Faces of Galway 93/100

Meet Noeline from Renmore.

E.E. Cummings said "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." Noeline must then by described as courageous because when you meet the Macnas Artistic Director, there is no doubt as to who Noeline is.  Mesmerising, engaging, intriguing, energetic, physical, and fun.

We met while she was rehearsing with the Macnas Young Ensemble for one of their performances in the Galway Theatre Festival. Noeline is a very physical presence in the rehearsal space. She follows the actors around, showing them how to move and use the space. Her intensity is infectious. When she speaks everyone listens, hanging on her every word, and with good reason. From watching the rehearsal for a short time it is obvious that Noeline has a vision for every character, every prop and every aspect of the show. When it works, she beams, her passion in the production shines through. The intensity is broken with a joke and positive feedback. 

As a person Noeline seems to have the same intensity; she bounces as she speaks, is tactile in her approach and speaks with enthusiasm about her role in Macnas. At the age of 10 Noeline was inspired by Els Comediants when they performed in the streets of Galway. With a love of poetry, mythology and music, her leadership of Macnas helps to continue to bring it from strength to strength. The engagement of each character with the audience, whether on the street or in a traditional theatre surroundings is paramount to Noeline. Working with the young ensemble ensures she is constantly up to date with what the next generation is engaged with, and this allows her to her all the performances fresh. Noeline has big plans for Macnas and is already planning the 2020 performance. We can't wait to see what the next few years bring!

If you would like to know more about Macnas or even get involved, click here.