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D
ear Nick,The regular OC E-Mail has done the trick and badgered my conscience into tapping out a missive........ at least it's quicker than the previous necessity of printing out a letter and using snail mail .... so...
just to let any OC's who may from time to time find themselves in the emerald isle, and, in particular the beautiful North West corner, that I am now Chief Executive of the Derry Theatre Trust .... which means that I run the theatre complex that is currently being built in Londonderry/Derry and is due to open next summer.
This will be the largest, purpose built, theatre in Ireland and has some unique properties such as a moveable ceiling that converts the main auditorium from a 367 seater to a 715 seater to a 1,100 seater ... depending on the demands of the production or event. With conference facilities and a 'stalls' floor that can be cleared of seating and 'lifts' to level with the stage, thus forming a large exhibition area or ballroom, the space is very flexible.
Front of House we have a large open (under glass) piazza style environment with shops, bars and restaurants which can be used for a variety of informal performance events: music, street theatre, dance, poetry reading, exhibitions etc.
Open for fifteen hours a day, it will be a truly 'living arts' space and one we hope will contribute to the regeneration of the city both in spirit and economically. Reconciliation is a huge area to be addressed and we need to attract from both communities and create a real 'meeting' opportunity in which to find mutual entertainment and delight.
All a considerable challenge..... but please do visit if you're near .... more theatres should be built like this!
Michael Poynor (56-61)