The Lyric Theatre50: Culture, Conflict, and the City

Join us for a pre-theatre discussion with Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey at 6pm on Friday 26th October on the Lyric’s Main Stage, as part of a series of free talks, lectures, roundtable discussions, masterclasses.

Recipients of the Royal Gold Medal in 2015, the world’s most prestigious award in architecture, John and Sheila are the “the godfathers of contemporary Irish architecture” and the artists responsible for creating the extraordinary new Lyric Theatre.

In his secular prayer for the new theatre, Brian Friel said: “A new theatre can be the most exciting building in any city. It can be the home of miracles and epiphanies and revelations and renovations. And building a new theatre – especially in times like these – is both an act of fortitude and a gesture of faith in your community”

John and Sheila will discuss how the vision that inspired their creation of this strikingly beautiful, yet functional theatre which already has become an iconic landmark in the city.

When the Lyric Theatre moved to its new home on Ridgeway Street in October 1968, it opened its doors to a city on the cusp of a conflict that was to last for decades. The 50^th anniversary of the Lyric on Ridgeway Street offers an opportunity to re-examine the contemporary history and legacies of an era synonymous with civic activism and political protest.

This free two-day symposium – organised in conjunction with QUB’s Drama Department, NUI Galway and the Irish Theatrical Diaspora – will contextualize and reflect on the critical role played by the Lyric Theatre over the past 50 years across the civic and cultural life of Belfast.

This symposium is kindly supported by the British Academy. Download the programme of events here.

This is a free event but booking is required.

Book your space at the series of talks on Friday 26th Oct here.

Venue: Main Stage – Lyric Theatre 55 Ridgeway St. Belfast, BT9 5FB

Date: 26.10.2018

Time: 18:00-19:00

Category:
• Lectures