The new €14 million Mill Theatre at Dundrum town centre opened last night with Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer prize-winning play Our Town.
President Mary McAleese attended the play at the 250-seater venue staged by five local drama societies. The theatre has 206 seats in its main auditorium and 50 seats in a lounge area along with a cafe and bar, two rehearsal rooms and two art exhibition spaces.
"The Mill is a purpose-built arts centre in the heart of Dundrum town centre that will offer a programme encompassing all the arts and will appeal to the people of all ages," said theatre manager Stephen Falloon. It will feature not only community drama but also professional touring and Dublin theatre companies, Mr Falloon said.
Local drama groups will have use of the theatre for 12 weeks each year. Theatrical societies involved in the production of Our Town are Ballally Players, Glencullen Musical and Drama Society, Rathfarnham Theatre Group, Taney Players and the Sandyford Players.
The theatre was funded by the developers Crossridge Investments.