In 2016 Crooked House received Young Ensemble Scheme support from the Arts Council to develop a project with its youth theatre (Kildare Youth Theatre). The project explored the impact of migration in young people in Kildare. Using the metaphor of Shakespearian Venice, this new work tells stories of those left behind in the mass migration of the last decade, and throws some light on why the runaway Jessica says she is ‘never merry when I hear sweet music.’

Venetians is a collaboration between 13 young performers, theatre-maker Peter Hussey, musician Gary O’ Reilly, and mentors Bush Makourzel and Annie Ryan. It is part of Crooked House’s HSE funded ‘Wellbeing and Identity’ programme.

Kildare Youth Theatre is supported by Kildare County Council, Kildare & Wicklow ETB, and the Arts Council.