Ali Roberston, a director and fringe theatre manager from London, has taken over as the new manager of the Granary Theatre - the small, beautifully constructed building on Cork's Mardyke which is a testament to UCC's commitment to the arts.
"I came fairly uncertain if this would be the right place for me. But the moment I stepped into the Granary, I realised it was one of the most excellent theatre spaces I had ever been in. I am very excited by the prospect of striking out into fresh waters in such a beautifully built theatre."
Mr Robertson (26) was a student at Oxford less than five years ago. "I remember quite clearly the slight differences, thrills and challenges that are inherent in student dramatics. I think I understand what the students are going through."
He believes that while the Granary is first and foremost a platform for student theatre, it has the potential to function also as a natural home for some of the smaller touring theatre groups.
"I want to see the Granary becoming part of the community, possibly commissioning plays of local relevance. I think it will take a little while to see massive results but I am confident that there are good times ahead."
As the Granary unveiled its spring season, he was able to show that some of his plans have already begun to work out. "I am delighted to tell you that following the worldwide tour of Disco Pigs, Corcadorca will be producing their first new show in over a year here at the Granary.
"It would be wonderful for this theatre to continue to attract groups of this calibre and start bringing truly exciting, innovative work to Cork.
"However, we must not lose sight of our educational roots - we must learn from the expertise that these groups bring, and funnel it back into the theatre. In this way, we can truly fulfil the potential of the Granary.
"We can provide the best of education to students and we can provide the widest range of exciting theatre to audiences both within UCC and beyond."
Corcadorca's new production - Misterman - will preview at the Granary on April 22nd and open there on April 26th.