DAF Trucks Ireland, the exclusive distributor of the world-leading DAF Trucks brand to the Irish market, has supplied Dublin’s Gate Theatre with the long-term loan of a 18T truck for use in their most recent production.

The devastating impact of Covid-19 on the performing arts sector has been well documented but creative people come up with creative solutions which is precisely the case with Gate Theatre’s latest production In Middletown.

In MiddleTown is a remarkable new solo show, commissioned and produced by the Gate Theatre, and created and performed by Irish Times Theatre Award winner Mikel Murfi. Performed outdoors on the back of the specially adapted truck to strictly limited audiences, it is touring towns and communities across the island of Ireland this summer.

With the entire show set and staged on the back of a truck, obtaining a vehicle was a primary objective for the Gate Theatre. When DAF Trucks Ireland were approached to see if they could support the endeavour, they were delighted to take part, as DAF Trucks Ireland Managing Director, Simon Teevan explained: “We were really struck by what the Gate Theatre had set out to achieve, showing innovation and resilience in the face of tremendous challenges. To be able to play our part in getting this production off the ground through the loan of one our demonstrator vehicles was something we were all too happy to support with.”

In the show, Murfi plays a furniture removals man, in the middle of his life, living in the middle of a small town. One day, instead of helping a neighbour move, he drives to his own house, packs up his ‘life’ onto the back of his truck, pulls the door behind him and never goes back.

The truck becomes his world, turning into places he thought he would never see or visit. He is a man moving on, neither here nor there, to both everywhere and nowhere.

In MiddleTown is a brilliantly imaginative, gentle reflection on ‘living in the middle’, and the search for solitude, simplicity, and the things that make us truly happy. It’s a magical, timely, and heartfelt piece for the times we live in.

DAF Trucks Ireland is part of the OHM Group and the opening night was attended by OHM Group Director, Conal McCourt, who met with Selina Cartmell, Director/CEO of the Gate Theatre. Cartmell commented, “It’s been such a joy to see audiences enjoying live theatre once again and we’re incredibly grateful to DAF Trucks Ireland for their support in making that happen.”

In MiddleTown Tour:

Thursday, July 22nd to Saturday, July 24th: PAVILION THEATRE, DÚN LAOGHAIRE

Tuesday, July 27th: TOWN HALL THEATRE, GALWAY

Thursday, July 29th: glór, ENNIS

Thursday, August 5th: LIME TREE THEATRE, LIMERICK

Saturday, August 7th: DUNAMAISE, PORTLAOISE

Tuesday, August 10th: BACKSTAGE THEATRE, LONGFORD

Thursday, August 12th: AN GRIANÁN, LETTERKENNY

Saturday, August 14th: HAWK’S WELL, SLIGO

The Gate Theatre is supported by the Arts Council.