Dublin Theatre Festival - On Now!

Lights, camera… curtain! The Dublin Theatre Festival is back from September 25th to October 12th for another season of gripping performances and unforgettable stage moments.

As one of Europe’s longest-running theatre festivals, this years edition promises to be a strong blend of local and international talent, with a mix of contemporary and classical theatre to suit all tastes.

Here’s a look at some of the top shows you won’t want to miss!

1. Hamlet by CHELA DE FERRARI

A group of actors with Down syndrome take to the stage to share their desires and frustrations through a new version of Hamlet. The play weaves together Shakespeare’s text and the actors’ lived experiences, taking as its starting point his timeless question about existence: To be or not to be? Tickets range from €27 to €35.

2. Her Father's Voice by SHANE O’REILLY

“I never want her to think she’s not good enough.”

Three generations under one roof. A young girl faces cochlear implant surgery as her parents wrestle with the weight of their choices. The unexpected arrival of a Deaf mother and daughter unearths buried truths that echo across generations.

Shane O’Reilly fuses theatre, opera and film in a bold and ambitious new work. Tickets are priced between €23 and €38. On between 2-5th of October.

3. What are you Afraid of? by PETER HANLY

You may remember the actor Peter Hanly from such projects as BBC’s smash hit TV show Ballykissangel or Mel Gibson’s multi-Oscar winning Braveheart. And how about all the times he appeared on stage with Rough Magic, the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre and many others? Yes, that’s him. So… where did he disappear to? And why?

During the dress rehearsal for Molly Sweeney in 2011, Peter suddenly experienced extreme stage fright. Nobody watching would’ve noticed at the time but, within a year, Peter would give up acting. Until now.

In this world premiere from Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival, Peter ends up on stage once more, searching through past and present to find out what happened. And to ask the broader question of himself, and of you… what are you afraid of? Tickets are available for €23 to €33. On between September 25th-October 4th.

4. The Maker by DAN COLLEY

Drexel, an idealist inventor and his quietly brilliant servant, Pipe, are trying to invent something extraordinary, from absolutely nothing.

The Maker invites audiences into a world full of visual surprises, physical comedy, and strange magical experiments that teeter between brilliance and disaster. Tickets are available for €5to €7. On between 1st -4th October.

5. Be Careful by MALLIKA TANEJA

Be Careful is a satirical piece that challenges this notion of safety. Rooted in a widespread anger about the everyday violence against women, the performance confronts the unfortunate conflation between the manner in which women dress and the atrocities committed against them. Tickets are on sale for €25. On between the 7th-11th of October.

Additional Information & Tickets

• Single Performance Tickets: Prices vary depending on the show, ranging from around €15 for smaller productions to €60 for bigger shows and international performances.

• Concessions: Students, seniors, and unwaged attendees can often avail of discounted tickets, so check the website for special pricing.

For the full programme and ticket bookings, visit the official Dublin Theatre Festival site here and get ready for a dramatic adventure this autumn!