Dublin Theatre Festival unveils a bold 2026 programme of world premieres, international trailblazers and major Irish productions.
Ruth Negga, Florentina Holzinger, Carolina Bianchi and Rébecca Chaillon are among the
artists announced for Dublin Theatre Festival 2026, as the Festival today unveiled a
programme bringing together internationally acclaimed theatre-makers, major Irish
productions and a remarkable generation of new voices.
From 24 September to 11 October, Dublin Theatre Festival will draw back the curtain on
extraordinary stories from Ireland and across the world. Over 18 days and nights, audiences
are invited to discover work that challenges assumptions, provokes conversation and celebrates
the power of theatre to connect, inspire and expand understanding of the world. The full
programme is available at dublintheatrefestival.ie. Priority booking for Friends and Members is
now open, with general tickets going on-sale from 12 noon on 29 July.
Artistic Director and CEO Róise Goan has announced a programme of global artists, ambitious
new Irish productions, world premieres and Festival exclusives: "I've spent the last year travelling to
theatres around the world, always imagining how audiences in Dublin might experience the work I was
seeing. That thought shaped every decision in this year's programme. Alongside remarkable new Irish
productions, we're bringing together some of the most exciting artists working in theatre internationally,
artists who are taking creative risks, asking urgent questions and finding bold new ways to tell stories.”
artists announced for Dublin Theatre Festival 2026, as the Festival today unveiled a
programme bringing together internationally acclaimed theatre-makers, major Irish
productions and a remarkable generation of new voices.
From 24 September to 11 October, Dublin Theatre Festival will draw back the curtain on
extraordinary stories from Ireland and across the world. Over 18 days and nights, audiences
are invited to discover work that challenges assumptions, provokes conversation and celebrates
the power of theatre to connect, inspire and expand understanding of the world. The full
programme is available at dublintheatrefestival.ie. Priority booking for Friends and Members is
now open, with general tickets going on-sale from 12 noon on 29 July.
Artistic Director and CEO Róise Goan has announced a programme of global artists, ambitious
new Irish productions, world premieres and Festival exclusives: "I've spent the last year travelling to
theatres around the world, always imagining how audiences in Dublin might experience the work I was
seeing. That thought shaped every decision in this year's programme. Alongside remarkable new Irish
productions, we're bringing together some of the most exciting artists working in theatre internationally,
artists who are taking creative risks, asking urgent questions and finding bold new ways to tell stories.”
Florentina Holzinger- TANZ
Photo: Nada Žgank
Following the international acclaim for her presentation at the 2026 Venice Biennale, choreographer, director and performance artist Florentina Holzinger makes her Dublin debut with TANZ (O'Reilly Theatre), a visually spectacular work that pushes the boundaries of dance and performance. On the back of her sold-out Festival debut in 2025, acclaimed French theatre-maker Rébecca Chaillon returns with La Parabole du Seum (Project Arts Centre, Space Upstairs), an ambitious new work that fuses science fiction, and spectacular performance in a powerful exploration of resistance, community and hope. Awarded the Silver Lion at the 2025 Venice Biennale, groundbreaking Brazilian theatre-maker Carolina Bianchi presents The Brotherhood (O'Reilly Theatre), a fearless examination of masculinity, power and the systems that perpetuate violence against women.
The Brotherhood TRILOGIA CADELA FORÇA – Capítulo II
Photo: Mayra Azzi
Leading this year's international programme are some of the most compelling artists working in theatre
today. Academy Award nominee Ruth Negga collaborates with New York-based interdisciplinary
performance company The Goat Exchange on the world premiere of Radio Bette (The Gaiety Theatre),
inspired by a rare rehearsal recording of a 1951 Bette Davis radio broadcast.
Supporting artists to take creative risks remains at the heart of Dublin Theatre Festival. Alongside Radio
Bette and La Parabole du Seum, this year's Festival co-productions include the world premiere of
Xnthony's Lourdes, The Musical! (The Civic), a gloriously irreverent musical packed with holy bangers
and emotional belters from the company behind Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry. Brokentalkers’
Heroes of Tomorrow (Project Arts Centre, Space Upstairs) is an epic meditation on art, power and protest,
while Esosa Ighodaro's Let Me In (Dublin Municipal Theatre, Smock Alley) explores the difference
between being welcomed and truly belonging in today’s Ireland. The beloved Dead Centre return to the
Festival with the Irish premiere of their new international co-production ZINC (O’Reilly Theatre), exploring
borders, bodies and the desire for the natural resources they create.
today. Academy Award nominee Ruth Negga collaborates with New York-based interdisciplinary
performance company The Goat Exchange on the world premiere of Radio Bette (The Gaiety Theatre),
inspired by a rare rehearsal recording of a 1951 Bette Davis radio broadcast.
