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. Meet……. Theresa Lavin.
Tell us a bit about yourself? Where did you grow up?
I am originally from Co. Meath and I went to school in Merrion School for the Blind from the age of five. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to sit my Intermediate Certificate examination in three subjects. Few blind people in the early 70’s got this opportunity. I went on to work in Trinity College.
Tell us about your interest in performing ?
I started acting as part of the drama group in the League of the Blind. I attended regular performances put on by my local Macra na Feirme drama group.
How did you get involved with Sightless Cinema ?
I retired in 2020 and at that time I was aware that Sightless Cinema was being conducted through Zoom which suited me. I decided to give it a try since there was a shortage of female actors.
Have you been involved in any productions in The Civic before?
I had a part in the Sightless Cinema performance of Ballymuck Exchange which took place in the Civic on Culture Night in 2021.
What can Tallaght audiences expect from this show?
A bit of fun as well as learning about the day-to-day lives of people who are blind.
Tell us a random fact about yourself?
In 1981 I participated in a fortnight’s sailing course organized by Glenans the sail training organization. The previous year, being the International Year for People with Disabilities, I got the opportunity to “come and try” an afternoon’s sailing in Dublin Bay arranged by both the Royal George and the National Yacht Clubs.
What’s next for you?.
Having done three years with Sightless Cinema, I intend moving on to try some other activity. I have discovered from my experience in Sightless Cinema that I really don’t like the limelight.
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.
