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Saturday, January 15, 2005

01/15/05 - Arts Ireland

Arts Ireland :: January, 2005 :: Issue No.82 Arts Ireland, from Irish Emigrant Publications, is a monthly summary of news and reviews of the latest in Irish theatre, film, visual art, performance and much more. Comments and questions are welcome by email to oonagh@emigrant.ie. It can also be viewed on our web pages at www.emigrant.ie. CONTENTS: REVIEW: Music REM's Around the Sun, by Peter Gavin THEATRE NEWS Who, What and Where of Abbey still a Mystery The 'must see' biggest event of Cork 2005 Little Red Kettle hailed for radio drama series Berkoff makes first Cork appearance in 'Shakespeare's Villains' FILM NEWS Irish Film Schools Film Competition Irish Television "Scrooge like" to domestic film industry Increased funding for Irish Film Board VISUAL ARTS NEWS Leitrim Sculpture Centre seeks Director Community Projects announced for Cork 2005/Credit Union Residencies Bringing art to Dublin's docklands Invitation to Exhibit - The Cork Art Fair MUSIC NEWS Rhys-Meyers kicks off 150 years for Cork Opera House Cork finds its voice with OPERA 2005 The Contemporaries Concert Series Spring Season Music Review: REM's Around the Sun, by Peter Gavin DANCE NEWS Daghdha move into New Home at No.1 Rings around Cork with Daghdha's "Iris" GENERAL NEWS Irish Bursaries 2005 Closing Date is January 21 Here comes the Incredible Opening of Cork 2005! Arts Council Funds 297 organisations in 2005 Lochlann Quinn receives Business2Arts Award CLASSIFIEDS Gifts for Irish Abroad Professional Services Property Sale/Rental Travel Services WHAT'S ON ABROAD Geraldine Hughes' "Belfast Blues" opens in New York Netherlands - Theatre Workshops by Dympna Donnelly Irish films at 2005 Wurzburg International Film Festival WHAT'S ON IRELAND Exhibitions Theatre Music Festivals Publisher's note: Sorry for the delay in delivering this edition. Oonagh delivered the content in good time but, due to staffing shortages, preparing the HTML version took longer than anticipated — some of the references to the opening of Cork 2005 are therefore a little dated.... Liam Ferrie ___________________ You've made it through the Christmas frenzy, and now a frenzy of quite another proportion has hit Ireland. Cork 2005 is just around the corner and the city is buzzing with excitement as artists and performers from all over Ireland and Europe converge on the city. As a native Corkonian I don't buy into all that twaddle that says that we are the real Capital. No we're not, but we are a force to be reckoned with. However I think sometimes we spend too long discussing how great we are and not enough time looking at what we could improve on. What this one Corker is hoping is that during the course of the year Cork will discover an entirely new way of viewing the world and our place within it. This is a New Ireland, and it's high time we grabbed the olive branch, accepted the changing faces of our co-inhabitants and realised that there has never been a better time to be alive. Oonagh Montague, Editor THEATRE NEWS Who, What and Where of Abbey still a Mystery The Abbey Theatre is in a state of chassis these times. From geography to politics all is yet to be resolved. Minister O'Donoghue has said that he is still not in a position to announce a new location for the Abbey Theatre. The preferred site was to be the Coláiste Mhuire site at Parnell Square. In order to provide the necessary footprint to meet the accommodation brief of the Abbey theatre, the purchase of an adjacent site would have been necessary. The Office of Public Works has not been able to conclude a contract with the vendor of this site at what it considered a fair market price. The Minister has now requested his officials to consider, as a matter of urgency, in consultation with the Office of Public Works and the Abbey theatre, the viability of progressing the development on the existing Coláiste Mhuire site. There have also been some significant changes to the Abbey's board. Board member John McColgan is stepping down, Bernard Farrell already having left in August. Farrell, who has now served his full term as board member, must be replaced by a playwright in accordance with board policy. McColgan, who had served for four years prior to the Abbey's centenary, originally agreed to extend his term by one year in order to chair the fundraising committee for abbeyonehundred. He confirms that the board is now in the process of appointing replacements, with stage director John Stapleton already drawn from the 32-member Abbey council to replace box office manager Pauline Morrison, who also steps down. Work is also underway, McColgan states, to expand the board beyond its allotment of nine members and to "broaden the talent and experience base and have more practitioners from the world of theatre on the board". While the board broadens its artistic makeup, the title of the theatre's chief executive has been shortened, with the word "artistic" dropped from recent advertisements seeking a replacement for Ben Barnes. The board's decision to advertise simply for a new "director", McColgan says, reflects "a desire to signal changes, and the fact that it is not necessary that that person be a theatre director. It can be somebody who has proven expertise in the world of theatre: a producer, an entrepreneur". It does not, however, signal a rescinding of the director's control over the theatre's programming and artistic policy. Following October's report by the Working Group on restructuring the theatre chaired by Des Geraghty, it is McColgan's