About Hilltown Studio Theatre

Hilltown Studio Theatre and Performance Space is sited in the castle keep at the rear of
Hilltown House, an 18th century listed building. The keep about two acres in size is built
around the remains of a medieval castle and features buildings from the 15th century to the
19th century. The buildings have grown organically over the centuries to create a unique
setting for these 21st century events.

In recent years, Hilltown has hosted a number of small arts events and has been made
available to artists, who wish to spend quiet and focused time on developing or finalising
new work.

Performance Spaces

Main Stage
The main stage will be set up open air within the courtyard of Hilltown Estate. Its shape
forms a natural amphitheatre against the backdrop of the main house. For weather
independence a canopy will be erected. (Capacity: 200)

Theatre space
Adjoins the castle and is approached by a medieval stone staircase which formed part of the
castle buildings. (Capacity: 40)

Herd’s house
17th century house built on medieval plan with stores at ground floor and mini great hall on
1st floor with a fireplace at each gable end. (Capacity: 30)

Workshop space
19th century workshop with 18ft ceiling; may originally have been site for repair and
maintenance of carriages. (Capacity: 40)

Stable block
Excellent stone-work around some of the entrance doors seems to point to an earlier use as
castle kitchens/sleeping areas before later development as stables.
(Use for small-scale performances and installations)


Panelled Harness Room
Approached by cobbled bower which has been recently been turned into a peaceful seating
area – ideal for small workshops. (Capacity: 20)

Castle
Remains of medieval castle (ca. 14th century), now roofless and ivy- covered, was previously
used very imaginatively as site-specific dance space and installation space.

There are further possible installation spaces in the half acre walled garden adjoining the
keep where a project entitled “Sculpture in the Walled Garden” has been developed in 2007,
with the assistance of Westmeath County Council, and will be continued in September 2008.
This walled garden has also been used as a dance space.

Chronology of events at Hilltown Studio Theatre

2005

Hilltown Studio Theatre was established with the aim of promoting and showcasing
experimental theatre, music and dance. The first event, a dance and opera performance, was
held at the venue on the 10th September 2005.

The opera performance by Glue Factory was developed by composer George Higgs and
visual artist Sarah Lincoln took place within the castle keep.

The dances were performed by choreographer Nicola Kealy and her company and were
specially choreographed for this event. Nicola Kealy works both as a facilitator of dance
drama and as a performer and her work was performed at the Helix, Dublin, this year.

170 people attended the opening event. Children and young people were particularly
encouraged to attend and given free entrance. Through the sponsorship of a financial
institution disposable cameras were made available to the young people who attended to
record the event. An exhibition of their photographs was held at Hilltown Studio Theatre in
2006.

On the 20th November 2005, a rehearsed reading of Romanian playwright Mimi Branescu’s
“Insomniacs” took place. The play reading was performed by Guna Nua and directed by Paul
Meade. After the reading Hilltown Studio Theatre hosted a discussion with the artists and an
invited audience.


2006

An experimental theatre project by the founders of Glue Factory, George Higgs and Sarah
Lincoln, took place in March. The event was co-hosted by Westmeath County Council and
Hilltown Studio Theatre, and included a one-week residency by the artists, during which they
built interactive musical models of their stage designs. A concluding public presentation of
the resulting work gave people the opportunity to interact with the stage models.

During summer 2006, Hilltown Studio Theatre hosted a 4-week residency by internationally
renowned Romanian Iconographers Zsuzsanna Mara and Mihai Cucu.

The first part of their residency was an artistic collaboration with Joe Walsh OFM of the
Franciscan Friary, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath. The theme of the collaboration was
"Incarnating the Sacred" - sacred art escaping from its limitations. The three artists produced
two fine collaborative pieces of sculpture which are now on permanent display in the grounds
of Multyfarnham Friary.

In the second part of the residency, Zsuzsanna Mara mounted an installation at Hilltown
entitled “Pantry of Memories” working with photographs, light and glass. Mihai Cucu
produced a short film, which was shown on the final day of the residency, with a discussion
and a reception hosted by the Romanian Embassy.

2007

Sculpture in the Walled Garden: Hilltown Studio Theatre hosted their most recent new
project – a four week residency by sculptor, Dan Jauca and the unveiling of his sculpture in
the walled garden at Hilltown. This project will continue in September each year.

Eoin Lynch, actor and playwright, spent three weeks at Hilltown As part of the artist in
residence programme.


2008

A festival of New Music, the most ambitious programme to date, was held in July 2008 and
featured Irish and international composers and musicians.

As part of the continuing artist in residence programme, John Feeley, classical guitarist
spent 3 weeks at Hilltown, during which he hosted two workshops in August 2008

Zsuzsanna Mara, Pantry of Memories, Hilltown, 2006