The Gaiety School of Acting marks the centenary of the Easter Rising.
Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 at 11:17 am | News & Events
The Easter Rising centenary has led to celebrations across the country, many based around the rich culture that is synonymous with Ireland – whether that be in literary projects, visual arts or theatre. Current students and graduates have been involved in exciting productions in the run up to the Rising anniversary last weekend, with many to be still found performing in shows over the coming months.
Inside the GPO
Many of our second year Full-time students and Gaiety School graduates are appearing in Fishamble’s Inside The GPO, a documentary drama, directed by Jim Culleton and taking place in the Main Hall of the GPO. Liz FitzGibbon (class of 2007) and Don Wycherley (1991) star next to current students Louis Deslis, Martha Dunlea, Carolyn Donnelly, Tom Duffy, Desmond Eastwood, Ali Hardiman, Daniel McDermott, Meg O’Brien, and Gavan O’Connor Duffy.
Inside the GPO runs from the 29th March – 9th April and tickets are disappearing rapidly!
Easter Sunday State Celebrations
To mark 100 years since the rising, March 27th saw monumental celebrations across the country, with all the state 
commemorations culminating in a reception at Dublin Castle on Sunday evening. The reception was attended by the President, Michael D. Higgins, the acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny and noted figures from across the political, entertainment and sporting spheres. Thus, our first year students were honoured to provide entertainment throughout the castle on the evening. Dressed in 1916 garb, performing traditional ballads and poetry from and about the era, we were immensely proud of their work on the evening.
The Word Alphabet Easter Rising Tribute
As part of the centenary celebrations a myriad of GSA graduates feature in this short poetic video tribute to the Easter Rising – those featured are Amilia Stewart, Conall Keating, Luke Griffin, Gordon Quigley, Toni O’Rourke, Wesley Dunne, Clare Monnelly and Caoimhe Mulchay. The film is also directed by class of 2013 graduate Amilia Stewart.
The Unsung Hero
Graduate Roseanna Purcell (class of 2012) stars in The Unsung Hero at Theatre Upstairs, a play which depicts the greatest untold love story of 1916; the story of Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, co-founder of the Irish Volunteers and his wife Nannie O’Rahilly. The Unsung Hero runs until Saturday, April 2nd 2016 at Theatre Upstairs.
The 1916 Bus Tour – Anu Productions in association with Dublin Bus
The incredible Anu Productions has teamed up with Dublin Bus for a 1916 bus tour with a difference. More like a journey through time, the bus tour brings the events of the Easter rising to life as participants are brought to key locations in the history of the rebellion. This production stars past student and team member Leanna Cuttle.