understanding that the Abbey's restructuring will involve returning to 2003 staffing levels before the abbeyonehundred influx of new personnel. This will result in a loss of about 12 jobs, forcing areas such as the Literary and Outreach departments to function with reduced staff. Contrary to the widely reported fact that commissioning manager Jocelyn Clarke was to depart at the end of October at the cessation of his contract, Clarke received a last minute, one-year extension of his contract. The director of the Peacock, Ali Curran, has also accepted a similar extension. *********** The 'must see' biggest event of Cork 2005 In association with Cork 2005, Corcadorca, Ireland's brilliant premier site specific theatre company hosts "RELOCATION! RELOCATION" with four leading theatre companies from the four corners of Europe transformiing Cork City into the dramatic backdrop for a series of ground breaking premieres. With productions ranging from the epic to the intimate, Corcadorca from Ireland, Compagnie Jo Bithume from France, Grid Iron of Scotland, and Poland's Teatr Biuro Podrozy will take over unexpected sites around Cork City in what promises to be one of the most exciting projects in Irish theatre history. From May 20-25 Teatr Biuro Podrozy of Poland, renowned for the global phenomenon Carmen Funebre, will re-invent the Elizabeth Fort on Barrack Street for "What Bloody Man is That?", a powerful large scale production drawn from the imagery of Shakespearean tragedy. From June 3-5 Compagnie Jo Bithume of France will trap an audience of over 4,000 within the gigantic ice-capped set of "Victor Frankenstein", to be staged in the heart of the city on the Grand Parade. June 14-25 sees Corcadorca transform the streets and quays of Cork for a large-scale production of "The Merchant Of Venice", to be staged as part of the Cork Midsummer Festival. Bringing "Relocation" to a simmering close from July 4-23 Grid Iron infiltrates a city hotel to bring us "The Devils Larder", a dark and luscious production inspired by Cork's history of gastronomy. The marriage of these four respected European companies has set in motion an amazing and utterly unique series of explosive events for Corcadorca and Cork 2005. Relocation, while ticketed, will be a free event. Check http://www.corcadorca.com for details. *********** Little Red Kettle hailed for radio drama series The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has commended WLR FM and Little Red Kettle for its successful collaboration earlier this year to produce a series of ten five-minute radio dramas called "Little Bits, Short Stories for Short People". The BCI part-funded the series under the fifth round of the New Adventures in Broadcasting scheme which supports stations in selecting and showcasing specially-crafted original programming. Special commendation was given to WLR FM and Little Red Kettle for their drama series which involved 28 children from the Waterford area and aired in June/July. The programmes were commended for what the independent judges deemed its wonderful sense of community within the studio and its local relevance. Judges also noted the obvious enjoyment of the series among the young cast members. "Little Bits - Short Stories for Short People" was written and directed by Liam Meagher of Little Red Kettle while the project was co-ordinated by WLR FM's Director of News, Liz Reddy, with the series engineered by Michael Byrne, Assistant Programming Manager with WLR FM. Commenting on the national recognition for the radio drama series, Liz Reddy paid tribute to Liam Meagher and his colleagues Mary Boland and Ben Hennessy at Little Red Kettle for what she termed their Trojan work on making the series. *********** Berkoff makes first Cork appearance in 'Shakespeare's Villains' "Shakespeare", declares Steven Berkoff, "sends many audiences into a collective coma". However this month a fascinating Evil will cast its shadow over the Capital of Culture. Steven Berkoff descends on the city of Cork with his one-man production of "Shakespeare's Villains". "Shakespeare's Villains" delves into the murky minds of the bard's bad boys including; Iago - a character tormented by jealousy, Richard III - the dangerous despot, Macbeth - a ruthless and regretful man moved to murder by his notorious wife and of course, Hamlet. There is a brief glimpse of Coriolanus in a parody involving Bill Clinton and the soap opera Senate as well as A Midsummer Night's Dream with the seductive Oberon. And who better to explore these infamous villains than one of the world's best-known screen bad men? Steven Berkoff is best known for his roles in "A Clockwork Orange", "Barry Lyndon", "Octopussy", "Beverly Hills Cop", "Rambo", "Absolute Beginners" and "The Krays". He has also electrified audiences around the world in his original stage plays such as Salome, Coriolanus, East and Brighton Beach Scumbags. Berkoff welcomes us to this most ancient of practices, relying upon no one but himself and the audience, with just a bare stage, a spotlight and above all, the words. Interspersed with Berkoff's own infamous anecdotes, the world famous writer, director and actor will provide the audience with incisive insights into the psyche as well as delivering Shakespeare's own words with raw power and intimate passion. Catch "Shakespeare's Villains" at the Everyman Palace Theatre, Cork from January 25-29. *********** FILM NEWS Irish Film Schools Film Competition The Irish Schools Film Competition, as part of the annual Fresh Film Festival, takes place in April and the festival is now looking for entries from