Ballycastle born Garth McConaghie is the composer, sound designer and musical director for Cahoots NI’s latest immersive magical digital theatre experience.
The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.
In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Garth is part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.
Garth’s best known for his work as the musical director for hit TV show Derry Girls.
Speaking of his involvement in the production Garth said: “The University of Wonder and Imagination is innovative and adaptive to the times we find ourselves in.
“People can’t go to the theatre just now, So, we’re bringing the theatre to them.
“The fact that we are pushing technical boundaries in exploring new ways to tell stories and present theatre.
“It’s hopefully fun and exciting, with moments of wonder and lots of heart.”
The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.
And whilst he’s excited about the show Garth, 42, is no stranger to working with Cahoots.
“I first worked for Cahoots 16 years ago, way back in 2004, but I’ve been working with them very regularly since I wrote the music for their wonderful show, Egg, in 2011,” he explained.
“I like working with Cahoots because they’re a world class children’s theatre company, who make shows which are as good as, or better, than any other children’s theatre companies in the world.
“And the fact that they’re based here in N. Ireland is something we can all be very proud of.
“Their work often tours in America, Asia and elsewhere and, besides all the wonderful magic, storytelling and mesmerising imagery they create, there is an artistic honesty and genuine, huge heart at the centre of all of their work.”
Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.
Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.
Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.
“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.
“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.
“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”
The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.
“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.”
Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI