The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival gets underway at the start of May, offering up two weeks of the finest theatre for your delectation!

The 13th edition of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival takes place from 2nd to 15th May, in a variety of venues throughout the city.

This is a special year for the world’s largest gay theatre festival, as firstly, it will witness its 3,500th performance, and secondly, it commemorates the lesbian and gay heroes of 1916 alongside modern day heroes too, with guests from Russia and Iran making their festival debut.

At the recent launch of the festival, Brian Merriman, who founded the event in 2004, said “We are delighted to once again host the world’s biggest and most diverse LGBT Theatre Festival from May Bank Holiday for two weeks in this commemorative year. 2016 not only allows us commemorate the contribution of gay people to the freedom of Ireland as a republic, but the many people who led the way to a more equal world for LGBT people.”

He continued “This is our thirteenth year staging new and diverse theatre, welcoming artists and audiences regardless of their sexual identity. Everyone is welcome in this unique festival of theatre.”

Minister of State for New Communities, Culture & Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, also at the launch, said “This of course is a very special year for our country and as we reflect on the last 100 years and all of the positive things that we have achieved. We need only cast our eyes back to last May, to when we became the first country in the world to vote Yes to marriage equality, to see how far we have come as a nation.”

From adult drama to cabaret to comedy, the festival explore the loves, desires and lives of LGBT people from the four corners of the globe. Some of the highlights of the programme over the two weeks include:-

Bellelen Helen of Troy – A Greek Beauty Reveals Her True Self
2nd – 7th, May @ 7:30pm; Matinees 2nd & 7th May @ 2:30pm

A pole-dancer enthrals a lustful group of men with her dance…but she is more than she seems. This is legendary beauty Helen of Troy, transformed into a trans Greek migrant escaping economic chaos. As she performs, she will reveal her true self to her audience…

Botox Angels – Feminism, Sexuality, Power, Art
2nd – 7th, May @ 9pm; Matinee 7th May @ 4pm

In a fascinating piece full of surprises three women explore their sexuality, bodies, power relationships, feminism, philosophy, iconic female artists. Funny, erotic, dark, cerebral, physical … this play has it all!

Straightened Out – A Musical Celebration of (Equal) Love
6th & 7th, May @ 10:15pm

Martin P. Koob (pictured above) brings us on a musical journey celebrating love and love songs. Enjoy a glass of wine and give in to romance at this late-night weekend show at the Cobalt Cafe.

Waking Beauty – The Story of a Girl Who Wanted More
2nd – 7th, May @ 9pm; Matinees 2nd & 7th May @ 4pm

A little girl is raised to believe that happiness comes from her looks and being chosen to be loved one day by a man… But what if a girl demands more? This romantic drama reveals both hidden heroes and alternative happy endings.

Erect But Unstable – Multi-Faceted Comedy about Queer Love
9th – 14th, May @ 7:30pm; Matinee 14th May @ 2:30pm

This gem from Canada explores queer love and sexuality through multiple monologues. Don’t miss this award-winning comedy drama.

F*cking Men – A Portrayal of Male Desire
9th – 14th, May @ 7:30pm; Matinee 14th May @ 2:30pm

Three gorgeous men star in this smash-hit play from London’s King’s Head Theatre. A look at the erotic encounters of 10 men searching for sexual satisfaction.

5 Guys Chillin’ – True Stories of Drugs, Hook-ups and Grindr
9th – 14th, May @ 9pm; Matinee 14th May @ 4pm

This graphic and gripping play also from the King’s Head Theatre explores real stories of real men from the world of ‘Chemsex’, Grindr and instant gratification…

The 13th edition of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival gets underway on Monday, 2nd May, running until Sunday, 15th May.  Tickets vary in price depending on performance, and may be reserved online.

We will leave the last word to Brian Merriman, “It is a great cause for celebration that Dublin is the recognised worldwide centre for the celebration of the LGBT identity through theatre as an art form”.

All images courtesy International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival; photo of Martin P. Koob by Lothar Silbe