young filmmakers. The entry can be as part or a school, theatre or community group or the work of an individual filmmaker. There are two sections in the competition: A Junior (7-12 years) and Senior (12-18 years) section. This exciting competition has grown in seven years to become a central element in developing interest in filmmaking as a career amongst young people. Many of the winners have gone on to media and film school following their initial ventures at the Festival. For individuals or groups, the making of a film can be a valuable learning tool in both creative and social areas. Full details http://www.freshfilmfestival.net *********** Irish Television "Scrooge like" to domestic film industry Referring to the lack of Irish films broadcast on Irish television stations over the Christmas period, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) has called on broadcasters to stop acting like Scrooge and offer more support to the film sector in 2005. The independent producers' body made the remarks after it emerged that only two of the 180 films shown on RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2, TV3 and TG4, from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, were home grown productions. SPI believes that RTÉ should commit to investing 3% of the licence fee it receives in feature film production from 2005 onwards, in order to reverse this trend and give the film industry the support it needs. SPI Director Malcolm Byrne comments, "There is a vast array of talent throughout the Irish film industry but this Christmas Irish viewers were not given the opportunity to see that talent at work. It is disappointing that our television stations don't see fit to broadcast more Irish films at what is a peak TV film viewing period". SPI acknowledged RTÉ's huge contribution in making 2004 a very good year for Irish television production, yet it believes that the national broadcaster needs to do more to support this feature film aspect of the Irish production sector. *********** Increased funding for Irish Film Board Minister John O'Donoghue announced an increase of 20% in the capital funding available for the Irish Film Board for 2005. This brings the Board's capital provision from €10m to €12m. The Board's Administration Budget will increase by over 8%, bringing its total funding in 2005 to €14m, an increase of 18%. Coupled with the decision already taken to extend and enhance the Section 481 scheme of tax relief for investment in film production, this increase in funding enables the Irish film sector to continue to develop high quality, imaginative films for Irish and international audiences. *********** VISUAL ARTS NEWS Leitrim Sculpture Centre seeks Director Leitrim Sculpture Centre is seeking a Director for an expanding Arts Facility in the North West. Candidates should have a sound knowledge of Arts and a strong track record in marketing and business management in an arts related organisation. For information and application contact: Leitrim Sculpture Centre, New Line, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim or lsc@eircom.net *********** Community Projects announced for Cork 2005/Credit Union Residencies The Cork 2005/Credit Union Residencies Programme, in partnership with the Arts Council, Cork City and County Councils, has announced details of the 20 creative residencies, in Cork city and county, which will be funded by the scheme in 2005. The residencies cover a wide range of art forms, from Irish language poetry to print making, script writing to sculpture, story telling to street theatre and from dance to music. A diverse range of community groups including school children, trade union members, youth groups, asylum seekers, senior citizens, a GAA Club and local community centres will work on projects which they have devised with their chosen artist. The outcome, from June 2005, will be a necklace of exhibitions, performances and publications throughout the city and county, displaying the creative response of community groups to Cork's designation as European Capital of Culture. The Cork 2005/Credit Union Residencies Programme was launched in June when community groups throughout Cork were invited to apply for the opportunity to work with professional artists in 2005. The programme generated a huge response. One hundred applications were submitted from Cork city and county, reflecting great enthusiasm and interest for the initiative. The Cork 2005/Credit Union Residencies Programme is managed by Ireland's national arts development agency CREATE. http://www.cork2005.ie *********** Bringing art to Dublin's docklands Irish artist Rachel Joynt has designed a series of beautiful illuminated glass cobbles that will adorn the riverside pathways from Dublin's Custom House all the way to the Point in Dublin's Docklands. Designed as a series of more than 900 stepping-stones, the cobbles are a series of hand-made glass blocks made in sea greens and aquatic blues encasing small silver/copper fish that appear like shoals swimming towards the sea. The Docklands cobbles were designed at the Firestation Artists Studio on Buckingham Street, Dublin 1. The cobbles are part of a larger lighting project by Irish lighting designers, WINK Lighting, which includes plans to uplight trees, benches and structural features of the bridges between the River Liffey and the docks. These changes will create a striking visual impact that fuses the modernity of Docklands with traditional Dublin life. *********** Invitation to Exhibit - The Cork Art Fair Artists are invited to submit work for inclusion in The Cork