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A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings – National Tour

Riverbank Arts Centre is thrilled to be co-producers of  the National Tour tour of A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, Gabriel García Márquez’s darkly comic tale, brought to the stage for children and adults to share.  Originally developed by the company as part of a residency at Riverbank in 2019, this award-winning production had sell out runs at Riverbank, Project Arts Centre and The Abbey Theatre.  The opening tour performances will be at Riverbank Arts Centre (17 & 18 September) followed by a tour to 12 venues (full listings below).

‘’It’s been a long time since there’s been a show that can tour to multiple arts centres and festivals around the country and we’re delighted that ‘A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings’ can be among the first. It’s so important that touring returns so that we can have national conversations through theatre and that lots of different audiences can experience it in their own communities and contexts. 

In a time when what’s “normal” now is up for grabs, there’s hardly been a better time to engage with magic-realist stories like Gabriel García Márquez’s. They show that reality is not fixed but a matter of perception. 

We’re grateful to our presenting partners around the country and the Arts Council for sticking with this show and backing it even after a difficult time for the arts. I hope it demonstrates the great need we have for live in-person performances.’– Director Dan Colley

ABOUT THE SHOW:
In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable — a very old man with enormous wings. The wise neighbour woman tells us he’s an angel. The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him, hoping to be healed by him, hoping for a gawp. They leave with something different than what they expected.

Adapted from Gabriel García Márquez’s Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes, Dan Colley and Riverbank Arts Centre bring this classic piece of magical realism to the stage in search of its beautiful, strange, emotional richness.
WINNER – Best Design at Dublin Fringe Festival 2019
For children 8+ and adults of all ages.
#AVeryOldManWithEnormousWings

Developed as part of Theatre Artist in Residency at Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare and Co-Produced by Collapsing Horse Theatre. This tour is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and co-produced and co-presented by Riverbank Arts Centre with Dan Colley and Matt Smyth and supported by field:arts.

Reviews:
★★★★★ ‘There’s a touch of Monty Python’s Life of Brian about it all … an absolute delight’ Irish Mail on Sunday
★★★★★ ‘fifty minutes of near theatrical perfection’ The Arts Review
★★★★ ‘a model of ingenuity’ The Irish Times
★★★★‘There is as much for adults to enjoy about Collapsing Horse’s family-friendly fable as there is for children’ Sunday Business Post
★★★★ ‘Watch the sublime production take flight, only after showing what really matters.’ Musings In Intermissions

Cast: Genevieve Hulme-Beaman & Manus Halligan
Based on the short story by: Gabriel García Márquez
Adapted for the stage by: Dan Colley, Manus Halligan and Genevieve Hulme-Beaman
Directed by: Dan Colley
Set and Props Design by: Andrew Clancy
Lighting Design by: Sarah Jane Shiels
Composition and Sound Design by: Alma Kelliher
Chief LX: Suzie Cummins
Production Photography: Ste Murray
Stage Manager: Evie McGuinness
Production Manager: Eoin Kilkenny
Company Producer for field:arts: Emma Coen
Producers for tour: Matthew Smyth
Producer for Riverbank Arts Centre: Alex Rosiak

DOWNLOAD SHOW PROGRAMME>>

FULL TOUR DATES 2021:
17 & 18 SeptRiverbank Arts Centre
27 & 28 SeptThe Everyman, Cork
5 Oct – An Grianan, Letterkenny
8 Oct Belltable, Limerick
13-17 OctBabaro, Galway
19 & 20 Oct – Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar
23 Oct – Backstage, Longford
27 & 28 OctMermaid Arts Centre, Bray
2 & 3 NovDunamaise Arts Centre
5 & 6 NovDraiocht, Blanchardstown
10 & 11 NovTownhall Theatre, Cavan
30 NovVisual, Carlow
2 & 3 DecWatergate Theatre, Kilkenny