Sightless Cinema by theatre-maker Ciarán Taylor, adapts theatre devising techniques for the collaborative creation of audio theatre with people with sight loss. They return to The Civic after the success of their Ballymuck Exchange – a telephone comedy in 2021. We had a chat with the cast in advance of the show. First up it’s Michael Lavin.
Tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
I was born on a farm outside the town of Boyle in Co. Roscommon. I always had a vision problem and in 1985 my sight went completely. I was fortunate to have sufficient sight as a teenager so that I could complete my secondary education at the local college in the town.
How did you get involved with Sightless Cinema ?
I received information about a performance of Sightless Cinema by e-mail six years ago and went to it. From then on I was hooked.
Tell us about your interest in performing ?
I always had an interest in listening to radio plays on RTE radio and BBC Radio 4 and we had a drama group in the League of the Blind in the mid-80’s which was great fun.
Have you been involved in any productions in The Civic before?
Yes, on Culture Night 2021 our group put on a recording of Ballymuck Exchange.
What can Tallaght audiences expect from this show?
An evening filled with laughter and fear with performances from very committed blind and vision-impaired people with a zest for life.
Tell us a random fact about yourself?
In 2000 I climbed to the top of Mount Brandon with sighted assistance.
What’s next for you?
I hope to continue expanding my acting skills in Sightless Cinema.
The newly established Sightless Cinema Network is a collaboration between South Dublin, Meath and Laois County Council Arts Offices, and theatre artist Ciarán Taylor, in partnership with Solstice Arts Centre, Dunamaise Arts Centre and The Civic Theatre, with the National Council of the Blind of Ireland.
Blind Panic
Thurs 23 Nov | 7:30pm
Close your eyes, if you dare! Blind Panic is a mixed programme of short thrillers, hauntings and strange scratching in the cupboard. The immersive surround sound audio plays are a feast for the imagination – because all the pictures are in your head. Optional blindfolds are provided to help bring into the world of Sightless Cinema.