Art Fair, Cork's first contemporary art fair which will take place in City Hall from August 26-28. The exhibition will feature original painting and sculpture from artists and galleries from Ireland and abroad. The event is organised by Maria McMenamin of Eriva Ltd. A selection of work can be emailed to the organisers at mailto:maria@eriva.com or posted to The Cork Art Fair, 17 Rathfarnham Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W. The contact telephone number is 01 4903237 or 087 6175418. http://www.irishartfair.com *********** MUSIC NEWS Rhys-Meyers kicks off 150 years for Cork Opera House The Cork Opera House launched its year-long 150th anniversary celebration with a party ablaze with glittering guests, gilded décor and gold-garbed entertainers. More than 200 celebrities, stars of the stage, and friends of the Cork Opera House including film star Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, were greeted on Emmet Place by the army band of the First Southern Brigade, golden street artists and a ten-foot tall gold "O". Inspired by the new Cork Opera House gold logo, the theme continued inside, where gold prevailed. Guests were treated to a champagne reception and a giant birthday cake, while programming for the first five months of 2005 was announced. The winter/spring 2005 programme outlined by Executive Director Gerry Barnes features the renowned Sol Pico dance company; the Abbey Theatre's production of "The Plough and the Stars" featuring a stellar cast; Opera 2005's first full-scale production of "Figaro's Wedding"; Martin McDonagh's acclaimed new play, "The Pillowman"; and an eclectic mix of concerts named Music Migrations and Contemporaries Concert Series - all assisted by programming grants from Cork 2005. *********** Cork finds its voice with OPERA 2005 Cork's long operatic tradition was rekindled recently at the launch of the 2005 programme of events from Opera 2005, Ireland's newest opera company. An outstanding line-up of opera was announced, with three full productions taking place next year. Performances of "Figaro's Wedding" (Mozart), "Carmen" (Bizet) and "The Barber of Seville" (Rossini) - as well as a number of Gala concerts featuring guest soloists and the Chorus of Opera 2005 - are to be staged in Cork Opera House during Cork's year as European Capital of Culture. "Figaro's Wedding" will be staged in February in partnership with Cork 2005; "Carmen", a co-production with Northern Ireland's only opera company, Castleward Opera, will be presented in the Opera House in July, with "The Barber of Seville" playing in November. *********** The Contemporaries Concert Series Spring Season Note Productions and Cork 2005 have announced the line-up for The Contemporaries Concert Series Spring Season 2005. With a line-up of world-class artists from across the spectrum, it offers insights into contemporary culture and a perspective on new and exciting music from around the world. In a new partnership with Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture, Note Productions has developed a number of partnerships with venues around the country to bring the series to Cork, Limerick, Belfast as well Dublin in 2005. The artists touring in 2005 are contemporary composer Michael Nyman with his large-scale Ensemble; New York jazz trio FLY; Brasilian bossa nova star Vinicius Cantuária; and jazz pianist Marc Copland in a duo with the legendary Gary Peacock. All Cork concerts are presented in partnership with Cork Opera House. http://www.corkoperahouse.ie For Further Information contact Gary Sheehan at Note Productions 00-353-1-8722460 or gary@note.ie *********** Music Review: REM's "Around the Sun" On our website: Guest reviewer Peter Gavin takes a look at REM's new album, "Around the Sun". Can the album rekindle the interest of a formerly avid fan? *********** DANCE NEWS Daghdha move into New Home at No.1 In the near future Daghdha are moving into their new home at No.1 John's Square, Limerick. The Building Project, which is costing in excess of €1.1m, will transform the Church of St John of the Cross and the old museum into dance studios, offices and a performance space for Daghdha Dance Company and a cultural landmark for the city of Limerick. While work is ongoing in Daghdha's new home the Belltable Arts Centre is kindly providing office space for the company. *********** Rings around Cork with Daghdha's "Iris" "Iris" kicks off January 8 in Cork alongside the commencement of the year-long celebrations in Cork, European Capital of Culture. The choreographic game will begin when thousands of rings will be distributed around the city that will set off a most interesting series of performances as each person who wears the Iris ring can become a performer. Michael Klien and Davide Terlingo have created the unique distributed performance and each ring comes with a set of five instructions. Eventually the rules might change as Iris takes on a life of its own. Rings can change ownership; instructions can be followed or developed into personal tasks. Daghdha designer Rafal Kosakowski designed the rings specifically for IRIS. *********** GENERAL NEWS ___________________________sponsor___________________________ LOW COST CAR RENTALS IN IRELAND. This season get great discounts on car rental in Ireland at www.argusrentals.com. Argus Rentals, Irelands leading independent car rental company offer great rates in Ireland and in over 4,500 locations worldwide. To choose from a large fleet of modern vehicles and to avail of great rates and excellent customer service just logon today. For further information check our