The second half of our programme, designed to celebrate 25 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Ireland, sees plays covering a range of topical issues; from historical LGBT figures, visibility, the Trump era, bisexuality, surrogacy and alcoholism are packed into Week Two of a most innovative programme of theatre that makes Dublin the leading international centre in the world.
‘Tab and Landon’ from Canada is a dark and adults-only insight into scandalous family relationships arriving from Theatre Outré, Canada.
‘Women’s Shorts’ features a trio of powerful and funny pieces about LGBT women. The hilarious ‘Butt Trumpet’ (USA) reveals some unusual ‘talents’ of Trump’s former spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway. ‘Cherry Pickings’ (UK) follows queer women on a night out and ‘Unseasonable’ (USA) explores the aftermath for two women of a mysterious incident.
“Memories We Lost in the Fire” (UK) and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (Ireland) both explore young gay/bi men on a journey to understand their sexuality.
Renowned lesbian playwright, Carolyn Gage’s insight into Marty Mann, founder of the National Council on Alcoholism premieres from the USA in “Easter Sunday” (running in a double-bill with lesbian relationship comedy “The Christmas Drill”)
Irelands Blue Heart Theatre Company premieres ‘Passing On’ a story of surrogacy, family and choices as a gay couple’s plans to have a child are thrown off-course by a shocking revelation.
This week also presents an opportunity to see “2 HIStories” a duet of short stories from festival founder and artistic director Brian Merriman, exploring Irish life in the 1980s and UCD founder Cardinal Newman’s lifelong friendship with Fr Ambrose St John.