by Saoirse Anton

Much as I adore going to the theatre, I sometimes find it difficult at this time of year to drag myself out of the summer sunshine and in to a dark auditorium to sit still and watch a show. I want to be out and about soaking up the sun, making the most of the long evenings with active, outdoor activities. Luckily, I can do both.

Since the first traveling theatre troupes pitched up in town squares, and since the first parades and fireside spectacles marked special occasions, theatre has not been confined to dark indoor spaces and audiences have not been confined to the role of passive consumer. As the sun shines lazily over long summer evenings, we can enjoy getting involved with artistic events, both indoors and outdoors!

Read on to hear about some of the options out there for you to choose from...

Garden of Shadows

14-24th September, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin

A profound sensory journey through The Botanic Gardens, this light and sound installation from Jony Easterby draws nature and art together, creating an enchanting experience for Dublin Fringe Festival audiences. Garden of Shadows promises to be a memorable outdoor arts installation to close the summer with.

Mindful Movement - Ecstatic Dance

Sunday mornings, D-Light Studios, Dublin

Though not an outdoor event, Mindful Movement - Ecstatic Dance promises to be a joyful, freeing series of workshops, running every Sunday morning at D-Light Studios. Bring a smile, join in and enjoy the release of dancing with other people to start your day!

Listening Party

16th September, Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick

Enjoy a unique event that is part audiobook listening party, part interactive workshop as part of the Polish Arts Festival. Enjoy hearing stories, discussing the characters and devising movement responses to them as part of Listening Party.

Garden as Gallery, Gallery as Garden

2nd - 31st July, Gorse Hill, Bray Head & Mermaid Arts Centre

An exhibition by visual artist, Joan Davis, in Mermaid Arts Centre presented in conjunction with a selection of live dance performances on Gorse Hill, Garden as Gallery, Gallery as Garden celebrates all that is artful, natural, spontaneous, healing and heartful. Encouraging the audience to expect the unexpected, this multidisciplinary work is sure to be a delight.

Dragon

21st & 22nd July, Eyre Square

It is a giant illuminated mechanical dragon roaming the streets of Galway, need I say more?

Don’t miss Planète Vapeur‘s incredible specatacle, Dragon, as part of Galway International Arts Festival.

This summer, delve into alternative venues, and get involved with performances and workshops across the country!