THIS PAGE IS INTENDED FOR PRESENTING VENUES, FESTIVALS & CONFERENCE MANAGERS
From November 2023, I will be touring my most recent solo show based on James Joyce’s writings. “Falling Through the Universe” (80 mins) which was premiered during 2022.
For certain special festivals and events, I am offering that new show alongside my earlier work “The Dubliners Dilemma”, (50 mins). The earlier show has previously toured widely in Ireland and internationally.
FALLING THROUGH THE UNIVERSE
a telling of “The Dead”
On January 6th 1982, a young Irish emigrant borrows an English language book from a library in Munich. He reads “Dubliners” over one evening, culminating with “The Dead”. The course of his life is changed…. Forty years later, he walks onto a stage to recreate the night he discovered James Joyce’s miniature masterpiece, and perform one of the greatest short stories ever written in the English language.
PRESS COMMENTS:
“The Dead is brought elegantly to life... Declan Gorman’s charming autobiographical play dramatises clearly how Joyce’s writing has embedded itself deeply in Irish culture. Gorman’s subtle performance reminds us clearly what a masterwork this story is.”
Irish Independent
“Just a chair, a coat stand and a copy of Dubliners... Joyce’s story allows Gorman to demonstrate his theatrical impulses, as well as his theatrical influences… keeps us engaged for 80 minutes.”
Irish Times
FESTIVALS INTERESTED IN A PACKAGE OF BOTH PLAYS READ ON. OTHERWISE, SKIP AHEAD TO Technical Matters.
DUBLINERS DOUBLE
Available to special festivals, conferences etc., the “Double” comprises “Falling Through the Universe” (above) together in a package with “The Dubliners Dilemma” (see just below). The programme can be presented over one evening. (Playing time 2 hrs 10 mins + 20 min interval). More commonly, the shows will be presented as an “either or both” repertory offering, as lunchtimes, 6 o’clock and evening showings over one or several days. The shows can also bookend a festival, conference etc. as opening and closing entertainment.
In The Dubliners Dilemma, set in 1914, Gorman presents Grant Richards, a London publisher who previously rejected “Dubliners” but is now reconsidering the book. What should he do now? The streets and characters of Joyce’s Dublin come magically to life in all their sordid and comic glory in this solo performance, described as “compelling” (Irish Theatre Magazine); “ingenious” (Mail on Sunday) “truly mesmerising” (Metro Herald) and “effortlessly entertaining” (The Arts Review).
This show has toured widely within Ireland and has travelled to Oslo, Moscow, Dallas, San Francisco, Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai where it was presented at the National Centre for the Performing Arts as part of the Tata Literature Live Festival in 2017.
technical matters
Both shows have lightweight portable sets, easy to mount, disassemble and interchange. Both are designed for – and usually presented in – modern theatres with full lighting and sound capacity BUT they can equally be given “unplugged” performances with minimal lighting and basic sound systems (eg in a library, cafe venue, festival tent, academic classroom etc)
costs
Costs depend naturally on the package, place and context. “Falling Through the Universe” on tour within Ireland is always on the basis of a guaranteed fee (standard average medium-scale touring rates). Festival showings and packages can be negotiated. The artist is always happy to work with presenters wishing to apply for specific funding – in particular for overseas events where travel costs can be a barrier.
mediation and engagement
The artist is a skilled theatre facilitator, director, educator and speaker, and is always happy to engage with students and audiences as befits a particular setting or event. Normally on a standard “one-night-stand” tour there will not be a workshop or talks programme. At a festival or conference, or in a longer residency, such engagement is more likely.
contact
All queries to declangorman@yahoo.co.uk
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Both shows are directed by Gerard Lee
Lighting designs by Conleth White & Alice Bellamy
The artist acknowledges the support of The James Joyce Centre; Dublin Bloomsday Festival & Fingal County Council.
Declan Gorman 