by Saoirse Anton

Later this month, it is World Creativity and Innovation Day, a day to celebrate those qualities in all sectors and walks of life. But in theatre we celebrate and employ those qualities every day. 

I am currently lucky enough to be on several weeks’ writing residency with a circus as Production Poet in Residence. I got in touch with the team here with this idea I have had under my hat for a long time, and a plan to make it happen, and they generously welcomed the idea, giving me the space and time to realise it. 

It is people jumping on board with ideas like this that makes our industry the hive of creation and innovation it is. Watching a circus act build as one person has an idea, then someone else adds to it, then another says ‘ok, but what if we did this upside down?,’ and another chimes in ‘and up in the air?’ is the perfect example of this. 

We don’t just need this generous, enthusiastic energy within the industry though, it’s just as important to have it from our audiences. A willingness to go into a show with an open mind, welcoming new experiences. So to celebrate World Creativity and Innovation Day this April, I ask you to take a punt on something you wouldn’t normally go for, and to come to it with openness, generosity and excitement.

Have a browse through your local venue’s programme, check out what’s happening in unusual spaces around your town, ask around and find out what events are happening that you might not have otherwise heard about, or just read ahead for my April recommendations! 

Music Current 2023

Run by Dublin Sound Lab, Music Current is described as ‘Ireland’s most ambitious and adventurous contemporary music festival.’ So whether you want to learn something new at a workshop or enjoy an evening’s music from Irish or international artists, this festival at Project Arts Centre promises a feast of contemporary music for its audiences. 

Cúirt International Festival of Literature

If words call to you more than music, then Cúirt International Festival of Literature is the place for you. Bringing a whole host of Literary talent to Galway from the 18th to the 23rd April, Cúirt is sure to have something in its programme to appeal to everyone, from the seasoned festival attendee to the total newcomer. Particular highlights for me in the programme include Motherhood and Madness with Alice Kinsella and Jessica Traynor and well I just kind of like it, exploring art and home. 

The New Theatre 

Living up to its name as always, The New Theatre in Temple Bar has an enticing lineup of new plays in its programme for the coming months. Whether you want a tale of obsession, violence and fish & chips with Ultan Pringle’s Piglet, or a dark comedy with How to Bond With your Dad When He’s Bad, delve into their programme and discover something new. 

Circus Factory

This World Circus Day, the Circus Factory Cork is going to come alive with sequins, cabaret performances, glitter and joy. Fundraising for essential equipment for their space, Circus Factory invite audiences to join them for a bop and a boogie, and be amazed by a variety of circus acts. 

Theatre and the arts in general are fuelled by creativity, innovation and generosity, so celebrate World Creativity and Innovation day by taking yourself to the theatre and discovering something new.