Yeats By Candlelight

After the success of our Yeats Marathon in June, Sligo Drama Circle presents its next contribution to the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the poet William Butler Yeats – Yeats By Candlelight. This lunchtime show will take place in the unique setting of the Methodist Church in Wine Street, right in the heart of Sligo from August 11th to 14th.

The show details the life and loves of W.B. Yeats in a 55 minute presentation with a special focus on the women in his life. The show begins with Yeats’ first meeting with Maud Gonne and proceeds to share stories and anecdotes of his friends and lovers. These stories are given context with reference to the political and cultural life in Ireland at the time, mentioning Home Rule, the Anglo-Irish Literary Revival and, of course, the Easter Rising in 1916.

The show is interspersed with extracts from nineteen different Yeats poems which illustrate the unfolding story. Many pieces of information about W.B. Yeats will be revealed of which many people may be unaware.

Well known historical figures mentioned during the course of the show include Oscar Wilde, Charles Stewart Parnell, Lady Gregory, Countess Markiewicz, Patrick Pearse, John Millington Synge, Seán Mc Bride, James Connolly, Roger Casement and many more.

Directed by Michael Leyden with technical direction by Fintan Whelan, the show is presented by three actors: Damien Quinn, Orla Mc Sharry and Máire Hynes. With live musicians and projections of the characters mentioned in the show, this will be a treat for Yeats lovers and everybody associated with Sligo.

Taking place during the week of the All-Ireland Fleadh in Sligo, Yeats By Candlelight will give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to experience a unique show in a unique setting. The show will start at 12:30pm sharp daily, August 11th-14th, with admission only €5. Booking is not necessary, but seating is limited so early arrival is recommended.