Roots to Revelations: The Story of Folk Theatre in North Kerry

In this final episode of Roots & Revelations , we explore the deep relationship between land, memory and performance in Irish folk theatre. Drawing on stories, songs and rural customs, the episode reflects on how the rhythms of farming life, seasonal rituals and local beliefs shaped the traditions that appear on the folk theatre stage. From May Day fires to the symbolism of trees, wells and fl...

In this episode of Roots & Revelations , we step behind the scenes to explore the craft and creativity that shape folk theatre performances. From authentic props and handmade sets to costumes inspired by rural life, these elements helped transform everyday objects into powerful storytelling tools on stage. Through stories of butter churns, flails, thatched cottages and carefully designed costu...

In this episode of Roots & Revelations , we step into the rhythmic world of North Kerry step dance. From the travelling dancing masters who taught in kitchens and parish halls to the performers who later carried the tradition onto national and international stages, this episode traces the journey of a distinctive local dance style. Through stories of legendary dance master Jeremiah Molyneaux a...

In this episode of Roots & Revelations , we explore how music became a central voice in the storytelling of Irish folk theatre. Drawing on the rich traditions of Kerry, particularly the lively tunes of Sliabh Luachra and the musical heritage of North Kerry, the episode reveals how traditional melodies, songs and instruments were brought together to create powerful theatrical performances. We l...

How do you bring the past back to life on stage? In this episode of Roots to Revelations , we explore how the early cast went beyond scripts and choreography to build performances from the lived memories of rural communities. Actors and musicians travelled through North Kerry gathering old tools, songs, and stories — from butter churns and flails to working songs and seasonal customs. These object...

Long before theatre lights and stages, performance lived in the warmth of the Irish hearth. In this episode of Roots to Revelations , we explore the traditions of folk drama that once animated rural communities — from Strawboys bursting into wedding celebrations to Mummers performing their rhyming plays at Christmas. These lively customs blended music, storytelling, disguise and ritual, bringing l...

Episode 1: Curtains Up – The Origins of Folk Theatre Episode One sets the foundation for the series by exploring how folk theatre first emerged in North Kerry during a period of profound social and economic change. In the 1970s, as Ireland entered the European Economic Community and rural life began to shift dramatically, a generation of young artists responded creatively to the fear that local cu...

Step inside the world of North Kerry folk theatre. This trailer introduces Roots & Revelations: The Story of Folk Theatre in North Kerry , a podcast exploring the voices, places, and creative relationships that shaped a remarkable local tradition. Through memory, music, and story, discover how a small house became a stage for community imagination — and how its legacy continues to resonate tod...