During her residency with Backstage Theatre (2018-2020) director Maisie Lee began working with writer Fionnuala Gygax on her debut play Lúminaria. They used this time to develop this new work by initially carrying out a series of workshops with a number of primary schools classes over a six week period. Through puppet making workshops and character & plot brainstorming sessions, these workshops involved children in the initial stages of show creation ensuring that the show spoke directly to its target market.
Plans to tour Lúminaria to venues across Ireland were delayed due to Covid but in May/June 2022 Lúminaria embarked on a national tour to nine venues across Ireland.
There is an emergency in the village of Lúminaria and only Lúna can save them.
Join Lúna on an adventure into the sky as she tries to find the light to protect her mother and the villagers from darkness.
With an array of wonderful characters played by three amazing actors, colourful puppets and original music, Lúminaria brings the audience on a whimsical journey into the unknown. As Lúna faces her deepest fears, we learn about courage, love and finding light in the darkest of moments.
Developed with: The Company and Marty Breen, Raymond Keane, Liz Fitzgibbon and Matthew Malone
Age Recommendation: ages 5+
Duration: 50 mins
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During the development phase of Lúminaria, writer Fionnuala Gygax & director Maisie Lee carried out a series of workshops with a number of primary schools classes in Longford & Roscommon over a six week period. Through puppet making workshops and character & plot brainstorming sessions, these workshops involved children in the initial stages of show creation ensuring that the show spoke directly to its core audience
Thanks to St. Michaels Boys School, Longford, St Mel’s NS Ardagh, Co Longford Averyl Dooher,Gaelscoil, Roscommon Town & Kilteevan NS, Roscommon NS, Maria Fleming, Eve D’Alton, Ashleigh Dorrell, Anne Cummins, Aine O’Hara, Enda O’Flaherty, Kristina Kostomarova & Gwen Gibney
Creatives
Writer: Fionnuala Gygax
Director: Maisie Lee
Cast: Fionnuala Gygax, Honi Cooke & Donncha O’Dea
Set & Costume Design: Ellen Kirk
Set & Costume Assistant Designer: Saoirse O’Shea
Lighting Design: Stephen Dodd
Sound Design: Denis Clohesssy
Stage Manager: Jess Fitzsimons Kane
Production Manager: Simon Bird
Chief LX: Suzie Cummins
LX Technician: Archer Bradshaw
Set Builder and Model Maker: Andrew Clancy
Costume and Prop Making Assistant: Fiona Cradock
Set and Costume Assistant: Masha Khaleeva
Activity Pack Design: Kate Heffernan
Poster Design & Socials: Janice Gibney