2 Pianos 4 Hands, presented by StageWorks Corporation in association with Black Swan Theatre Company, opens at the Regal Theatre on April 22 and runs until May 13. In the wake of PIAF's huge financial loss, Sean Doran firmly maintains it was an artistic success. The Dublin production of The Weir and the aerial ballet by Les Arts Sauts came in second and third respectively as all-time festival box office hits. They follow the Royal Shakespeare Company which over the years continues to rate number one. The lack of support for the film season came as a shock to festival organisers who, in the past, have regarded it as the safe stable.
Festivals take risks.
The trick is to balance those risks with balancing the books. By the year 2003 we will have affected the changes and we'll be operating within our budget. A new management team will be set the task of improving relations with sponsors. Local productions were very well received this year and the festival is determined to maintain its commitment to local artists. Doran is heading overseas shortly to attract a new batch of overseas acts.