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The studios of Waterford’s street-theatre company Spraoi have been transformed into a shipyard. Hundreds of metres of steel are being cut, shaped and welded into a replica steam-ship ‘The Iron Tide’. She will sail on her maiden voyage along the quays of the historic port city as part of this year’s Spraoi Festival on the night of Sunday, August 3rd. Over 50,000 are expected to attend when ‘The Iron Tide’ takes to the tarmac rather than the waves. The show is inspired by Waterford shipbuilding in the 1800’s.
Nineteenth century Waterford was a significant centre of ship-building. Steam-ships launched in the city traded throughout the world. Indeed in the mid- nineteen century the largest steamship fleet was owned and run by the Malcolmson family whose head office was located on Adelphi Quay.
Waterford audiences have grown accustomed to the Spraoi Parade, consisting of numerous smaller floats closing the annual street-theatre festival. This year all of Spraoi’s efforts have gone into creating a super-scale piece of work. There will also be companion pieces, fixed performance structures, at intervals along the Quay. Each of these will have their own cast, and the same scenario will be enacted on each stage as the ship sails by.
There is a palpable sense of mission with this particular show for Spraoi. The company clearly wants to break new ground artistically. But with the choice of material it’s obvious the company want their audience to identify with Spraoi’s future through the City’s past. With this back to the future approach Spraoi is almost certain to open a chapter of Waterford history that is unknown to most of their audience.
‘The Iron Tide’ will sail from The Tower Hotel at approximately 9.30 p.m. on Sunday August 3rd, bound for Rice Bridge.
TIPS FOR VIEWING:
Remember, one side of the Quay only is available as a viewing area, the riverside will be closed off. But the whole show is happening well above head height, so everyone will be able to see.
Five stages will be in position on the Quay, please refer to map below for their location. The same scenario will be enacted on each stage so there is no need to move from one stage to the next.
The Quay is closed to vehicular traffic from 6pm to midnight. Members of the public who leave their cars in the carparks on the Quay are asked to note they will not be able to exit these carparks until after midnight. People are advised to walk into town, if possible.
There will be three fixed ambulance points along the route, and the stewards will guide you to any of these if required.
There will be a specially cordoned off area for the physically disabled and those with special needs between Bailey’s New Street and Greyfriars. Make sure to get there by 8.30pm, however, as there is no vehicular access to this area after 8.30pm.
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