website at www.argusrentals.com Tel: Intl-353-1-4904444 Email: info@argusrentals.com _____________________________________________________________ Irish Bursaries 2005 Closing Date is January 21 The closing date for Bursary applications in 2005 is Friday January 21. The primary aim of Bursaries is to allow artists at all stages of their careers to pursue ideas and fulfil their artistic potential. The award allows artists working in any context or any art form to buy the time, space and freedom to concentrate on a specific body of work. Specifically, it can be used to 'buy time' and provide the space, equipment, facilities, third-party expertise (or other resources not yet identified) to develop practice. Applicants may apply for living costs, materials and, in some cases, the hiring of services where they are intrinsic or necessary to the creative process or the production and dissemination of work. The Arts Council will also consider additional costs specifically relating to the making of art by artists with disabilities. In line with the recent publication "Towards a Policy for the Traditional Arts", the Arts Council welcomes bursary applications from those working in traditional art forms. *********** Here comes the Incredible Opening of Cork 2005! Folklore, Fanfare and Fire will mark the huge Opening of Cork 2005. Tonnes of pyrotechnic effects, 180 carnival performers, and a 600 metre serpent rising from the River Lee will shake Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture wide awake! Ireland will commence its designation as European Capital of Culture when Cork 2005 officially begins on Saturday, January 8. In the biggest event of its type ever undertaken in Ireland, Cork will celebrate the start of the designation with an international carnival and a street party for 80,000 revellers in the city centre. The centrepiece performance, the National Lottery/Cork 2005 Awakening Ceremony and Fireworks, promises to be the most spectacular outdoor event Ireland has ever seen, with pyrotechnic displays throughout the city set to light up the Cork sky from Shandon to Schull. President Mary McAleese will officially open Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture at a special civic reception in City Hall on the afternoon of January 8. The ceremony will include the premiere of specially commissioned theatrical production, "The Red Sun", written by Ray Scannell, by 106 children from Cork's Children's Chorus, signifying the city's formal acceptance of the designation. As the ceremonies take place in City Hall, the celebrations will get under way in the city with an international street carnival. Twenty seven acts, comprising 180 performers from all over the world, will bring the streets to life with the sound of samba music and urban drum and bass and the sight of fire eaters, circus acts and giant puppeteers. With 10 individual carnival performance areas located throughout Patrick Street, Grand Parade and South Mall, the Cork 2005 Carnival will be a sight to behold. From MaSamba's feathered carnival queens, Buí Bolg's Hillbilly Giants, to the Cork Community Circus fiery dragons - acts from around Europe will be travelling to Cork to help young and old alike to celebrate Cork 2005. Devised by street theatre company Waterford Spraoi, with a team of event experts, "Awakening" will bring to life a huge serpent stretching over 600 metres of the River Lee. As it rises up from the water, the serpent will span three city centre bridges in an explosion of light and fire with water effects, pyrotechnics, music, image projection and physical theatre. The amazing visual display will be the most daring of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland. Following "Awakening", fireworks experts Ten Alps will stage the biggest fireworks display ever witnessed in Ireland. Thousands of the world's most spectacular effects will be computer choreographed to a custom made soundtrack and fired from six separate sites around the city in a 15 minute spectacular featuring several tonnes of shells, flares and mines. A number of Cork 2005 projects will officially begin during the opening celebratory weekend. Venues will open their doors throughout the city, providing a sample of the cultural activity which Cork will stage throughout 2005. See the exhaustive full programme schedule at http://www.cork2005.ie. *********** Arts Council Funds 297 organisations in 2005 The Arts Council has announced increases in funding for 2005 for arts organisations across the country, with 39 additional organisations being supported. Olive Braiden, Chair of the Council, said the 16% increase given by the Government in the Arts Council allocation for 2005 was being passed on directly to artists and arts organisations. The Arts Council received 410 applications from arts organisations throughout the Republic. Some 77 of these were from applicants who had never previously applied to the Arts Council, reflecting the vibrancy of the sector. Total demand on the Council for support across all funding schemes for 2005 will be almost double what is available. In the Budget, the Government granted the Arts Council a total allocation of €61m. Mary Cloake, Director of the Council, said that in addition to increased funding to organisations, next year would see direct support for the work of the individual artist increase by 16%, and additional provision for Aosdána, which will allow for the election of 10 new members - the highest additional membership since 2001. The two largest increases for disciplines were for film and traditional arts, which received