Community arts in Ireland is struggling to maintain an identity as an artform which is not defined simply by its ability to impact on community development or community education. This struggle is centred around different perceptions of the remit of the artist in the community. Nevertheless, the ability of the arts (and in particular, of theatre) to impact on community development is unique in that it directly accesses and stimulates the imagination of its participants in a way that no other activity does. According to theorists like Boal and Bond, the imagination is the means by which we can define and shape our society, our humanness, and our concept of justice. Social activities such as the practice of theatre offer participants a place (physically, spiritually and intellectually defined) in which they can create what it means to be human. Access to, and participation in the arts, is therefore a basic human right, and is central to the notion of community development and education.

Crooked House Theatre Company promotes the viewpoint that community theatre is an independent artform which is rooted by a specific, politically active focus. It aims to galvanise participants into exercising control of our own imaginations, by which means we may create, and be creative in, our society - rather than consume, and be consumed by, our society.

Community Theatre Projects established by Crooked House

Kildare Youth Theatre @ Crooked House was established in 1995 and has since grown into a vibrant organisation independent of the professional company. It has an average membership of 30 and is affiliated to the NAYD (National Association of Youth Drama). KYT meets every Monday from 7.00pm-9.00pm and Saturday from 5.00pm - 8.00pm in the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.

Contact team: Peter Hussey, Darren Donohue, Yvonne O' Hara, Mary Duffin and Laurence Hamill.

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Crooked Mice: Children's Drama and Art Workshops. Established in 1995 and currently running every Saturday under the direction of Anna Swords (Drama), these very popular workshops focus on training children in theatre arts and mounting a production and exhibition of work in May.

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Special Needs Groups: Initially this began life as a theatre-based pressure group, called the This Ability Project, engaged in developing amenities and equality legislation for people with disabilities, in particular working with the Irish Wheelchair Association in Clane. Initiated by Crooked House this work has now taken the form of workshops delivered by Sarah Kearney and Alison Hollinshead to special needs groups around the country, but mainly in Kildare. Drama-based projects are devised with a variety of clients in mind, ranging from those with different learning needs to people with particular mobility needs. For further information about the kind of work done here please contact the company directly.


Crooked Sixpence. Arising from work done by Kate Connaughton and Sarah Kearney, Crooked Sixpence is the name given to several groups of retired citizens in the Kildare area who engage in theatre workshops, devise performances and host showcases during community celebrations. Kate Connaughton works mainly with Active Retired Groups, Holiday Nursing Homes, Senior Citizens Organisations and Community Care groups. They base their work on principles developed from the Reminiscence Theatre philosophy and from Augusto Boal's methods and practices.

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