The Goo 1
Clubbing SARAH O’SULLIVAN WE’VE BEEN VERY LUCKY T
HAT WE’VE FOUND OUR CROWD WHO ARE SOUND AS FUCK RATHAUS ... is a collective at the epicentre for freedom of expression, great music, art, and forming connections in Dublin. This glittering, underground circus attracts people from all walks of life by creating a sanctuary for people to be unapologetically themselves. In Ireland, we often have a mentality that focuses heavily on generational norms and behaviour stemming from what is “proper” and respectable. I caught up with the founder and organiser Michal to find out how he has been running one of the most successful nights in Dublin. Something that has always stood out to me is the amazing outfits at your events. How do you create a space where people feel so comfortable being themselves? I think there are many factors but since day one we’ve aimed for Rathaus to be a space for everyone, we wanted to start a party that was focused on zero judgement/discrimination. We always try our best to make Rathaus a safe space by covering cameras, putting up house rules around the venue, in event descriptions, and briefing the security and staff about the ethos of Rathaus. It can be difficult because most venues use security companies that sometimes PAGE 32 send out random security who aren’t always willing to work with us. We really have to thank Brian who is head of security at The Sound House for always looking after us and helping us create a safe environment. We also have a no-photo policy - we cover everyone’s camera with a sticker on entry. We do however have our photographer who takes portraits of people who want to be photographed. While I am very much for a no-photo policy I think it’s nice to give people the option to have their picture taken especially when they’ve gone through all the effort of putting together extravagant costumes. We’ve also been doing a bit of demarketing - small things that would put some people off coming, for example, our flamboyant promo videos, penis-shaped stickers on arrival, and having a drag queen at the door to put off any potential bowsies from coming in, because if any of these make you uncomfortable you probably won’t have fun at Rathaus. In a way though I also just think we’ve been very lucky that we’ve found our crowd who are sound as fuck. When I think of Rathaus I always remember the signs, it adds an element of activism to the nights and mirrors the thoughts of many young Irish people. How did the signs get started? Were they in the original concept when Rathaus was coming to fruition? We started doing the signs at Pride last year and they’ve become a part of every party