UWF theatre and art students to return to Ireland
This summer, the emerald coast will meet the emerald isle as twelve theatre students and four art students from the University of West Florida travel to Ireland to participate in the Carlow Arts Festival and collaborate with Carlow Little Theatre as part of the University’s program, “The Irish Experience,” from May 21 through June 11. This is the second student trip in The Irish Experience program.
On May 31, the students will present a production of David Ives’ ‘All In The Timing,’ in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre in Carlow, Ireland, directed by UWF professor Sam Osheroff. Students will also participate in the Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas.
During the trip, the students will also engage in various workshops. One featured workshop will provide the opportunity for the theatre students to work with Maisie Lee, assistant director of the Abbey, and Sophie Motley, director of the Rough Magic Theatre. In other workshops, students will work with Donncha O’Briain, associate producer of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Bryan Burroughs of The Lir, and David King, artist. Art students will also enjoy numerous inspirational environments in which to create, in addition to experiencing great works at the National Gallery of Ireland and other venues.
“How many actors get to meet with a playwright, get into their brain, get into the community and conduct character research?” said theatre major Kerry Sandell. “It’s a once in a lifetime, profound opportunity.”
Upon their return, the students will present a performance of Brian Friel’s ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ at the UWF Center for Fine & Performing Arts onFriday, Sept. 11. They will meet Friel during their time in Ireland, in addition to undertaking extensive primary research.
Howard Reddy, a professor in the UWF Theatre and Music Departments and an Irish native, serves as the program coordinator. He has provided numerous connections for the group while aligning the department with the Carlow Arts Festival and Carlow Little Theatre. Last year, Reddy along with chair of the UWF Department of Theatre, Charles Houghton, led a group of nine theatre students on the inaugural trip. Accompanying Reddy and Houghton on the trip for the first time is John Markowitz, chair of the UWF Department of Art.
“Our friends in Ireland look forward to welcoming us again,” Reddy said. “UWF has led the way in designing a unique and innovative meeting of the Emerald Coast and the Emerald Isle. It is a fantastic initiative.”
The Irish Experience is an international student program open to students in the UWF Department of Theatre and the UWF Department of Art. The program highlights a collaborative partnership with the Carlow Arts Festival in Carlow, Ireland.
For additional information on the UWF Department of Theatre, visit uwf.edu/theatre and to learn more about the Carlow Arts Festival, visitwww.carlowartsfestival.com.
