Macnas Performance Group

Macnas is an award-winning internationally acclaimed performance group from Galway, Ireland. Their productions are immersive and spectacular. The group's repertoire includes parades, theatre shows, installations, film and performance art.

Macnas is made up of a remarkable group of freelance artists, including: engineers, musicians, sculptors, filmmakers, performers, poets, actors, playwrights, puppeteers, makers and even pyro-technicians.

Maria Tivnan, Performance Director of Macnas Spectacle Youth Theatre, tells us more...

How would you best describe the kind of work that Macnas does?

Macnas are an international spectacle Theatre company who tell epic stories in unusual landscapes, from city streets to bogs and warehouses.

Was Con Mór fun to work on and why?

Yes, it provided an opportunity to be inspired by and work from an epic myth. With a range of artists, we saw this myth come into being visually, physically, musically, sensually.

The project also gave the youth theatre and myself a chance to work as an ensemble, map out, and devise a performance in a grand space and on a large scale. The work was freeing, explorative, expressive and playful.   

We also had the chance to do several versions and iterations of our performance over two days. 

How would you describe your own creative role?

I was the director of the youth theatre. I worked with the Macnas team and the youth theatre to devise characters, narrative and movement in relation to themes of the performance such as wildness, nature, celebration, and awe. 

Did you go to art school to study for your role?

I have an MA in Modern Drama and Performance from University College Dublin. I am currently in my final year of a PhD with the drama department of University of Galway. However, my experience of working with Macnas at different times over the past decade (as well as my own work) as a director and writer were vital to this role. I was a youth worker for 8 years with a community project in Galway and this experience was also integral to this role. 

How can young people get involved with something like street theatre / street spectacle?

Macnas run several free weekly workshops suitable for young people, Macnas Youth Theatre, drummers, brass and stilters. This is a great way to get training in street and spectacle theatre, while volunteering is another good way to get involved. 

Do you have any creative heroes?

Anyone who takes a chance on their creativity and is open to learning and working with other people creatively is a hero in my book! 

Tell us about the work you make / your practice / describe what you do?

I am the artistic director of Fregoli Theatre, a Galway based theatre company since 2007.  

I direct, write and on some occasions perform with the company. I am interested in devising, and process. Recently I have been working outdoors and with site specific and site responsive performances. I love working with Macnas, I also love working with groups, and using theatre and performance as a way to get to know people, and to foster joy, creativity and confidence. I am taking a leap of faith with my own work at the moment and I am doing more street performances and movement! 

Do you think people are 'born' artists, or is it something they have to discover?

I think anyone can be an artist - there are millions of ways to be, and millions of ways to express yourself.

What is art?

Art is an expression, which through hard work, time and courage can become developed, or crafted or transformative. It might be a feeling, an image, a sound, words or all of these things. There is art everywhere if you look for it!  

The theme of this year's TIA! competition is "This Is Inspiration". What does 'inspiration' mean to you? Is there a light bulb moment?! 

For me, inspiration means many things. From wondering and being open to receive ideas, or thoughts, or images that may come suddenly, or working with someone inspiring. 

Where do you get your inspiration from? 

My children, my colleagues, the natural world, people and their stories, from music, visual art and poetry.

Any top tips for people who might find they are blocked - when inspiration just won't come to them? 

Don’t worry! Maybe do something else, or practice in a different form. If you are trying to write, maybe draw or sing or dance or vice versa. Maybe engage in something completely physical like swimming, or cleaning, or working in the garden. Don’t forget - patience and kindness to yourself and for your creative process are essential.

What would you say is the function of art / the role of artists? 

To create a space for feelings, for expression, for ideas, for communication through a variety of mediums in a variety of ways. To engage in a dialogue with the world and to talk, to listen, to make forms of life!  

Any advice for young artists who might think their work is "no good"?

Look at where that negative voice is coming from, and try to be more compassionate with your effort. If you are brave enough to make something and work at it, that is huge. 

How do you challenge yourself creatively? 

I work with different people and groups, talk with fellow artists, go to different places for inspiration, and I try out different ways of working. 

More on Macnas 

Macnas make transformative immersive work, collaborating with artists, audiences and communities, nationally & internationally.  Macnas is an award-winning internationally acclaimed performance group from Galway, Ireland. Productions are immersive and spectacular and the group's repertoire includes parades, theatre shows, installations, film and performance art.   

Any site can become a stage: city streets, GAA clubs, disused warehouses, bogs, mountains, car parks and sheds.  Macnas is made up of a remarkable group of freelance artists, engineers, musicians, sculptors, filmmakers, performers, poets, actors, playwrights, puppeteers, makers and pyro-technicians.  

Macnas engage with the public year-round with a full participatory program including the Macnas Youth Theatre, Macnas Drumming and Macnas Brass. Macnas curate an education programme with freelance artists in partnership with community groups, primary and third level institutions. 

Maria Tivan 

Maria is the artistic director of Galway based Fregoli Theatre (26 productions to date).   

She is a performer, writer, director and co- chair and founder of Galway independent theatre collective Theatre57. Maria has performed on several occasions with Macnas in Galway and Dublin. Maria is a third year Irish Research Council doctoral candidate at NUI, Galway. Her project examines the performance and politics of ‘home’ in Galway, Gaza and Mexico City.  

She holds a BA in Psychology (NUI Galway), an MA in Modern Drama (University College Dublin) and an MA in Social Work (NUI Galway). Maria has worked as a youth worker, in mental health and has taught a variety of workshops and classes in theatre practice in community and academic settings.