Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have had no direct engagement with Theatre 57 but I understand it is a collection of theatre artists, which has increased in number from the original 57. It was formed in May 2018 and officially launched in January 2019. I also understand the artists have come together to provide support and resources needed by the arts community in the capital of culture. I also understand, from reports, that the group sees Galway 2020 as an opportunity to build an infrastructure for the arts that will continue in the future. The group was established to address the challenges and benefits of making work as independent artists in Galway and have commented that theatre in Galway is made against the odds and that the city lacks effective resources for independent artists. It appears that this group is focused on supporting independent artists and it is hoped that it will work positively with Galway 2020.

Galway is the home of two of Ireland's most prominent and internationally renowned theatre companies in Druid Theatre Company and An Taibhdhearc. The latter is supported by my Department and operates from its theatre in Middle Street in Galway, a facility with 148 seats, projection facilities, stage blacks, a cyclorama, a lighting rig and a full sound and PA system. It has acoustics which are suitable for live music and cinematic presentations. I understand tonight sees the start of a short run of "The Father" by Florian Zeller as translated by Christopher Hampton.

Druid operates from the Mick Lally Theatre and is supported by the Arts Council. I congratulate Druid on its recent successes at The Irish Timestheatre awards where its theatre festival production of "Richard III" at the Abbey Theatre won a number of awards, including best production. Druid is currently touring nationally with a production of Sonya Kelly's "Furniture". There is much good theatre work happening in Galway which I am sure the Deputy is aware of, as she is from the area.

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