Founded in 1988, Fishamble is an Irish theatre company that is passionate about discovering, developing and producing new plays. It is named after the Playhouse on Dublin’s Fishamble Street which, in the 1780s, became the first theatre to commission and produce plays by Irish writers.
‘Fishamble puts electricity in the National grid of dreams’ Sebastian Barry
Fishamble believes that vibrant theat
re stands at the centre of a vibrant civic society. It harnesses the imaginative power of theatre to provide audiences with a diverse range of contemporary, compelling and heartfelt dramatic works. Fishamble thinks nationally and reaches globally. It works collaboratively with networks of artists, communities, and organisations, to achieve the maximum possible life for its plays. For instance, over 30 Fishamble playscripts have been published. Fishamble has toured its productions to audiences throughout Ireland, and to 19 other countries. It typically produces over 200 performances annually, from the Aran Islands to Auckland, Ballymun to Brisbane, Clonmel to Cleveland. Fishamble champions the role of the playwright, through its productions, and wide range of artist supports and development initiatives. It works with over 50% of the writers of all new plays produced on the island of Ireland each year. Fishamble has received many awards in Ireland and internationally, including an Olivier Award, won jointly with Pat Kinevane. Its living archive is at the National Library of Ireland. Fishamble is funded by the Arts Council, Dublin City Council, and Culture Ireland.
‘Ireland’s leading new writing company’ The Stage
‘a global brand with international theatrical presence’ The Irish Times
‘forward-thinking Fishamble’ The New York Times
‘excellent Fishamble…Ireland’s terrific Fishamble’ The Guardian
‘when Fishamble is [in New York], you’ve got to go’ Time Out New York
Fishamble Theatre Company is a not for profit organisation and a registered charity with a valid charitable taxation exemption from the Revenue Commissioners. CHY 20103958 | Registered Company No. 168484. Fishamble’s Main Object is to benefit the community and advance education in the arts in Ireland as defined in the Arts Acts 1951, 1973 and 2003 through the development, promotion and operation of a Theatre Company.
