Rough Magic has been an anchor for theatre production and a significant mentor of a new generation of emerging artists. Since 2001, our SEEDS programme has launched many outstanding theatre makers. Our office in South Great Georges Street is a resource-sharing creative hub where theatre-makers can grow their practice and network with other professionals.
In 2020, Irish theatre has been turned on its head by the pandemic. This has nonetheless been a very productive year for the company, beginning with
- the Methuen publication of Rough Magic Theatre Company – New Irish Plays and Adaptations 2010-2018, edited by Patrick Lonergan
- being the first major company in Ireland to rehearse, open and successfully premiere a live performance under Covid-19 restrictions Solar Bones by Mike McCormack, produced in partnership with Kilkenny Arts Festival X at the Watergate Theatre, in August, streamed on RTE.ie in November
- beginning of a new partnership with the Axis in Ballymun to co-produce the world premiere of Glue by Robbie O’Connor
- and our new Artist Development Programme COMPASS.
These achievements and new horizons will enable us not just to survive, but thrive. The company has maintained quality in its work over 4 decades to critical acclaim, peer recognition and audience loyalty.
Awards include
A record 4 Irish Times Best Production Awards
London Time Out Award, and 2 Edinburgh Fringe Firsts
Most recently Irish Times Best Ensemble 2018
All of this is brought to you by the Rough Magic management team: General Manager Gemma Reeves, Bookkeeper Seerish Sanassy, Associate Director Ronan Phelan and Artistic Director Lynne Parker.