New theatre show about living on Mars
‘Diary of a Martian Beekeeper’ is the third science theatre show by Irish engineer, scientist and performer Dr Niamh Shaw, which is opening at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, this week.
The show is set in an imagined future with Niamh living on Mars as a member of Crew 173, a long-duration mission to investigate new ways of growing food on this arid world. As their two-year mission comes to an end, one crucial experiment remains for Niamh. But will she overcome her personal struggles or put the whole crew and the mission in danger?
This is a highly visual exploration of the future of humans in space, inspired by the concepts of human missions to Mars, interplanetary civilisations, testimonies of ESA employees and Niamh’s personal interest in space.
Coinciding with Engineers Week 2018, this show emerged from collaboration between ESA and CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, where Niamh is their artist in residence.
Awarded project funding from Science Foundation Ireland and ESERO Ireland, Niamh began working with the ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in 2017, where she was provided access to see the work of the centre and record interviews with ESA engineers, scientists and astronauts (excerpts of which are included in the production).
Niamh Shaw said, “The play is rooted in truth and science, but will inspire and open the imaginations and hearts of the audience.”
Diary of a Martian Beekeeper runs 13-16 March at Smock Alley Theatre Dublin. Further details and booking here.
