The Far Side (fim still) participant and performer Gerry Cullen (Photo: Kilian Waters)
The Far Side was one of three projects entitled The Shared Heritage Programme and highlighted the benefits of collaboration between artists working with those who may be new to arts projects. It was initiated by Upstate Theatre Project to encourage a response to Drogheda Local Voices’ oral history archive. It promoted the arts as a valuable means to re-present communal, personal, social and political histories. The show is an intimate look at an Irish town through the memories of seven local people. Under the guidance of artist Feidlim Cannon, seven performers develop a contemporary, living history exploring the social history of an Irish town through personal recollections of growing up and living there.
The major outcome has been a video performance work. The script was edited from the writings of participants and recorded by Jack Cawley and the video was recorded separately. The resulting work, a combination of live performance and video, is designed to tour.
The Far Side Vivienne from Shoot To Kill on Vimeo.
What people say
'...Feidlim's gentle coaxing of stories from some of us introverted types and Kilian and Jack's friendliness all helped the group. This in turn allowed us to relax and trust these “outsiders”. That trust in them and their abilities also went to trusting them when they asked us to do or try something outside our experience [or comfort zone]'. - James Coogan
'... The quality of time spent, quality of experience, quality of relationships built and quality of understanding of life experiences from the different age groups that occurred was truly enriching. A very worthwhile and exciting experience. - Vivienne Byrne
Contact information
Artform
- Theatre performing arts
- Arts practice
- Arts and the community
Artist(s)
Feidlim Cannon, theatre/performance maker; Kilian Waters, videographer; Jack Cawley, sound designer
Participants
John Crilly, Vivienne Byrne, Elma Finn, Ged Kelly, Gerry Cullen, James Coogan and Rosin Bird. Kilian Murray.
Partners
St Mary’s Parish Centre, The Little Duke Theatre, The Droichead Arts Centre, Barlow House, Drogheda Borough Council, Kangaroo Club, Drogheda Library, Clarke’s Bar and Lmfm Radio
Funders
The Arts Council commissioning award supported the research phase of The Shared Heritage Programme.