Erris to host unique theatre experience
Tír an Traonaigh or 'Land of the Corncrakes' is a major new Irish-language site-specific production from An Taibhdhearc and The Performance Corporation.
This August, audiences are invited aboard a bus for an unforgettable theatrical journey through the spectacular landscape of North Mayo, where family, biodiversity and the future of the Irish language collide.
or 'Land of the Corncrakes' is a major new Irish-language site-specific production from An Taibhdhearc and The Performance Corporation, inspired by one of nature's most extraordinary migrations. Funny, playful and visually ambitious, has all the hallmarks of The Performance Corporation's groundbreaking site-specific work, blending theatre, music, movement and extraordinary landscapes into a theatrical experience unlike any other.
Commissioned by An Taibhdhearc, The Irish National Language Theatre, is written by Tom Swift and directed by Jo Mangan and runs from August 19 to 23rd next. This unique production unfolds across multiple locations in and around Belmullet, with audiences travelling together through the landscape as the story is revealed.
Performed entirely through Irish, the production features Caitríona Ní Mhurchú, Maeve McGrath, Seamus Moran and Stephanie Dufresne, combining live performance, music, projection and the landscape itself to create an unforgettable theatrical experience in the heart of the Mayo Gaeltacht.
At the heart of the story are two sisters, Annie and Deirbhle, whose long-running feud over land, nature and a noisy little bird sets them on an emotional field trip through the North Mayo countryside. Central to their story is the Corncrake, whose annual migration between Africa and the Mullet Peninsula becomes a powerful symbol of biodiversity, memory and belonging.
The Corncrake means different things for each of the women - for environmentalist Deirbhle, the bird’s distinctive ‘Crex Crex’ call brings back memories of their father and happier times. For Annie, it’s an annoyance that stands in the way of progress and practicality on their struggling farm in Emlyclough (Imleach Chloch). But when Deirbhle goes missing while on a field trip in Africa, everything changes.
Through its exploration of fragile ecosystems and the erosion of wildlife habitats, the play draws a parallel with the fragility of the Irish language in the Mayo Gaeltacht, ultimately expressing hope for the future of both. As with their previous work in the area, the play is rooted in the language, landscape and nature of the community.
The production stars Caitríona Ní Mhurchú ( ) and Maeve McGrath ( ) as two sisters returning home to confront the future of their family, their language and one of Ireland's rarest birds.
This co-production between An Taibhdhearc and The Performance Corporation brings together two organisations with distinct artistic traditions to create an ambitious new contemporary work in Irish. It also marks The Performance Corporation's third site-specific production in North Mayo, following the sold-out successes of (set at the Belmullet tidal pool) and (set in the Carne sand dunes), continuing the company's long-standing creative relationship with the region and its communities.
marks An Taibhdhearc's commitment to commissioning and producing at least one piece of work per year in Irish within the Gaeltacht communities and their commitment to community engagement and outreach throughout the process and within the show itself. This follows on from their hugely successful cross border tour of or 'Bright Colours Only' which sold out in Gaoth Dobhair and the tour to Conamara with for younger audiences both in 2025.
Speaking about the production, Jo Mangan, Artistic Director of The Performance Corporation, said:
"North Mayo has always been where my heart is. My family roots are here and, we have been privileged to be based here in recent years. It's a place that has shaped me personally as much as it has shaped me creatively, and one that continues to inspire through its extraordinary landscape, its people, its stories and the richness of its language.
"We've been incredibly fortunate to create work here before and each project has deepened our connection with this remarkable place and its communities. I'm absolutely delighted to be returning to Belmullet with , a new story that could only exist here. Created in partnership with An Taibhdhearc, it's a celebration of this landscape, the Irish language, and the deep connections between people, place and nature. We can't wait to welcome audiences aboard and share this journey with them."
Muireann Kelly, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of An Taibhdhearc, The Irish national language theatre, said:
“It is a huge honor for us to be co-producing with The Performance Corporation, especially as they are leaders in their field producing ambitious and inspiring new site specific work. We are so excited to be working with the community in the North Mayo Gaeltacht. As the Irish national language theatre, it is imperative that we are engaging and collaborating with as many Irish artists and groups in this community as possible.”
