Macnas

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Macnas, based at the black box theatre in Galway, is Ireland's leading performance company and was founded in 1985. Its public performances are noted for exuberance, colour and spectacle. The company has singlehandedly changed the nature of public entertainment in Ireland and has spawned many imitators. Founded in 1986 the company has performed in over 20 countries across the globe. They toured alongside U2 as part of the Zooropa tour in 1993. In an incredible display of organisation Macnas simultaneously rang in the new millenium in three different cities; Galway (Eyre Square), Dublin (Merrion Square) and New York (Times Square). Macnas 'control' is spread across three different locations in Galway city. Administration mainly takes place in The 'Black Box', construction at two workshops near NUIG and finally a warehouse in Ballybane (the largest space where large-scale construction takes place). Macnas parades form the centre-point of Halloween, St Patrick's Day and Art Festival festivities in Galway cities. Massive crowds gather to witness the events, often resulting in overcrowding of the main city street. Macnas also set up a tangent company 'Macteo'. Macteo has since changed ownership.