Siobhan McKenna archive officially opened to the public at NUIG celebration

By Paddy Henry

Irish theatre legend Siobhán McKenna was back in the spotlight in her adopted home city for the recent release of her personal archive to the public.

The public launch of the papers marked a day of celebration in NUIG’s O’Donoghue Centre for Theatre and Performance in the university.

A pioneering figure in Irish theatre, Siobhan McKenna was not only an exceptional actress but an Irish language activist and prominent feminist in a time when voices like her own were not heard.

The papers were originally donated to the James Hardiman Library in 2012 by her son Donnacha O’Dea and Siobhán’s former manager Margaret McCurtain.

The collection was initially kept as a private collection within the university but will now be open to the public.

Friends and family of the renowned performer were in attendance along with President Michael D Higgins.

Siobhán’s son Donnacha O’Dea spoke to the Connacht Tribune about his pride in the launch of the papers to the public.

“We’re all exceptionally proud; she had such a close personal connection with Galway. It feels like the completion of a circle,” he said.

Highlights in the archive include material relating to over 77 different productions Siobhán was involved in, including scripts, correspondence, photographs and press cuttings.

Her television and film roles are also featured, along with material relating to her writing and political activism; research notes and copies of a range of talks at festivals, book launches, and other events are also included in the archive.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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