The Morrigan’s Call
Date: 28 October 2025 - 30 October 2025
Venue: Bishops Street, Derry
The performance will be an original, immersive, processional, and site-specific theatrical event directed by Giuliano Campo, featuring 30+ Drama Ulster University students as performers (20), and crew (10). It will draw on the festival of Samhain, the ancient Irish festival marking the transition from the light half of the year to the dark half, where the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.
The performance will be an original, immersive, processional, and site-specific theatrical event directed by Giuliano Campo, featuring 30+ Drama Ulster University students as performers (20), and crew (10). It will draw on the festival of Samhain, the ancient Irish festival marking the transition from the light half of the year to the dark half, where the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest.
Concept
The performance will weave together a series of mythological encounters drawn from Irish folklore, creating an interactive, ambulatory, and educational theatre experience. Spectators will follow the performance through different locations in the city, encountering legendary figures and moments from Irish mythology.
Key Themes and Stories (examples)
· The Morrígan and the Phantom Warriors – The battle goddess, often appearing as a raven or crow, summons spirits of fallen warriors to warn of the coming winter.
· The Aos Sí Procession – The audience will witness the fairy folk emerging from the mounds, dancing and tricking mortals who dare to cross their path.
· The Tale of Oíche Shamhna (Samhain Night) – A re-enactment of classic Samhain myths, including the Headless Horseman (Dullahan), the banshee’s wail, and the return of the dead.
· The Legend of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Sluagh – The spectral host of the restless dead is unleashed, and Fionn must use his wit to guide the living through the chaos.