Proud past reviewed as Visual prepares for 15th birthday bash
Hollywood star and Carlow native Saoirse Ronan arriving at the George Bernard Shaw and Visual Art Centre in Carlow where she was the special guest and handed out the awards of the Carlow Regional Youth Service Volunteer Celebration Photos:: Michael O'Rourke.
IT SEEMS like a lifetime ago since Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan casually sat quietly on the concrete bench outside the front of Visual in Carlow.
Back then, the superstar, who grew up in Ardattin, Co Carlow, was the most sophisticated 16-year-old you could imagine. Dressed in an 'I love New York' vest, black t-shirt, a light pink blazer and flat shoes, she looked every inch a movie star, even at such a young age. At this stage, Visual had not yet celebrated its first birthday.
Fast forward to today, and Saoirse’s stardom shines even brighter than it did on that balmy September evening in 2010, when she popped into the George Bernard Shaw Theatre to present awards for Carlow Regional Youth Services’ volunteer celebration.
The actress is one of many celebrities who have visited Visual over the past decade-and-a-half and been photographed by ’s Michael O’Rourke. However, it’s the excited young people who have been involved in pantomimes, school plays and workshops who stand out most for the photographer.
“It always brings a smile to my face when I’m in the wings watching the performances,” said Michael, who is always impressed by the production qualities of musicals staged there by local companies.
“The children are so talented from Spotlight and Striking Productions. Take young Emmy Nolan, for example, I’ve known her since her mum Shauna Ray Lacey was crowned Carlow Rose. You can spot young people who are destined for the stage.
“Molly McLoughlin is a teenager who stands out, but there have been so many,” addes Michael.
Ella Lilly Hyland is another actress who started out as a member of Carlow Youth Theatre, based at Visual, but was destined for bigger things. She starred opposite actor Aidan Turner in and will be performing in the Abbey Theatre as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival later this month.
Michael O’Rourke says he enjoys getting a glimpse into the worlds of acting, contemporary dance and visual arts.
“The atmosphere behind the scenes at Visual is something else before a show … whatever it is, you can feel the buzz. You also get exposure to art you wouldn’t otherwise experience in Carlow. I’ve always been made to feel so welcome at Visual by all of the staff, from those at the front of house to the bar staff and even all the way up to Brian in the sound box. They’re a super-helpful team.”
Last Friday 20 September, the contemporary arts centre marked its 15th birthday with a party on Culture Night. Renowned author Colm Tóibín joined in the festivities with art, music, theatre, cinema and more.
