An Taibhdhearc launches Taibhsín, a new development programme and announces the successful artists
7 October 2025
An Taibhdhearc, Ireland’s national Irish language theatre, is proud to announce the first artists of Taibhsín, its new artist development programme dedicated to supporting artists and theatre-makers working through Irish.
58 applications were received from across the country, as well as internationally, reflecting the depth of ambition and talent within the Irish-language theatre sector. Following a rigorous selection process, and panel discussions with representatives from the sector, thirteen successful artists have been selected, over double the number of places initially advertised.
The 2025 Taibhsín artists in residence at An Taibhdhearc are:
Ciara Ní É, writer and performance poet
Brídín Nic Dhonncha, playwright
Máiread Folan, playwright and theatre-maker
Eoin Ó Dubhghaill, actor and playwright
Colm Ó Foghlú, director and multidisciplinary artist
The 2025 Taibhsín seed bursary recipients are:
Seán Mac Dhonnagáin, writer and actor
Amano Miura, singer and performance poet
Louisa Ní Éideáin, writer and comedian
Seoirsín Bashford, theatre-maker and actor
Cliodhna Noonan, artist focused on early years work
Ola Majekodunmi, writer and performance poet
Siobhán Ní Dhuinnín, dancer and choreographer
Nóra Ní Anluain Fay, choreographer and director
For more information about the artists, see here.
Each artist will receive tailored support to advance their creative practice, including mentorship, workshops with leading practitioners, dramaturgical guidance, rehearsal space, and opportunities to develop and showcase new Irish-language work.
Ciara Ní É, one of the artists in residence, said:
I greatly appreciate this support to write a brand new play in Irish and I am proud to be associated with An Taibhdhearc. I often work on solo projects and I look forward to being part of the Taibhdhearc community, working with both the in-house staff and the other artists in residence.
Amano Miura, a seed bursary artist, said:
The theatre stage is a sanctum for the spoken word, the energetic spirit and the genuine emotion of the audience and it is great that An Taibhdhearc is giving time and resources to new writers from various disciplines this year.
Artistic Director of An Taibhdhearc, Muireann Kelly, said:
The name Taibhsín comes from the Irish-language experimental theatre space that was a part of An Taibhdhearc located just across the road from the main theatre in the 1970’s. We’ve drawn inspiration from that spirit of creativity and experimentation. The programme will nurture, celebrate, and provide a safe space for the next generation of emerging and established artists and theatre makers to tell their stories.
As the first programme of its kind dedicated to Irish-language theatre-makers, Taibhsín ensures a vibrant future for Irish-language theatre, locally, nationally, and internationally.