An Taibhdhearc and Moonfish Theatre Announce Open Workshop for Irish Language Theatre Practitioners

An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, is delighted to be working with Galway-based Moonfish Theatre as its company in residence. As part of this residency, Moonfish Theatre will offer an open workshop for theatre practitioners who currently work, or are interested in working, through the Irish language. 

The workshop will take place in Galway city on November 14th 2026 and will introduce participants to Moonfish’s collaborative devising practice, exploring how language, storytelling, movement, music and other theatrical forms can come together in the creation of original performance. Participants will be encouraged to experiment, collaborate and consider how the Irish language can become an active and creative element of the theatrical process, rather than simply a question of translation. 

An Taibhdhearc, based in the heart of Galway city, is Ireland’s National Irish Language Theatre. Established in 1928, it creates, presents and supports performing arts through the medium of Irish, working with artists, audiences and the wider Irish-language community in Ireland and internationally. The theatre also has a strong focus on supporting the development of artists and theatre-makers working through Irish. 

Founded in 2006 by Ionia and Máiréad Ní Chróinín, Moonfish Theatre is a Galway-based collaborative ensemble creating theatre in both Irish and English. The company’s work combines language, storytelling, music and movement with theatrical forms including puppetry and interactive technology. Moonfish is committed to pushing the boundaries of theatre, including exploring new approaches to language and translation, audience participation and interdisciplinary performance. 

As part of Moonfish Theatre’s residency with An Taibhdhearc, the two organisations are working together to cultivate new approaches to theatre-making through Irish and create opportunities for artists to develop their practice. As part of that collaboration, they will be bringing practitioners together to experiment, share ideas and explore the creative possibilities of theatre-making as Gaeilge. 

Muireann Kelly, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of An Taibhdhearc, said:

“As the National Irish Language Theatre, we want to develop artists and provide opportunities for people to be able to work through the medium of Irish in the arts. Working with Moonfish Theatre, our company in residence, we hope to foster a creative environment where artists can experiment, collaborate and explore new approaches to theatre-making through Irish.”

Ionia Ní Chróinín, Co-Director of Moonfish Theatre said: 

“We are delighted that Moonfish Theatre is the company in residence at An Taibhdhearc this year and this workshop is an exciting opportunity for us and for An Taibhdhearc to meet and work with theatre practitioners who are drawn to creating work through Irish.” 

An Taibhdhearc and Moonfish are especially keen to open this workshop up to people from diverse backgrounds with an interest in the language.

Ionia Ní Chróinín of Moonfish said: “Theatre creates a space where people from different backgrounds and cultures can come together to celebrate and explore both our differences and our shared experiences. Connecting through Irish offers another opportunity to build relationships through a shared love and passion for the language.”

The paid workshop is aimed at theatre practitioners working through Irish, as well as artists and makers who are interested in developing their practice through the language. A basic level of Irish is necessary to take part. Those wishing to apply to participate can do so here.

Workshop details 

● What: An Taibhdhearc and Moonfish Theatre - Open Workshop 

● Who: Theatre practitioners working, or interested in working, through Irish 

● Date: November 14th 2026 

● Venue: Galway

● Cost: This is a paid workshop. Each participant will receive a fee of €150 for the day. 

● Places are limited. Apply here to take part in the workshop.

● Closing date for registration: October 26th 2026 

● For any questions, please contact Gill at moonfishtheatre@gmail.com