Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe
Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe, meaning "Galway Theatre" is the national Irish language theatre of Ireland. It was founded in 1928.The word taibhdhearc appears as a gloss for the Latin teatrum (theatre) in an old Irish document, derived from roots meaning "dream" and "glance." The modern Irish for a theatre is amharclann.The building itself is actually built on the ruins of the city's original Augustinian friary. The rear wall incorporates a wall from this friary, including some carved stone window frames. With its location on An tSráid Láir (Middle Street) the Taibhdhearc is situated in the heart of the mediaeval city of Galway.Throughout the year the theatre is a much sought after venue for drama and music productions, as well as occasionally screening international films. The busiest period for the arts in the city happens during the two weeks of the annual Galway Arts Festival.In 2004 An Taibhdhearc awarded the Gradam Bhaitéir Uà MhaicÃn prize for scriptwriting to Coinneáil Orainn by Darach Ó ScolaÃ, which was staged by An Taibhdhearc the following year.HiatusAfter suffering extensive smoke damage during a fire in 2007 An Taibhdhearc closed its doors for an extended period of renovation and refurbishment. While the theatre has been closed An Taibhdhearc has continued to produce shows in other venues around Galway city and county. The theatre looks was re-opened in fall 2012, with Irish President Michael D Higgins reopening the theatre at a gala event in September 2012.
