeo & Juliet, Look Back in Anger, The Great Gatsby (revival), and Hamlet in Dublin (2018) and New York (2020). He is currently completing an opera commission for Northern Ireland Opera. www.tom-lane.com.
Masterclasses with Kate Pakenham
A workshop series for up to 12 emerging producers will be held in March. The 4-part free online series will be curated and hosted by independent producer, Kate Pakenham, who will bring together experienced international theatre professionals to share practical advice.
Participants will receive insight into funding models, relationships between not-for-profit and commercial sectors, theatre festivals, producing in non-traditional venues, and theatre’s rapidly evolving relationship with online platforms. Early-career theatre professionals (with no more than 3 years experience) from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Further details https://www.gatetheatre.ie/production-masterclass-with-kate-pakenham/
Kate Pakenham is an independent theatre producer and arts consultant, and Executive Director at The WOW Foundation. From 2012-2018 Kate was Executive Producer of the Donmar Warehouse in London. Prior to the Donmar, Kate worked at The Old Vic Theatre for 11 years.
2021 at the Gate
“This has been a time of deep thought and innovation for the Gate”, said Selina Cartmell. “With the support of our incredible team, our supportive board and the government investment of the vital Arts Council emergency stabilization funding, we are gratefully in the position of looking forward to how we can best support artists and find new and innovative ways to reach our audiences in 2021.”
All of these innovations and projects will keep the Gate looking ahead to its centenary year in 2028. As the current custodians, the team keep returning to the founders principle that the Gate is and will remain a beacon for social and cultural change and will be ‘limited only by the limits of our imagination’.
MEDIA INFORMATION
Christine Monk | monk.christine@gmail.com | 087 675 5329