Supporting artists to take creative risks remains at the heart of Dublin Theatre Festival. Alongside Radio
Bette and La Parabole du Seum, this year's Festival co-productions include the world premiere of
Xnthony's Lourdes, The Musical! (The Civic), a gloriously irreverent musical packed with holy bangers
and emotional belters from the company behind Oliver Cromwell is Really Very Sorry. Brokentalkers’
Heroes of Tomorrow (Project Arts Centre, Space Upstairs) is an epic meditation on art, power and protest,
while Esosa Ighodaro's Let Me In (Dublin Municipal Theatre, Smock Alley) explores the difference
between being welcomed and truly belonging in today’s Ireland. The beloved Dead Centre return to the
Festival with the Irish premiere of their new international co-production ZINC (O’Reilly Theatre), exploring
borders, bodies and the desire for the natural resources they create.
Dead Centre & Théâtre de Liege
ZINC - Adapted from the book by David Van Reybrouck
Photo: Fishtype
The programme celebrates the richness of contemporary Irish theatre, from Irish icons to urgent new
voices. Druid presents A Moon for the Misbegotten (The Gaiety Theatre), the sequel to Long Day's
Journey into Night, as part of its Strange Country: Ireland in America season, while Irish National Opera
stages Testament (The Gaiety Theatre), a haunting new opera by Tarik O'Regan with a libretto by Colm
Tóibín, adapted from his novella The Testament of Mary. ANU's Cyclone (1 Railway Court) is a blistering
new production piecing together the extraordinary, untold story of a man who left his mark on Dublin
forever.
Company Philip Connaughton and Once Off Productions present Rebellious Hope (Project Arts
Centre, Cube), bringing together seven internationally acclaimed dancers aged 46 to 86 with composer
and musician Mel Mercier for a live performance charged with urgency and defiance. Dan Colley adapts
the writing of Blindboyboatclub in the riotous and kaleidoscopic world premiere of ANIMALS (The Abbey
Theatre). In a reimagining of one of deaf playwright Teresa Deevy’s most celebrated radio plays, Dignity
(Project Arts Centre, Cube) sees Amanda Coogan, with Lianne Quigley and Alvean Jones, and
Dublin Theatre of the Deaf, invite audiences to follow bodies, movement and sign as they reveal what
happens beyond the reach of sound.
The 2026 Festival features 26 productions in all, with this year's Theatre for Children programme, in
partnership with The Ark, presenting two wonderful outdoor experiences: the Irish premieres of Bees
(Botanic Gardens) and Pram People (location to be announced) by acclaimed Australian company
Polyglot Theatre.
To encourage audience discovery, the Festival is shaped around four thematic pathways. The
Troublemakers showcases work that is bold, clear-eyed, rigorous and mischievous, rattling the frames of
the systems that bind us. Irish Icons celebrates many of Ireland's most loved theatre-makers alongside
reimagined classics and compelling new voices. The Matriarchy explores the world through a matrilineal
lens, while It's Complicated tries to make sense of the world around us in surprising, playful, imaginative
and thrilling ways.
Goan notes: “There is no single way through this Festival. Some productions will make you laugh, some
will challenge you, some will stay with you long after you've left the theatre. Whether you're discovering
Dublin Theatre Festival for the first time or you've been coming for decades, I hope you'll trust your
instincts, take a chance on something unexpected and leave having found a new favourite. That's the
magic of a festival. There's no single path through it, only the one you choose."
Festival Forum is a new format, giving audiences the opportunity to engage directly with artists and
delve deeper into the ideas, stories and themes behind this year's productions through thematic talks,
post-show discussions and tours, supported by Cultúr2026, the Cultural Programme for Ireland’s
Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Clinch Wealth Management continues to invest in
accessible theatre for all with their sponsorship of the Festival’s Fair Play commitment, supporting Irish
Sign Language interpreted, captioned, audio described, relaxed and adapted performances throughout
the Festival. A new partnership with Smurfit Westrock sees the Festival's 10FOR10 initiative expand,
making thousands of tickets available for €10 to people under 30, those who are unwaged, and freelance
artists and arts workers.Information and registration for both are available at dublintheatrefestival.ie.