a 22% and 18% increase respectively. Grants to local authorities and Údaras na Gaeltachta for arts programmes at local level amounted to €2,537,150. Addressing the work programme for 2005, Ms Cloake said the Council, in partnership with the sector, is planning a series of focused meetings and discussions between February and April to develop a framework for the future of the arts in Ireland. *********** Lochlann Quinn receives Business2Arts Award Businessman Lochlann Quinn has been named as the winner of the Business2Arts Award for Most Outstanding Business Contributor to the Arts in Ireland 2004. Lochlann Quinn is Deputy Chairman of Glen Dimplex, the privately owned Irish company which employs 8,000 people worldwide. Previously he was Chairman of AIB from 1997-2003, and a former Director of the Smurfit UCD Graduate Business School from 1990-2003. Much of his own private art collection is on view to the public in the Merrion Hotel, another of his business interests. As one of the founding Board Members of the Irish Museum of Modern Art from 1990-2000 he proved to be an important influence and contributor to the Museum's development, bringing his business ethic to the arts world. His company sponsored the Glen Dimplex Artists Award which ran at IMMA from 1994-2001. The award recognised the achievement and development in the work of exhibiting artists, and at £15k was one of the biggest art prizes at that time. The internationally renowned award raised the profile of such artists as Willie Doherty, Alanna O'Kelly and Siobhán Hapaska. *********** CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds this week: Gifts for Irish Abroad: Atlantis from a Geographer’s Perspective - Mapping the Fairy Land by Dr. Ulf Erlingsson Border Art - Celtic gifts, art and clan/family crest merchandise Celtic Attic - Decorate your life and home with a Celtic Twist Ennistymon Florist - Floral arrangements & baskets Flyleaf Press - Family History guides Gaeltalk.net - On-line Irish Language classes Irish Country Gifts - Personalized & Clan surname designs Irishphotoshop.com - Customised framed/unframed photos of Irish Scenery Litriocht.com - Every Irish Language Book in Print. Mimitoys Ireland - Fun toys that educate at excellent prices. Royal Tara - Bone china giftware & tableware. Scottie Connection - Gifts & Accessories for Scottish Terrier enthusiasts Send a Gift 2 Ireland - Send gifts home today! Sorcha - Contemporary Celtic Craftworks and Textiles Professional Services: Catalyst Consulting - Human Resource Management Computer Troubleshooters - world's largest technical support franchise! English to French translations - professional and experienced translator Help Wanted-Childcare, Boston area - Housekeeper/Nanny - Live-in Help Wanted - Housekeeper/Nanny, Newton, MA. Linguiz Translations - Professional German to English translator Nanny Wanted - For 2 children in Quincy Property Sale/Rental: Five Bed Bungalow for Sale - in Ardbrack, Kinsale, Co.Cork Beauty Salon For Sale - in Leixlip, Co. Kildare House Exchange - Maine-Galway - 9 to 12 mths from June 2005 or later South Boston - Modern, large one/two bedroom apartment Thatched Cottage For Sale - in Annaghdown, Galway Travel Services: Ballyvaughan Village & County Holiday Homes - situated in Co.Clare Golf & Incentive Travel Ltd - top quality tour packages. For details & additional classifieds, see: http://www.emigrant.ie/classifieds.htm To place your own ad, visit http://www.emigrant.ie/classifiedrates.htm *********** WHAT'S ON ABROAD Geraldine Hughes' "Belfast Blues" opens in New York Actresses Anjelica Huston and Carol Kane have joined forces to present Geraldine Hughes' solo play "Belfast Blues" at The Culture Project, in New York. The play, starring the Belfast-born actress, will open January 20 at the 45 Bleecker Street Theatre. Previews are scheduled for January 11 through 19 (except Jan. 14). Ms Huston will produce the work, with contributing direction by Ms Kane. "Belfast Blues" is described as "one wee girl's story of family, war, Jesus, and Hollywood....simultaneously funny and tragic". Ms Hughes portrays 24 different characters, from her parents and neighbours to her younger self. *********** Netherlands - Theatre Workshops by Dympna Donnelly Irish Club - Netherlands Theatre Workshops by Dympna Donnelly starting this Wednesday, January 12 2005 at 8 pm, in the Shillelagh, Javastraat 94, Den Haag. Fun workshops for 18- to 30(5)-year-olds covering theatrical themes such as presentation, improvisation, movement, concentration and working with text. One and a half hour workshops....Members: ICN/GAA €15.00. Non-members: €20.00 Money to be lodged to ARN-AMRO Irish Club~Netherlands, Pijnacker 51.89.84.532 http://www.irishclub.nl *********** Irish films at 2005 Wurzburg International Film Festival The 2005 Wurzburg International Film Festival in association with St Kilian's Gaelic Football and Hurling club will be bringing two award winning current Irish films and their directors to Wurzburg. The first film, the "Battle of the Bogside", is about the unrest in Derry's Bogside during 1969. Also showing will be the Saw Doctor's documentary, "A Different Kind of World". After each screening, there will be discussion about the making of the films with directors Vinny Cunningham and Steven Lock. All screening and film information can be found under http://www.stkilians.de *********** WHAT'S ON IRELAND Exhibitions ________ On January 7 Mayor of Galway Catherine Connolly officially opened a new exhibition at Kenny's Gallery entitled "Galway - A Portrait". Some 70 artists were invited to produce