The show explores the medieval origin story of Ireland and its first two inhabitants, Fintan macBóchra and Cessair. It is an experimental folk opera that adapts six stories from medieval Irish literature into a fusion of music, poetry, dance, storytelling, and film.

Strive Theatre and Cork band MacBóchra present the premiere of their bilingual theatrical collaboration, GOLL. An experimental theatre work fusing music, poetry, film, dance, storytelling, and spectacle, GOLL explores the stories and seanchas associated with the salmon of knowledge and Goll Essa Ruadh, the oldest seanchaí and shapeshifter also known as Fintan macBóchra.

Throughout medieval literature, Fintan appears as Ireland’s oldest breitheamh and file…a repository of Ireland’s most ancient traditions and stories. Medieval literature depicts him as the sole survivor of the Biblical flood, living on in different forms as sole witness to the various migrations (Partholónian, Nemedian, Fir Bolg, Tuatha Dé Danann, Gael) to Ireland throughout the millennia. Join us as we adapt six medieval narratives associated with Fintan Mac Bóchra into six episodes of contemporary theatre.

“This experimental theatre experience combines music, dance, poetry and film to delight and surprise at every turn.” – Mikayli Dennehy, The Passage Between.

“MacBóchra and Strive embodied the many aspects of the mythical character Fintan. The more I think back on the play, the more vivid and brilliant it becomes – a fantastic performance of dreams and imagination.” – Phillip Spillane, Poet (Audience Member)

Supported by The Arts Council & Cork County Council Arts Office.

Who is it for?

18+
Teens

What’s the Vibe?

Expect ancient Irish mythology with a very modern, experimental twist

Why We Would go to this Event

• Theatre and music combined

• Crosses multiple art forms, including music, poetry, film, dance, storytelling, and spectacle

• It’s a bilingual production

• Explores Irish Mythology

Price

€20

When & Where?

Date & Time:

October 2nd to 4th

Fri. 8 pm
Sat. 4 pm & 8 pm
Sun. 4 pm & 8 pm

Location:
Cork Arts Theatre,
Carroll’s Quay,
Cork City,
T23 X72

Accessibility

• Is wheelchair accessible

  • “The venue is wheelchair accessible with an accessible bathroom. Parking is available directly opposite the venue in the Carroll’s Quay Car Park. If any members of your group have mobility issues or require assistance, please inform the Theatre in advance of your arrival to reserve suitable seating.”

• See accessibility at the Cork Arts Theatre for further information. Document compiled by Cork Midsummer Festival. We would advise contacting the theatre directly to confirm.

Photo Credits:
Of -
By: Joanne Hackett