Celebrations at Over the Rainbow

14 June 2023

COMMUNITY-based drama group Dramability is the new Theatre in Residence at the Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick.

Founded over three decades ago, the group is celebrating a new partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Council to perform on the Arts Centre stage — which has hosted some big names over the years — for the next 12 months.

Run entirely by volunteers, the main aim of the group is the inclusion of people with disabilities in their local community and it strives to ensure that at any one time, more than half of the membership is made up of people with a disability which impacts significantly on their lives.

While the primary activity of Dramability is the staging of annual summer shows and pantomimes, it has also produced two silent movies.

In addition, the group has also linked with the Co Down Rural Community Network to provide short drama and quiz sessions for several senior citizen groups and visited local primary schools to work with children on drama and disability awareness issues.

Currently, the group is busy rehearsing for its latest production of ‘Over the Rainbow’ at Down Arts Centre later this month.

Dramability was approved for the position of Theatre in Residence at a recent meeting of the local authority, during which ceramic designer, Áine McKenna, was also reappointed for a second year as Artist in Residence at Downpatrick venue.

Last September, the local authority agreed to develop an Artist in Residence Programme in Down Arts Centre.

A similar scheme had run in the legacy Down Council and its revival for Newry, Mourne and Down Council links in with the organisation’s five-year arts, culture and heritage strategy up until 2027.

Dramability chairwoman, Bette Liddell, explained the group has a well-established relationship with Down Arts Centre, built during its 32 years delivering drama programmes to mixed-ability groups. “We have benefitted from the accessible spaces for rehearsal and performances and their incredibly helpful, creative and collaborative staff,” Bette continued.

“This new chapter will bring increased opportunities for us, allowing us to develop our arts based programmes and widen our reach within the community. We have great plans including a sing-along family summer show this month and a Christmas pantomime.

“We are also introducing a new venture. This summer we will be launching our pop-up musical theatre themed café — Stages Café — where you will not only be served coffee and buns but also enjoy performances from our singing waiters.”

Council chairwoman, Valerie Harte, said the organisation is delighted to support Dramability with the position of Theatre in Residence in Down Arts Centre.

“This is a community group renowned for making drama accessible to all, especially to those with disabilities,” he explained.

“I also congratulate Aine on her reappointment as Artist in Residence. It is fantastic to see Down Arts Centre full of activity from a wide range of artists.”

The chairwoman said the council is committed to providing access to arts opportunities, which can dramatically improve health and well-being, counter inequalities and increase social engagement.”

With one show already sold out, Dramability is hosting a special preview performance of Over the Rainbow this Saturday, June 17 at 2.30pm, with a drinks reception to celebrate its new residency. Tickets are £5.

For booking details and information on limited opening days, Dramability can be contacted via: https://www.facebook.com/Dramability with further information available by contacting the Arts Centre on 0330 137 4014.

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