Some sparkles from Social Media

Each Week, Abigail Grimstad, TheatreMaker.ie’s Social Media Manager looks at the posts on social media that caught her attention.

Hello fellow theatremakers, isolaters, and fabulous people!!!

This is Abbie, the social media maverick (self-described, working on getting others to go along with it), and I’m here to share what caught my attention and gave me a jolt of happiness this week.

As many I’m sure can attest, attention spans are dwindling, and mine seems to jump from topic to topic in the oddest ways. (I suppose the endless supply of twitter, facebook, and instagram feed help too.) This small list reflects that.

Uachtarán na hÉireann

We have to start off first with Michael D. Higgins. Bless that man. Something about his addresses, his poetry, his amazing dogs, and his clear love of art makes me want to cry. I feel like I could put nearly every sentence in quotation marks as I should when prefacing a video, but they’re all too good, so I’ll just use the last one. “Through our creativity we live.”

Side note, anyone want to get me one of these these? #MichaelTeaHiggins

LIP SYNC MUSICAL MADNESS

I stumbled across this after scrolling and scrolling through Twitter the other day, and ended up watching nearly every video this gal has posted. My inner high-school musical theatre nerd was awakened, and thinking about the elaborate changes of costume (as well as not so changeable male wigs) had me giggling.

DRUID ON VIMEO

In Irish Theatre excitement, Druid has released several recordings, including Playboy of the Western World, Riders to the Sea, and The Shadow of the Glen. All of these are available on Vimeo.  What a collection of work!

HOME WORK-OUT FAILS

On a totally non-theatre, not Ireland related note, whenever I find myself feeling guilty that I’m not exercising as much as I would like, or sticking to a regime during this time, I look no farther than Youtube. Working out from home can be REALLY DANGEROUS. Better not attempt it. Or maybe just some calming, quiet yoga will do the trick.

SOLSTICE ARTS CENTRE

And on an uplifting note, here’s a new online program that Solstice Arts Centre has launched. I’ve been consistently amazed and inspired by the ingenuity of people during this time. Having most things moved online means we’re in a unique place to connect with artists all over Ireland, and the world, and in the midst of this weird, uncertain time, that brings me a lot of hope and light. Check out their new programs on the Solstice Arts Centre website.

View this post on Instagram

Outside In We are in a unique time of constraint, stress, anxiety, loneliness and bereavement. The day we closed our doors following government directives was deeply sad for us, our spaces which are normally full of life from all parts of our community instantly disappeared. Lost daily rhythms have made days run into each other. We all are adjusting to our outside lives inside, knowing that others, our frontline and public services staff are risking health and wellbeing relentlessly battling Covid 19 on our behalf, and that of our families. Whilst it has been suggested we are moving towards the end of lockdown, there is a longer-term reality to the Covid 19 pandemic emerging, known routines will be replaced with new systems of congregation and interaction. There is also however unity, community, goodwill and care in looking after each other, and a new positive questioning of societal priorities and how we live our daily lives. In our small part, we have been working with artists and communities to work through this time; we are still confirming bookings and new work, still creating and connecting into the unknown. Today we launch an online programme to support and encourage creativity and connection, with much more to come. It has been a devastating time for arts workers in Ireland; for the majority, all future engagements have been cancelled or postponed. Solstice will support professional creatives through commissions and arts development opportunities, whilst celebrating and highlighting the creativity of our communities. You can give to support our activities during this difficult time by making a donation to Solstice on our Donations Page. Every good wish to you and yours Belinda Quirke Director #OutsideIn SolsticeArts

A post shared by Solstice Arts Centre (@solsticearts) on Apr 23, 2020 at 8:07am PDT

Just a small glimpse into how my mind is working during all this, but now I want to know:

What’s been inspiring you?

Stay safe and sound everyone.

Abbie