Blindfolds are optional as Sightless Cinema returns to Laois

Following the success of their production ‘Blind Panic’ last year, Sightless Cinema are returning to Dunamaise Arts Centre in Portlaoise later this month. 

‘Home’ is a programme of audio shorts in surround sound, where all the pictures are in your head. Optional blindfolds are provided. 

The programme includes ‘The Committee’, a comedy by Laois Sightless Cinema, where Ballinagalt village Tractorfest committee is falling apart - can a hero emerge to save the village? The cast will also perform live on the night with Waiting, their comedy about a squeamish dad at the birth of his first child, creating all sound effects live in the style of the first radio dramas on the wireless. 

The event also features recorded and live audio plays, performed by casts of Sightless Cinema Network members from Meath and South Dublin. These include ‘Homeward Bound’, about when a mother dies leaving the family farm to two brothers, along with big questions to be answered, and a mountain to climb; and ‘Sleep’- a comedy set in a sleep study clinic, where insomniacs and sleepwalkers rule the night. 

Sightless Cinema Laois were delighted that ‘Are You Blind or What?’, a radio documentary about the group by Anne Marie Kelly of Midlands 103, was recently nominated for an IMRO Award. 

Since 2015 Sightless Cinema has presented eight original shows at venues including Lighthouse Cinema and IMC Cinema. Director Ciarán Taylor said “audiences really love being immersed in the sounds of the stories, and there’s great fun with the variety of pieces.”

Pictured above: Laois Sightless Cinema rehearsing for The Committee part of 'Home' programme of audio shorts.

Sightless Cinema Laois is funded by Creative Ireland Laois, Laois County Arts Office, Dunamaise Arts Centre and Rethink Ireland. 

Sightless Cinema returns to the Dunamaise Arts Centre Portlaoise on Thursday, October 17 at  7:30pm. Tickets cost €12/€8 and can be booked through by calling  057 866 3355 www.dunamaise.ie