The Ark, the children's cultural centre based in Dublin's Temple Bar area, has launched a touring initiative that it calls "the Mobile Ark". The aim is bring the work of the centre to more children around Ireland.

The first Mobile Ark programme is Playing from the Heart, a play by Charles Way that tells the moving and often funny story of how young Evelyn Glennie lost her hearing, but gained the skills and the drive to become one of the world's leading percussionists. Directed by former Ark director Martin Drury, this high-energy production features plenty of music and dance and a top-notch cast.

The show was in Portlaoise last week, and today it opens for four days at Dra∅ocht, the arts centre in Blanchardstown, Dublin - including an evening performance on Thursday. After a return to the Ark for more daytime performances next week, it moves on to Siamsa T∅re Theatre in Tralee, Co Kerry, from November 27th to 29th, including an evening show on the 28th. It plays six daytime shows at the Everyman Palace, Cork, December 4th to 7th, then goes to the Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick, December 11th to 14th, including an evening show on the 13th.