Interest awakens in Spraoi
As the clean-up operation continues after a glittering start to the Capital of Culture 2005, directors of the company confirmed the Awakening production on the River Lee had caught the attention of audiences far beyond the city’s banks.
“We were informally told that some officials from cities yet to host the Capital of Culture were very impressed with the show,” TV Honan said.
He added that international lighting designer Tom Kenny, who worked on the weekend’s production, said there was interest in the group’s work from the US.
“The show was artistically daring, technically outstanding and in terms of emotion we did hit an emotional chord with the people of Cork,” Mr Honan added. “Who’s to know, I’m hopeful the show will open up future doors for Spraoi.
The highlight of the Awakening show was when hurling star Seán Óg Ó hAilpín belted a burning sliotar at a 650-metre high serpent in the River Lee.
“Sean Óg was fantastic, we did a couple of rehearsals and he was under pressure, but we give him 10 out of 10 for marksmanship,” Mr Honan joked.
The Waterford-based company has already started work on a number of other projects to be hosted throughout the country in the coming months.
Talks are under way with organisers of the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, where the group is likely to perform another eye-catching street performance.
This will be matched by a St Patrick’s Day performance in Waterford. The annual Spraoi festival will then take place in Waterford city on the weekend of July 29, 30 and 31, where the emphasis is on showcasing national and international street theatre and music.
The company’s artistic director Dermot Quinn confirmed the popular festival is undergoing a re-evaluation after 10 successful years.
“We feel we are in a position to look at where the festival is going, it’s nice to keep things fresh for ourselves as much as the audience,” Mr Quinn said.
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