The performing arts in Northern Ireland laid a firm foundation for a bright new future today, with the unveiling of a ‘Threshold Stone’ by Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney to celebrate the start of construction on the Lyric Theatre’s new state-of-the-art home on its Ridgeway street site in Belfast.
Speaking at the event, which took place in the open on the recently-laid foundations of the new building, Seamus Heaney said, “The renovation of the Lyric Theatre is a reminder of the vital artistic achievement in the past and the promise of ongoing creative vigour in the future. The renewal of the fabric of the building stands for the kind of social and psychic renewal that the entire community aspires to. The Lyric has engaged with the life of its society and performed the classic Shakespearean task to provide ‘the abstract and brief chronicles of the time’. I am honoured that words from my poem will appear on the Threshold Stone and I add my voice to the chorus of congratulation.”
Today’s event mirrored another symbolic occasion in the Lyric’s rich history. In June 1965, supporters of the Lyric Players gathered on the very same site to lay the Foundation Stone of the original theatre. They included a young up and coming poet, Seamus Heaney, who recited a new poem, ‘Peter Street at Bankside’, specially written for that occasion. Forty-four years on, a stanza from this poem has been engraved in the Threshold Stone which will mark the main entrance to the new theatre, scheduled to open in 2011.
Assembled guests at today’s event, which was hosted by Lyric actor Dan Gordon, also enjoyed poetry from Michael Longley and a solo cello performance by Neil Martin. Internationally acclaimed playwright Brian Friel, who celebrates his 80th birthday this year and has had a long association with the Lyric, sent a personal message of good wishes for the future, which was read out by actress Geraldine Hughes. Friel noted that: “A new theatre can be the most exciting building in any city. It can be the home of miracles and epiphanies and revelations and renovations. And building a new theatre - especially in times like these - is both an act of fortitude and a gesture of faith in your community.”
Welcoming guests to this major milestone event, Mark Carruthers, Lyric Chairman, said, “The unveiling of this Threshold Stone is a statement of intent for the Lyric’s future. In our new home we can introduce more people to live theatre than ever before and we can stage world class productions of important work in a way that, up to now, we might only have dreamed of. Today we truly are on the threshold of something wonderful.”
The Lyric launched plans for its new theatre in 2003 and embarked on a major fundraising campaign. To date, over 95% of the £18 million project costs has been secured, with a final £800,000 still to be raised to pay for fit-out and equipment. The project has attracted significant capital investment from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and a wide range of private philanthropists and corporate sponsors, many of whom were represented at today’s event.
Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Nelson McCausland said, “It is essential to nurture the wealth of artistic talent which we have here in Northern Ireland and investment in culture and arts brings many dividends. There is the benefit which investment brings in relation to physical, economic and social regeneration. There is also the impact on the economy, the tourism industry and an enhanced quality of life for all. I am fully supportive of the work of the Lyric Theatre. It has acted as a springboard for many famous artists over the years and I am confident that the new Lyric will maintain its tradition of developing new local talent and producing the stars of tomorrow.”
Rosemary Kelly OBE, Chairman of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “Over the last 40 years the Lyric has provided an outstanding cultural programme for audiences, generating some of the most stimulating and groundbreaking theatre ever seen in Ireland. The opening of the Lyric’s new building in 2011 will mark a much anticipated new chapter in the theatre’s history. The improved venue will meet the growing demands of local audiences, bringing the theatre’s facilities up to an international standard and providing Belfast with an outstanding new drama space which it can truly be proud of.”
Lord Mayor, Cllr Naomi Long added, “I applaud the contribution which the Lyric Theatre has already made to arts, culture and community development throughout our city and across Northern Ireland. By supporting the exciting future for this landmark building, Belfast City Council is taking action today which will become tomorrow’s legacy. This project is a wonderful example of how we can strive to achieve my vision of a Belfast without barriers where everyone, whatever their background, can embrace the diversity of our city’s cultural offering.”
