Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair

Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair (pronounced [ˈəuɾˠklˠən̪ˠ ˌɣiː ˈd̪ˠoːɾʲ]), anglicized as Gweedore Theatre, is a local theatre in the Gaeltacht region of Derrybeg in the parish of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. It seats over 200 patrons, and ever since it was opened by actress Siobhán McKenna, it has staged hundreds of plays in the Irish language.[1]

Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair
Map
General information
TypeTheatre
Architectural styleModern
LocationGweedore, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland
Coordinates55°4′14.747″N 8°17′44.477″W / 55.07076306°N 8.29568806°W / 55.07076306; -8.29568806
Completed1962
Opened1962

Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair was a group of actors founded in Srath na Corcra, Derrybeg in 1932, and they gained critical acclaim and travelled as far as Glasgow to perform. The key people involved in the group were Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhríghde, Áine Nic Giolla Bhríghde, Johnnie Sheáin Ó Gallchóir, Proinsias Ó Maonaigh, Máire Bn. Uí Bhraonáin, Tomás Mac Giolla Bhríghde, Seán Ó Casaide, Néilí Ó Maolagáin, Niall Ó Dufaigh, and Proinsias Ó Duibhir.

Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair's Pantomimes edit

Several well-known local entertainers took to the limelight in productions of Geamaireachtaí Aisteoirí Ghaoth Dobhair. Eithne Ní Bhraonáin from Dore - now globally known as Enya. Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh - now of Altan fame. Máire Ní Bhraonáin - now known as Moya Brennan. Three of the Uí Chasaide clan Na Casaidigh. And the two Brennan brothers Pól and Ciarán of internationally renowned group Clannad. They all took part in the pantos before taking to the world-stage. The pantomimes have included the below productions:

  • 1962 - Turloch Óg na dTuath
  • 1963 - Ball Dearg
  • 1964 - An tSleagh Ghlas
  • 1965 - Fionnán in Arabia
  • 1967 - An Gobán Saor
  • 1968 - An Glas Gaibhlinn
  • 1970 - Mac Rí Uladh
  • 1973 - Iníon Rí Ailigh

References edit