work showing their own impressions of Galway city, and responded in oils, watercolours, bronze and wood. Among the well-known artists participating were John Behan, Kenneth Webb, Gertrude Degenhardt and John Coll, while the youngest participant was secondary school student Aisling Joyce. The exhibition can be viewed at http://www.kennys.ie _______ "Toy Stories", An Exhibition of Toys, Dolls & Games from the Past is on display at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin 7 till mid-March. ________ Until January 29 "C2 1995 - 2005" appears at the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, Cork. C2 is an exhibition of over 150 artists celebrating the diversity and quality of contemporary visual arts practice by artists born in, resident in, or closely associated with Cork city and county. Artists featured include Dorothy Cross, Linda Quinlan, Fergus Martin, Cormac O'Leary, Michael Quane, and Vivienne Roche. Two large installations by Maud Cotter and Mark Kent will also feature in C2, which is curated by Peter Murray, Dawn Williams and Anne Boddaert. ________ "Enlargement! Bringing the New Europe to Cork" is an ongoing year-long exhibition at the Cork Civic Trust. This is a continuously changing exhibition, displaying the artistic qualities of the 'new' states of the expanded European Union. Part of Cork Civic Trust's contribution to Cork 2005 and hosted by the Cork Vision Centre, this project presents a year-long programme of creative work that promotes cultural diversity within Europe and encourages new networks of artists and organisations. The first exhibition features Estonian artists Kelti Tiitsar, Kirsti Paap. 6-28 January. ________ For something different in the world of exhibitions take in the unique sculptures of artist Daphne Plessner, currently on display at the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, until January 15. The sculpture, in the shape of a telescope, presents us with a satirical commentary on the relationship between Republic and Monarchy. By reaching into historical politics, the telescope comically repackages the key ideas of the French Revolution. The viewer is taken on a journey through a vibrant cartoon pop-up of the ideas that underpin contemporary political life in Europe and America. ________ DiverseCity Dublin is an architectural exhibition that promotes women and ethnic minorities in architecture. Recently launched at the RIAI Architecture, at 8 Merrion Square, Dublin, this intriguing exhibition continues until January 21. ________ Rudolf Heltzel and Sonja Landweer display their Contemporary jewellery design at Kilkenny's National Craft Gallery till January 30. ________ Running at TCD's Douglas Hyde Gallery until February 17 are two exhibitions. In Gallery 1 is House of Prince, by Tal R. This is a distinct project that consists of roughly two hundred paintings. They will be seen for the first time at this exhibition, his first one-person show in Ireland. Tal R takes his inspiration from popular and high culture. He works in several media, ranging from paintings, sculpture and installations to collage and artworks made of fabric. They share an unmixed, bold use of colour and child-like simplicity. House of Prince was created in a room next door to the artist's main studio. Following a constant structure - a base panel, four oblique corner shapes and a centre field - the paintings are both the essence and the residue of his main body of work. They form a more abstract world that seeks to harmonise discord, and in that respect they have a direct relationship with Hilma af Klint's paintings in Gallery 2. Hilma af Klint was born on the outskirts of Stockholm in 1862. Through the course of her later career she worked in secret on a series of occult pictures. It was only 20 years after her death, a condition stipulated in her will, that the paintings were permitted to be shown to the public. Since the first discovery of her astounding body of work in the 1960s, Hilma af Klint has come to be regarded as one of the most significant forerunners of early 20th century abstract art. ________ At the National Museum of Ireland Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Curator Clodagh Doyle invites you to take a trip "Down Memory Lane" on January 12 and 16 from 14:30 - 15:30. Join her on a tour of this temporary exhibition and relive your childhood days. The exhibition will continue until April. For full details see http://www.museum.ie ________ Currently showing in The Ivy House in Drumcondra Village, is Ben Robinson's new body of photomontage works, "Possession", his second solo exhibition in Ireland. His first, "Amalgam", was shown at Wexford Arts Centre and travelled to Bad Odesloe Germany. This body of work is about the opening and closing of objects. Using the image of an opening flower as a central theme and a vehicle for these ideas, his work absorbs both the representational and the abstract, and combines and interlaces fragments of these as pattern, discourse and decoration. The exhibit runs until January 31. ________ The Butler Gallery, Kilkenny shows "Slow Time · Local Ground", paintings by Bernadette Kiely until January 23. Earth, air, fire, and water - the elements that shape the landscape permeate the paintings of Bernadette Kiely. In this exhibition her paintings are inspired by time spent over a three-year period in North Mayo are rich, textural responses to the passage of time as evidenced by the landscape. The history of the Ceide Fields in Co. Mayo stretches back over 5,000 years and the timeless quality of the paintings is reminiscent of