An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, was honoured by the visit of President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, to the opening night of its Christmas production, An Fathach Leithleasach (The Selfish Giant ).
The President, a proud Galway native, is lending her support to the work of An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre. This festive season, the company presents an Irish translation of Oscar Wilde’s timeless tale. The visit underscores the President’s dedication to An Taibhdhearc, the Irish language, and supporting local cultural landmarks in her home county.
An adaptation of the short story ‘The Selfish Giant’ by Oscar Wilde, which runs until 1December 19 2025, is directed by Muireann Kelly. Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, audiences young and old will be captivated by a world brimming full of magical creatures, plants and trees, where children, a grumpy giant and a mischievous fairy sing and dance their way through this unworldly garden.
At its core, An Fathach Leithleasach is a story about sharing, and looking after our ever-changing world. As the world shifts from winter to spring, we are reminded that kindness and connection can make even the coldest garden bloom again.
This vibrant new production is directed by award-winning director Muireann Kelly and features an ambitious creative team. With live music by award-winning composer and sound designer Denis Clohessy (Abbey Theatre ), spectacular lighting by designer Sarah Jane Shields (Anu/Brokentalkers ), and a magical set by Saoirse O’Shea and costumes by Cli?odhna Hallissey (Druid ), and a new Irish translation by Bri?di?n Nic Dhonncha. The show features live singing from a hugely talented cast, narrated by Eoin O? Dubhghaill and Orlaithe Ni? Chearra. Inga De Burca, Se?amus Hughes and Molly Mew are joined by a cast of young, talented, local children bringing excitement and magic to every performance.
The inspiration for the set, costume and make-up design for this production came from a period when An Taibhdhearc was founded in 1928 and even earlier. Drawing inspiration from the curtains painted by Mi?chea?l Mac Liammo?ir which still hang either side of the stage, and from Mac Liammo?ir’s own illustrations for children’s books, these became the starting point for the design.
In this production they also pay homage to the Art Deco period and the distinctive style of Aubrey Beardsley, the illustrator known for his collaboration with Oscar Wilde, whose bold line work inspired the look of the poster, the set and the visual details throughout the production.
Muireann Kelly, Artistic Director of An Taibhdhearc, said they were honoured that President Catherine Connolly has chosen to attend our Christmas production of The Selfish Giant.
“The National Irish Language Theatre has been committed to producing an ambitious programme of work in Irish in 2025 with full access available for all who need support with their Irish.
“The Selfish Giant is the final production in a busy year for the new team at an Taibhdhearc, we are proud to have made this piece of theatre for and with young Irish speakers, and are delighted to have the President’s support in this ambition. We were delighted to share this beautiful, heart-warming story with her and all of our audiences this Christmas season.”
Integrated signed (ISL ) performances were available at several shows. There will also be a relaxed performance on the 14th of December 14.
English language access is available through Sibrwd, the language access app developed by Theatr Cymru. Audiences can download the app to their phones to receive closed captioning in English and Irish. The app is designed to make the show easy to follow, no matter what level of Irish you have.
