Waterford's Viking Past to come roaring back to life

Waterford Youth Arts together with companies of performers and makers from Stella Polaris Opplevelser (Norway) and Teatr Brama (Poland) have unveiled the spectacle, 'Dream of the Shaman - A Ritual by Norse Vikings.

Directed by Per Spildra Borg on Friday, July 31, the performance will be unveiled at Waterford Spraoi. 

Expect fire, acrobatics, masked animal dances and ancient Nordic rituals.

Young performers from three countries will take over the streets of the city to tell the story of Ragnall ua Imair, grandson of Ivar the Boneless, who is said to have founded Waterford City in 914. 

'Dream of the Shaman' directed for Spraoi is a production by a three-country partnership led by Stella Polaris enabled by Bufdir, Erasmus+ national agency in Norway.

It brings together young people from Poland, Ireland and Norway to work together over 24 months to undergo practices that culminate with performances in three countries, exploring commonalities, shared heritage and connection.

A spokesperson for those behind the initiative said the project is organised by Stella Polaris in partnership with Waterford Youth Arts (Ireland) and Teatr Brama (Poland). 

Waterford is said to have been founded by Ragnall ua Imair in Waterford City in 914 and for Spraoi, the Vikings are coming back!

“We are excited to bring Dream of the Shaman to audiences for Spraoi," commented Sandra Kelly of Waterford Youth Arts.

“It’s wonderful as a company of Waterford performers to get the opportunity to collaborate with these performers, musicians and makers," she added.

"This performance comes following another production just recently in Norway where the partners performed for audiences at the waters edge in Sandefjord”. 

She said the project also presented a wonderful opportunity for young people to travel, meet, learn and immerse in different cultures.

Following the performances at Spraoi, preparations begin for Poland, where the partners will be hosted by the skills and experience of Teatr Brama in Goleniov next year. 

“We’ve had a lot of support and help from Spraoi with this production," said Sandra. 

"We’re grateful to Déise Medieval and lots of others locally who have put their shoulder to the wheel with us," she added.

"The young people are really excited to be part of the magic of Spraoi”.

Get there early, bring the family, and watch Waterford's Viking past come roaring back to life. 

The performance will take place on Friday, July 31, at 9.45pm in Barrandstrand Street.

It will be a free event and those behind the project expressed gratitude to their partners and funders for making the international collaboration possible.

Those partners include Stella Polaris (Norway); Teatr Brama (Poland); Waterford Youth Arts (Ireland) and funding was provided by: Erasmus+; The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon; Waterford City and County Council; WWETB Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board.