Silvercrest Asset Management Group is supporting the world premiere of Radio Bette.
Show Business is the Festival platform that has long supported collaboration and connection between
Irish and international theatremakers. Alongside presentations, showcases, workshops and sectoral
discourse, this year’s programme will see Dublin Theatre Festival host the annual meeting of the
Creative Europe funded Prospero NEW Wave network, as part of Cultúr2026: Sharing Ireland’s
Culture, the Cultural Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The
programme is also supported by The Irish Times.
From intimate personal stories to large-scale theatrical spectacle, the 2026 programme embraces
complexity without losing sight of joy. Humour and hope sit alongside discomfort and revolt; playfulness
exists beside urgent questions about the world we share. Together, these productions invite audiences to
think deeper, feel more and see further.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Daryl Barron noted "Dublin Theatre Festival is one of the great
cultural cornerstones of our city, bringing world-class artists and audiences to Dublin while celebrating the
extraordinary talent we have here at home. Dublin City Council is delighted to continue investing in the
Festival through our Arts Office, recognising the vital role that arts and culture play in creating a vibrant,
welcoming and creative city. I am especially glad to see that the Festival continues to champion
accessibility through initiatives that help to remove financial and physical barriers so that more people can
experience the transformative power of live theatre."
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals & Events at Fáilte Ireland said “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support
the Dublin Theatre Festival. Festivals and events like this create memorable cultural experiences that
encourage visitors from Ireland and overseas to discover all that we have to offer across the country. Our
investment in the Dublin Theatre Festival strengthens Dublin’s appeal as a must-visit destination, while
contributing to local economic activity and the continued development of tourism in the Dublin region.”
Dublin Theatre Festival is principally funded by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, with the support
of Dublin City Council. Grant aided by Fáilte Ireland, the European Union, Prospero New European Wave,
Culture Ireland, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Cultúr2026 - the Cultural
Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Production Partners are the
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dublin, Goethe Institut, Mediolanum, The Ark, Dublin North East
Inner City, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Longroom Hub and The Irish Times. Radio Bette by The Goat
Exchange is made possible with the kind support of Silvercrest Asset Management Group. Fair Play is
sponsored by Clinch Wealth Management. 10FOR10 is sponsored by Smurfit Westrock. Media Partners
are The Irish Times and RTÉ Supporting the Arts. With thanks to Olytico, Oriana B, The OPW, The
College Green Hotel Dublin and Maldron Hotels.
Dublin Theatre Festival
24 September to 11 October 2026
Priority booking is now open.
General on sale from 12 noon, 29 July
Tickets, programme and more information at dublintheatrefestival.ie
voices. Druid presents A Moon for the Misbegotten (The Gaiety Theatre), the sequel to Long Day's
Journey into Night, as part of its Strange Country: Ireland in America season, while Irish National Opera
stages Testament (The Gaiety Theatre), a haunting new opera by Tarik O'Regan with a libretto by Colm
Tóibín, adapted from his novella The Testament of Mary. ANU's Cyclone (1 Railway Court) is a blistering
new production piecing together the extraordinary, untold story of a man who left his mark on Dublin
forever.
Company Philip Connaughton and Once Off Productions present Rebellious Hope (Project Arts
Centre, Cube), bringing together seven internationally acclaimed dancers aged 46 to 86 with composer
and musician Mel Mercier for a live performance charged with urgency and defiance. Dan Colley adapts
the writing of Blindboyboatclub in the riotous and kaleidoscopic world premiere of ANIMALS (The Abbey
Theatre). In a reimagining of one of deaf playwright Teresa Deevy’s most celebrated radio plays, Dignity
(Project Arts Centre, Cube) sees Amanda Coogan, with Lianne Quigley and Alvean Jones, and
Dublin Theatre of the Deaf, invite audiences to follow bodies, movement and sign as they reveal what
happens beyond the reach of sound.
The 2026 Festival features 26 productions in all, with this year's Theatre for Children programme, in
partnership with The Ark, presenting two wonderful outdoor experiences: the Irish premieres of Bees
(Botanic Gardens) and Pram People (location to be announced) by acclaimed Australian company
Polyglot Theatre.
