BALLAD
OF A BANDIT
MIQUEL BARCELÓ & BRANAR
Surprise immersive theatre for children.
A performance that arrives in the classroom before the audience knows a show is about to begin.
BALLAD OF A BANDIT
Full Documentary by Alice McDowell
Watch the piece in context.
Ballad of a Bandit is a rollicking story of a highway man, a Robin Hood-like character and master of disguise, Captain McNamara, performed by two cleaners that turn up at the classroom without being invited.
Completely unaware that a show will take place, Ballad of a Bandit will have the children on the edge of their seats as they follow the adventure of “The Captain” in a surprise immersive theatre experience for the classroom with music, object animation, clown and expert storytelling by Miquel Barceló.
This is a guerilla theatre piece inspired by the legendary historical figure Capt. George McNamara of Cong who sided with poor tenants in Penal Law times. Barceló’s reimagining of his story highlights the power of myth and story to give hope to people in a time of need.
PLEASE DON'T TELL THE CHILDREN
The surprise is an essential part of the experience.
NB: Please keep information about this performance to yourself and to assist
with the immersive and surprise nature of the piece please DO NOT inform children.
The show is accompanied by a specially designed creative engagement pack for use in the classroom after the show, comprising of comic (designed by Maeve Clancy), activity sheet and video workshop. The pack contains lots of potential curriculum links (particularly across Drama, History, Visual Art, Primary Language).
BALLAD OF A BANDIT AT A GLANCE
Audience 8+
Duration Approx. 50 minutes
Format Immersive classroom performance
Audience relationship Surprise / participatory
Languages English
Audience capacity To be confirmed
Performance space Classroom / Venue
“A blast. Amazing concept. Will remember it as one of the most fun 45 mins as a teacher I have spent in a class.”
- Teacher, Scariff National School, Clare
“Miquel Barcelo is a true master of his craft, the children were totally engaged in the story of the Bandit.”
- Ann Marie McGing, Arts Officer, Mayo County Council
“They were mesmerised by it! They want to see so much more now. They asked could they go and watch more theatre pieces after! A wonderful experience.”
- Teacher, St Ronan’s National School, Roscommon
CREATED BY
Miquel Barceló & Branar
Written & Performed
Miquel Barceló
Directed by
Marc Mac Lochlainn
CREATIVE TEAM
Performer, stage manager and technician: Debbie Wright, Illustrations and Education Pack: Maeve Clancy, Composer & Performer: Matthew Berrill, Production & Stage Manager: Debbie Wright, Costume Design: Miriam Donohue, Sound Design: Adrian Ferry, Lighting Design: Michael Foley, Executive Producer: Joanne Beirne, Line Producer Niamh: Ní Fhlatharta, Engagement Producer: Orla Henihan, Marketing: Noel Minogue, Photography: John McMahon & Anita Murphy
Special thanks to Nick Kavanagh
“Smiles, surprises and laughs.
I’ve never seen a class so engaged and happy in drama before.”
- Teacher, Scariff Central National School, Clare
Tel: +353 (0) 91 704718 - www.branar.ie
Supported by:
The Arts Council of Ireland, Galway City Council, Galway County Council Branar Meitheal, Clare County council, Mayo County Council, Roscommon County Council, Dublin County Council and Limerick County Council.