Selina Cartmell to step down as artistic director of Gate Theatre

Selina Cartmell will step down as artistic director and chief executive of the Gate Theatre, the theatre announced on Thursday.

Ms Cartmell will leave the position following the completion of her five-year term, but will remain in position until March next year. Until then, she will deliver two shows.

Ms Cartmell succeeded Michael Colgan, who stepped down as director in 2016 after 33 years in the post.

Speaking on her time at the Gate, she said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead the Gate, and to work with so many great Irish and international artists to make such an array of productions for this beautiful theatre. It has been five rollercoaster years of which I’m hugely proud. We have managed unprecedented challenges which have put a significant burden on our team and resources.”

Glue: A dark, unusual, timely play that pulls no punches

---

Bang!: Impressive exploration of complex themes of gender and identity

---

Night Dances: Raucous, loud and sweaty, this is a thrilling hour of relentless dancing and music

---

During her time at the Gate, Ms Cartmell produced 11 world premieres including seven Irish premieres of contemporary writing, along with productions of The Great Gatsby, Hamlet, The Snapper and A Christmas Carol.

Gender balance

Also during Ms Cartmell’s time at the theatre, gender balance improved from 8 per cent to 82 per cent for directors, while the number of female creatives engaged by the theatre doubled.

The theatre reopened in September having been closed since March 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

Following the announcement, chairman for the Gate Peter Crowley said: "On behalf of the entire board of the Gate, I would like to thank Selina for her tremendous artistic achievements over the past five years and wish her the very best in her future endeavours."

“Selina’s championing of female directors, actors and other artists radically changed the way in which the Gate produces theatre for the better.”