DUBLIN

1981 - 1988, 1999 - 2008

OVERVIEW Operating Theatre was and avant garde musical and performance group which was active in 2 phases. The first (and most recognisable) of these phases was from 1981 to 1998. The project regrouped in 1999 and was active until 2008. The genesis of the group dates back to 1981 when instrumentalist Roger Doyle and vocalist Olwyn Fouere started to work together. From the outset, the pair were keen to explore the role of music in performance and how performance art could add to the musical experience. The band released a debut album, 'Rapid Eye Movements' in 1981. However, the composition of the tracks pre-dates the band itself and this release is sometimes credited to Roger Doyle. Over the years, the project's membership evolved. At the time of the release of its debut single 'Austrian' in 1981, Liam Stack, Tom Matthews and Jolyon Jackson were also part of the group. Indeed, they were also involved in second single 'Blue Light And Alpha Waves / Rampwalk' which followed a year later. However, they departed soon after this. The band released a new LP, 'Miss Mauger' in 1983. The group signed with Mother Records and released the single 'Queen Of No Heart' in 1986. By this time the line up of the band featured Roger and Olwyn with Sean Devitt on drums and Elena Lopez os vocalist/backing vocalist. Intersting, Bono played guitar on 'Queen Of No Heart' and was executive producer on the overall release. The group disbanded in 1988. Roger went on to release a large body of solo work over the years. The project was revived in 1999 and ran until 2008. There are no releases from this period. 2012 saw the release of the 'Strange Fruit' compilation of Irish post-punk, DIY and electronic music. The record featured two tracks by Operating Theatre - 'Austrian' and 'Eighties Rampwalk. That year also saw the release of 'The Early Years' album which chronicled the first phase of the band's existence. 1981 - Band formed - Release of 'Rapid Eye Movements' album - Release of 'Austrian' single 1982 - Release of 'Blue Light And Alpha Waves / Rampwalk' single - Liam Stack, Tom Matthews and Jolyon Jackson leave the project 1983 - Release of 'Miss Mauger' album 1986 - Release of 'Queen Of No Heart' single 1988 - Group disbanded 1999 - Band reassemble 2008 - Release of '1980 - 2008' album - Group disbanded 2012 - Release of 'The Early Years' album - The 'Strange Fruit' compilation features two tracks by Operating Theatre - 'Austrian' and 'Eighties Rampwalk'