20 first class theatrical productions from the USA, UK, Canada, Israel, South Africa and Ireland will showcase in twelve city centre venues in the third International Dublin Gay Theatre festival from May 1st to 14th next. Launched in the Mansion House in the presence of Lord Mayor Ald. Catherine Byrne and their Excellencies the South African and Israeli Ambassadors, the festival is unique in Europe, and possibly the world, and yet attracted no funding from national Arts agencies. Support was given by the British Council, Failte Ireland and Dublin City Council as well as an impressive range of internationally based arts organisations.

“The Festival is inclusive, accessible and great value. Men, women, regardless of their sexual orientation are taking part. Young people are. Older people are. The audience is local, national and international. Difference enriches us. With this third festival we seek to build bridges between Irish and international theatre practitioners and locally between gay people and mainstream audiences. Our ‘catchcry’ has been don’t just attend because it is gay theatre - attend because it is good theatre” said Artistic Director Brian Merriman.

“Our task today, in this artistic visibility endeavour is not only to honour Wilde, Hilton Edwards, Michael Mac Liammoir and others, but to create a channel where new artistic endeavour can thrive, inspire and enlighten” he added.

“I am very pleased to announce today details of the biggest international gay related theatrical event ever to be held in the world. The festival is certainly unique in Europe and this year 19 of the 20 plays presented will never have been seen before in Ireland. This is a radical, exciting, entertaining and innovative programme of theatre that places Dublin firmly at the centre of international gay theatre” continued Mr Merriman.

“Twenty two productions or events by companies from three continents, from the USA, UK, Canada, Israel and South Africa who will join Irish companies in presenting the most extensive programme of gay related theatre ever staged. Our criteria for participation are sufficiently and deliberately broad to include and encourage mainstream audiences” he said.

“We look at works by gay authors, that have a gay character, theme or relevance. We present issues of gender identity, masculinity and feminism to name a few. Topics covered range from gay parenting, gay priests in the Catholic Church, sexuality and the media, on the margins of society like homelessness, mental illness, prostitution and transgenderism and the criminal justice system on sentencing impacts on gay related hate crime” he continued.

“We also have a sense of fun with a Eurovision feast of camp and the first ever live gay soap opera. Prestigious theatres like the Project, Smock Alley, Andrew’s Lane, The Teacher’s Club and Liberty Hall mix with innovative venues like Filmbase, The George, the Front Lounge, Yello, Temple Bar Music Centre and the Cobalt Café to bring a wealth of drama, music and comedy to Irish and International audiences. We have low priced tickets from 8 to 15 euros, professional productions, free theatre, and an impressive gathering of international academics including Professor Alan Sinfield, in Oscar’s Alma Mater, Trinity College, curated by Dr Eibhear Walshe, to explore ‘what is gay theatre’” he added.

“This Festival is for anyone who wants to see, or be part of a modern, pluralist and accessible event. We endeavour not only add to the already rich cultural arts landscape in Ireland, but hopefully we will entertain and help more people realise that difference enriches and fulfils a democratic society. A truly functioning democracy is one where all citizens realise their human right and responsibility to participate openly, freely and generously” concluded Brian Merriman.

Read the full launch speech here.