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Dublin Theatre Festival
Now in its 51st year, the annual Dublin Theatre Festival is one of Europes premier theatre events and enjoys a wonderful reputation worldwide. The invariably huge attendences at the festival events are drawn not only from the city’s citizens but the many international visitors who attend annually.
The programme for 2008 has not yet been announced, but the information below, from the 2007 festival will give a flavour of what you can expect.
This year's festival opens with a free major outdoor spectacle, "On the case", presneted by Australian physical theatre and abseiling company, Legs on the Wall, before launching into an ambitious programme of 221 performances of 33 shows from 13 countries.
Among the major Irish and international productions in 2007 are Druid Theatre Company’s production of Long Day’s Journey into Night, The National Theatre’s production of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, Ivanov by Anton Chekhov from Budapest’s renowned Katona József Theatre company, and the 28-strong company from Massachusetts Young@Heart, who range in age from 72 to 93.
East of East Village, a late night season of burlesque, drag and cabaret form New York’s alternative village scene, will run at the New Theatre each weekend while an expanded Music Hall programme includes Laurie Anderson with her new show, Homeland, and innovative Japanese sound artist, Ryoji Ikeda.
There are many events for children running during the festival, mostly centered arund The Ark in Temple Bar. A number of conferences and panel discussions are also scheduled, and keynote speakers include Thomas Kilroy and Fintan O’Toole.
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What else to do in Dublin?
For a look at some other activities and attractions that we recommend within reach of this event, including tour itineraries and articles of interest, see our Dublin City Area Guide.
