Mac Liammóir: The Man Who Brought Irish Theatre to Life
Mac Liammóir in The Importance of Being Oscar.
Mícheál Mac Liammóir is a name synonymous with theatre in Ireland, having founded the Gate Theatre in 1928 - but what many people don't know is that he was also the first artistic director of An Taibhdhearc, from 1928 until the end of 1930.
He would often visit Galway as frequently as three times a week during this time, as he also worked to found The Gate in Dublin.
An Extraordinary Beginning
As King Goldfish, 1911.
Mac Liammóir was born Alfred Willmore in London in 1899 - he didn't speak a word of Irish at the time! But when he came to Ireland as a young man, he fell in love with the language and the culture. He adopted the Irish name Mícheál Mac Liammóir and completely transformed himself. He was a wonderful example of someone who came into the community and dedicated his entire life to it.
An Taibhdhearc: A Dream Realised
A drawing of the interior done by Raymond Piper in 1949, showing the famous curtains designed by Mac Liammóir, which are still in use today.
The idea of an Irish speaking theatre for Galway was the brainchild of Dr Séamus Ó Beirne, who with the help of Mr Liam Ó Briain of University College Galway, and a local committee, saw the dream become a reality.
With a government grant of six hundred pounds, Mícheál Mac Liammóir was enlisted to breathe theatrical life into An Taibhdhearc. The national Irish language theatre, opened in Galway on the 27th of August, 1928, with Mac Liammóir’s play 'Diarmuid agus Gráinne' as its first production. His partner, Hilton Edwards, planned the lighting.
The part of Diarmuid was played by Mac Liammóir himself, and the opening night included guests such as Earnán de Blaghd, Pádraic Ó Conaire, and Lady Gregory.
Immeasurable Influence
Mac Liammóir with his personal and professional partner, Hilton Edwards.
Through An Taibhdhearc, Mac Liammóir gave opportunities for Irish writers, actors and directors to develop their skills. He started a tradition that is still alive today - of An Taibhdhearc producing classic plays translated into Irish, as well as new Irish works.
Mac Liammóir was not only a founder, but was active in the theatre as an actor, director, designer, and as previously mentioned, even painted the curtains!
He was a teacher to an entire generation of young actors who learned their craft under him.
A Lasting Legacy
Since 1928, the spirit of An Taibhdhearc continues, contributing to the cultural life of the Irish language.
We remember him as someone who firmly believed that the Irish language should be vibrant and alive on the stage.
By aiding in the foundation of An Taibhdhearc, he gave an immeasurable gift to the Irish language community - a place where the language can live and grow for the hundreds of years to come.