To encourage audience discovery, the Festival is shaped around four thematic pathways. The
Troublemakers showcases work that is bold, clear-eyed, rigorous and mischievous, rattling the frames of
the systems that bind us. Irish Icons celebrates many of Ireland's most loved theatre-makers alongside
reimagined classics and compelling new voices. The Matriarchy explores the world through a matrilineal
lens, while It's Complicated tries to make sense of the world around us in surprising, playful, imaginative
and thrilling ways.
Goan notes: “There is no single way through this Festival. Some productions will make you laugh, some
will challenge you, some will stay with you long after you've left the theatre. Whether you're discovering
Dublin Theatre Festival for the first time or you've been coming for decades, I hope you'll trust your
instincts, take a chance on something unexpected and leave having found a new favourite. That's the
magic of a festival. There's no single path through it, only the one you choose."
Festival Forum is a new format, giving audiences the opportunity to engage directly with artists and
delve deeper into the ideas, stories and themes behind this year's productions through thematic talks,
post-show discussions and tours, supported by Cultúr2026, the Cultural Programme for Ireland’s
Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Clinch Wealth Management continues to invest in
accessible theatre for all with their sponsorship of the Festival’s Fair Play commitment, supporting Irish
Sign Language interpreted, captioned, audio described, relaxed and adapted performances throughout
the Festival. A new partnership with Smurfit Westrock sees the Festival's 10FOR10 initiative expand,
making thousands of tickets available for €10 to people under 30, those who are unwaged, and freelance
artists and arts workers.Information and registration for both are available at dublintheatrefestival.ie.
Silvercrest Asset Management Group is supporting the world premiere of Radio Bette.
Show Business is the Festival platform that has long supported collaboration and connection between
Irish and international theatremakers. Alongside presentations, showcases, workshops and sectoral
discourse, this year’s programme will see Dublin Theatre Festival host the annual meeting of the
Creative Europe funded Prospero NEW Wave network, as part of Cultúr2026: Sharing Ireland’s
Culture, the Cultural Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The
programme is also supported by The Irish Times.
From intimate personal stories to large-scale theatrical spectacle, the 2026 programme embraces
complexity without losing sight of joy. Humour and hope sit alongside discomfort and revolt; playfulness
exists beside urgent questions about the world we share. Together, these productions invite audiences to
think deeper, feel more and see further.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Daryl Barron noted "Dublin Theatre Festival is one of the great
cultural cornerstones of our city, bringing world-class artists and audiences to Dublin while celebrating the
extraordinary talent we have here at home. Dublin City Council is delighted to continue investing in the
Festival through our Arts Office, recognising the vital role that arts and culture play in creating a vibrant,
welcoming and creative city. I am especially glad to see that the Festival continues to champion
accessibility through initiatives that help to remove financial and physical barriers so that more people can
experience the transformative power of live theatre."
Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals & Events at Fáilte Ireland said “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to support
the Dublin Theatre Festival. Festivals and events like this create memorable cultural experiences that
encourage visitors from Ireland and overseas to discover all that we have to offer across the country. Our
investment in the Dublin Theatre Festival strengthens Dublin’s appeal as a must-visit destination, while
contributing to local economic activity and the continued development of tourism in the Dublin region.”
Dublin Theatre Festival is principally funded by The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, with the support
of Dublin City Council. Grant aided by Fáilte Ireland, the European Union, Prospero New European Wave,
Culture Ireland, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Cultúr2026 - the Cultural
Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Production Partners are the
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dublin, Goethe Institut, Mediolanum, The Ark, Dublin North East
Inner City, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Longroom Hub and The Irish Times. Radio Bette by The Goat
Exchange is made possible with the kind support of Silvercrest Asset Management Group. Fair Play is
sponsored by Clinch Wealth Management. 10FOR10 is sponsored by Smurfit Westrock. Media Partners
are The Irish Times and RTÉ Supporting the Arts. With thanks to Olytico, Oriana B, The OPW, The
College Green Hotel Dublin and Maldron Hotels.
Dublin Theatre Festival
24 September to 11 October 2026
Priority booking is now open.
General on sale from 12 noon, 29 July
Tickets, programme and more information at dublintheatrefestival.ie