Barna company marks 10 years as they tour new children’s show

Date Published: 13-Apr-2011

Branar Téatar, one of Ireland’s foremost children’s theatre companies based in Barna, is celebrating 10 years of creating theatre for what is for them the most important of audiences, children, and touring with their new production Mise, Scéal Cailín.

Company founder and director, Marc Mac Lochlainn said: “We are very excited to present our latest production Mise, Scéal Cailín. The show is a celebration of Branar’s collaboration with local artists Ionian Ní Chróinín, Morgan Cooke, Suse Reisbeisch, Róisín Coyle and Miriam Needham.” It has been designed, built and lit by Marcus Quinlan and directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn.

The company is presenting its world premiere of Mise, Scéal Cailín at Spréacha Children’s Arts festival in Draíocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown, from Wednesday to Friday this week. Draíocht have been long-time supporters of Branar’s work but this is their first co-production with Draíocht who also celebrate their 10th year in existence.

Mise, Scéal Cailín tells the story of a little girl who can’t sleep and a cloud that won’t leave her. With beautiful puppetry, live music and animation it tells the story of the night the girl couldn’t get to sleep and the adventure she had trying.

“During the production of Mise, Scéal Cailín we benefited from the artistic advice and consultation of Espen Dekko, a master puppeteer, from Dekkoart in Norway,” said Marc Mac Lochlainn.

“We began to work on the production in 2010 after receiving a project grant from the Arts Council. With the further support of Foras Na Gaeilge and Draíocht Arts Centre we were able to complete the project.”

Branar are committed to the development of quality theatre for children and regularly work with foreign directors and artists. In the past Branar have worked with Bjarne Sandborg of Teater Refleksion Denmark with An Seanfhear Beag (2009), visitors to Baboró will be familiar with the work of Teatre Refleksion. Branar regularly present productions to schools in Galway city and county, nationwide and to Children’s Arts Festivals.

This Autumn Branar will begin a tour of The Strollers Touring Network, ten Theatre and Arts Centre venues nationwide, including Galway, to celebrate their 10-Year Anniversary.