Northern Ireland audiences are in for a treat this Fall with a bumper autumnal crop of art, dance, theatre and musical performances to choose from at the MAC.

Actor John Cronin is pictured in the one woman show, performed by a man

Gilly Campbell, Drama & Dance Officer with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, shares her thoughts on the autumn programme.

“Having just opened its doors in April, this is the first ever autumn programme from the MAC and it promises to deliver a veritable feast of innovative theatre and exhibitions. It may be a cliché but there really is something for everyone, from experienced theatre-goers to young families alike. 

In fact, what excites me most about the season ahead is the debut of the internationally acclaimed play I Am My Own Wife.  It’s an unusual and thought provoking play based on the true story of German transvestite Charlotte Von Mahsldorf – the Arts Council has funded it and it’s been co-produced by the local award winning Theatre Company Prime Cut Productions. This play really is a must see, it’s won a host of awards on a global scale, including the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for drama, and starts its run at the MAC in St Anne’s Square on 18th September.” 

Elaborating further on the one-woman show, performed by a man, Gilly continues: “I really hope people realise the significance of this particular show – it’s a chance for theatre goers here to see for themselves a really high quality piece of contemporary theatre. As the principal funder, it’s extremely important to us at the Arts Council to support plays with challenging topics and in doing so, to bring them into mainstream venues such as the MAC for everyone to experience and enjoy.”

Emma Jordan from Prime Cut Productions who is directing I Am My Own Wife adds; “We are fortunate enough to be part of the Associate Artists programme at the MAC and this is our first co-production in the new venue.  Rehearsals are going really well and we’re looking forward to bringing Charlotte’s moving and fascinating story to Belfast.  Internationally this contemporary play has proven extremely successful and I’m sure it will resonate with audiences here too.”

The autumn programme at the MAC offers diversity in abundance with highlights including the Johanna Billing exhibition entitled I’m gonna live anyhow until I die, brand new stage show Huzzies commissioned as part of the 50th Belfast Festival at Queens and , most recently, the hugely successful In the Court of….Duke Special. 

The world premiere of The Incredible Book Eating Boy, a co-production with theatre company Cahoots NI, is another tasty treat being served up at the MAC in time for Christmas (27 November – 4 January).  Local award -winning author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers will also be exhibiting his illustrations to coincide with the theatrical adaptation of his book.