Macnas present Gilgamesh, a 22-minute short from the master storytellers in spectacle.

A Galway 2020 European City of Culture commission, Gilgamesh was shot on location around Ireland in early 2021 and is inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh - the oldest surviving work of world literature; an epic poem with themes of love, power and death that are relevant to the present day.  Firmly rooted in the landscapes of Ireland, this is a beautiful Macnas-infused interpretation of an ancient story, the first ever hero’s journey written over 3,000 years ago.   

The award-winning creative team includes playwright Marina Carr, cinematographer 

Colm Hogan, co- designers Julian Crouch and Orla Clogher, costume designer 

Cherie White, music and sound design Nick Powell, joined by a stellar team of local artists and makers who all collaborated to shapeshift and translate this mythical story for a whole new audience.  Gilgamesh is directed by Noeline Kavanagh with a cast that includes Curtis-Lee Ashqar as Gilgamesh, Aaron Edo as Enkidu, Maeve Fitzgerald as Ninsun, Ella Lily Hyland as Shamhat, Úna Kavanagh as Ishtar, San Shella as Enlil and Sean McGinley as Uta. 

Gilgamesh brings the magical large-scale images and stunning artistry of the internationally acclaimed spectacle theatre company Macnas to the screen for the very first time to reveal a story which explores the fundamental themes of why we exist and how we exist as human beings – leadership, love, power, death and environmental crisis – to an international audience. Join Macnas to be immersed in another world, from the majestic city of Uruk and the bogs and deserts of earth, to the realm of the Gods. All represented by the spectacular landscape of Ireland.  

Gilgamesh is commissioned by Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture.

Executive Producer is Artichoke. 

Primary Funder: Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture

Public Funding Partners: The Arts Council, Galway City Council, Galway County Council. 

Main Sponsor for Gilgamesh and Macnas Community Partner for 2020: AIB Bank 

Partners: Smyths Toys, Connacht Hospitality Group, PWC, The Latin Quarter Galway, Acorn Insurance.