Hawk’s Well Theatre will stage a unique piece of theatre, titled The Deepwater Rambler at Sligo Harbour on Sunday the 14th of October. Celebrating the rich heritage of Sligo’s docklands, this new play has been written by actor, writer and director, Bob Kelly; author of previous productions ‘Bless the Mark’ and ‘The Big Wall’ written during his role in recent years as theatre artist in residence.
Taking place in Sligo Dock, the immersive nature of this piece of theatre will bring the audience that bit closer to life in the Port of Sligo, which was once one of the busiest in the country; the quays alive with stories of adventure, emigration, fortune-hunting and shipwreck. The port of Sligo grew from a medieval quay into one of Ireland’s principle emigration ports during the famine years. Today exports are on the rise and it is the only working harbour between Galway and Derry.
The play features three performers; actor and core member of Blue Theatre Raincoat Company, Ciaran McCauley; Martin Maguire (star of Red Rock,TV3 & RTE’s The Clinic) and talented violinist and Waterboys member, Steve Wickham. There will be three show times: 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Audience sizes will be limited for each show, ensuring an intimate and unique experience for all assembled.
The theatre performance will be followed by a history talk and Q&A with current Sligo Harbourmaster, John Carton and invited guests, who will discuss the many aspects of life at Sligo port, past and present. With post-performance teas and coffees served to warm up the assembled audience, an exhibition by County Sligo Heritage and Genealogy Centre will also be available to enjoy on-site. In addition, volunteers from the local boating enthusiasts group, The Metal Mariners will attend the event, adding a further dimension to the docklands experience.
In preparation for this event, the Hawk’s Well Theatre has coordinated an exhibition featuring stories about the industry and people behind the port taken from the Sligo Weekender newspaper archives. Displayed in their foyer space, the exhibition also features a log book where the public have been asked to share their own experience and knowledge of the port. All of this collective experience has come together to inform The Deepwater Rambler and it undoubtedly will make for a unique experience that concentrates our focus on what has been a most important bedrock of Sligo life.
Supported by The Metal Mariners and Malin Waters, this project has been funded by The Heritage Council.
Tickets for this event are €10 (plus €1 Renovation Fee) and are available from the theatre box office
on 071 91 61518 or online at www.hawkswell.com.
