Playboy Riot Protection Structure, 2005

Scaffold, polycarbonate, vinyl adhesive stickers, hi-viz jackets, foam tubing
approx. 200 x 200 x 600 cm

The work makes reference to the riots that occurred after the first performance of The Playboy of the Western World at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin in 1907, pointing to the explosive reaction that was provoked by the meeting of old perceptions and new perspectives of an apparently shared cultural tradition. The architectural elements are taken from the façade of the Abbey theatre from the early 20th century.

The work was made for the public art exhibition “Strata”, held at Strata Florida Abbey, Pontrhydfendigaid, Wales 19/6/05 – 2/7/05 and Kells Priory, Kells, Ireland and 14/8/05 – 28/0/05. Strata was curated by Ann Mulrooney and Tim Davies.

It was also shown at Nun’s Island Studio, Galway 26/09/05 – 22/10/05 as part of a solo exhibition at Galway Arts Centre.