Declan Gorman, an acclaimed Irish theatre-maker, is bringing his new autobiographical one-man show, Nineteen Eighty Something, to the An Tain Arts Centre in Dundalk on May 28th. This marks a homecoming for Gorman, who has deep roots in the area through his mother, Joan McArdle from Cunnicar, Hackballscross. Gorman spent much of his childhood and teenage years in Louth, frequently visiting Dundalk with his cousins.
Gorman's latest work is a memoir presented as a stage production, reflecting on a pivotal period in his life. At the age of 21, he emigrated to West Germany in 1981, driven by the lack of opportunities for young people in Ireland. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
In Germany, Gorman found work and stayed for four years before returning to Ireland in 1984. He enrolled at Trinity College Dublin as a mature student but soon dropped out to pursue a theatre production. This decision, he says, "never looked back". Gorman's passion for theatre and community politics, which he discovered during his time in Germany, has remained a constant in his life.
Gorman's career has been marked by collaborations with various theatre groups, including UpState Theatre in Drogheda, alongside Declan Mallon for 13 years. He has also worked with community groups and professional arts colleagues in Dundalk, such as MAD Youth Theatre, Louth Leader Partnership, and fellow solo artist Sharon McArdle, with whom he collaborated on her play about Dorothy Macardle.
In Nineteen Eighty Something, Gorman looks back at his youth with a mix of humour and introspection. The show unfolds with archival footage and newsreels from the '80s, accompanied by a soundtrack of music from that era, including songs by Something Happens, An Emotional Fish, and The Fatima Mansions. The production is a testament to Gorman's physical performance and his ability to weave serious issues, such as mental health, into a very funny performance.
The creative team behind the show includes director Gerard Lee, movement director Fiona Keenan O'Brien, lighting designer Ash Dawes, and design mentor Dylan Connolly. The show is not suitable for under-14s, and it has received positive feedback from audiences, evoking a lot of memories for people.
Gorman's work in Nineteen Eighty Something is a reflection on a formative period in his life, set against a backdrop of unrest, mass emigration, and cultural change. It is a personal journey that resonates with many, offering a unique perspective on a crucial time in Irish history. The show is a must-see for those interested in theatre, history, and the human experience.