this ancestry. Her palette is inspired by the blackness of the bog juxtaposed with the stark white of bog cotton and the vibrant yellows of gorse. While her focus is very closely on the landscape she allows these paintings reach an abstract place, which in turn allows the viewer to appreciate their depth and timelessness. The artist will give a talk on this exhibition on January 11 at 2.00pm. ________ The Bold Art Gallery continues its Christmas Art Show through January, a blend of crimson and scarlet vibrant colours conveying the essence, warmth and humour in this show of over 30 artists. Bold's line up is exceptional with well-known international Irish artists: Graham Knuttel, Rasher, Robert Shaw, Claudio Viscardi, Elizabeth Cope and many others. ________ Morse Code - alive and kicking! Morse code comes alive again in "encoded", a multimedia exhibition by visual artist Brian Fay and composer Donal Siggins. From the Titanic to the capture of Doctor Crippen, Morse code holds an enduring place in the public imagination and a great significance to this island nation. EnCODEd, consisting of large-scale drawings and a sound installation, enables Morse code to be seen and heard once again and this time in a whole new way. EnCODEd runs in the Context Gallery, Derry, until January 8. The exhibition then travels to the Project Arts Centre, Dublin, where it will open on February 21 running until February 26. *********** Theatre ________ From January 11-16 January "Mother Goose" appears at the Everyman, Cork. Starring Neil Prendeville, Jim Mulcahy and Basher. The Everyman Palace Theatre is hosting a celebration of Cork city with a variety night of entertainment and music. "Hello Cork!" is an evening of laughter and song with some of Cork's best loved performers including Paddy Comerford, Tony Hegarty, the Kinsale Opera Chorus and the Carrigaline Singers, and favourites Jimmy Crowley and Cha & Miah will also be appearing. "Hello Cork!" also introduces Cork's newer talent, Jean Elliot of You're A Star fame. January 18-22. ________ At the Town Hall Theatre, Galway until January 15 Renmore's 26th annual pantomime presents a glittering family feast of laughter, music and song. "Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp" is a classic tale of oriental intrigue, stunning adventures and spectacular routines. From January 17-22 Shooting Star Productions will then present "Clerks" by Kevin Smith and directed by Ruth Shortt. From January 24-29 writer and director John O'Regan resents "Septuagenarians" with Éamon Draper, leading us into the murky world of the Irish legal profession. Finally from January 24-29 Morwax Productions presents "Hamlet", a new production of the classic play set in the 1930s. ________ "Beauty and the Beast" - The Lyons Tea Panto is running at the Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin until January 23. The line up includes Alan Hughes, of TV3 fame, reprising his role as Sammy Sausages, and the return of Joe Conlan in the guise of Buffy. Also on the bill are the familiar faces of Brenda Donohue, Simon Delaney, Louise Loughman, Jonathan McCrea and "You're a Star" boy band Final 4. Fortunately, for parents and guardians, David Hayes (Riverdance's Musical Director) and comedy writer Karl Broderick are at the helm. ________ At the Granary Theatre, Cork, Dylan Thomas' "Under Milk Wood" runs from January 13-15, in aid of the Marymount Hospice. *********** Music ________ At the Cork Opera House on January 20 Roger Whittaker takes to the stage. An outstanding star all over the world, enjoying a series of highly acclaimed albums and a string of hit singles that includes such classics as "Durham Town," "New World in the Morning," "I Don't Believe in 'If' Anymore," and "The Last Farewell." He will be at Limerick's University Concert Hall on January 22. ________ From January 13-15 at the Watergate Theatre catch the "Rising Stars", featuring young performers from Kilkenny, including Watergate Youth Productions, Jesters Stage Academy, Starlight Stage School, Kilkenny Youth Musical Productions and more. ________ In Limerick on January 27 at LIT Millennium Theatre, John O'Conor plays Beethoven Piano Sonatas. ________ On January 21 Con Brio Presents "Homage To Haydn" at the Model Arts and Niland Gallery in Sligo. ________ New York Jazz trio Fly are one of the most auspicious new bands on the downtown scene. The band is a collective trio comprising drummer Jeff Ballard, bassist Larry Grenadier and tenor saxophonist Mark Turner. Three of the most creative and forward-thinking young musicians in jazz today, they will be touring Ireland playing with the kind of freedom and joie de vivre that jazz deserves - and requires. The tour dates are as follows: February 3 The Trinity Rooms, Limerick February 4, The Half Moon Theatre, Cork February 5, The Sugar Club, Dublin February 6, Spring & Air Brake, Belfast ________ Brazilian Vinicius Cantuária will warm us up at The Half Moon Theatre, Cork on February 9. A singer, songwriter, guitarist and percussionist, Vinicius' career connects several zones of Brazilian music. Vinicius Cantuária reveals all of the restless beauty that is the new bossa nova and is acknowledged as the driving force behind the continued vitality of the genre. Vinicius Cantuária also plays Whelans of Dublin on Friday April 8. *********** Festivals The Yeats Winter School returns to Sligo The Yeats Winter School is designed as an interlude, which allows the visitor the opportunity to learn more about W.B. Yeats in the region that inspired his poetry. The aim of the weekend, January 28-30, is to provide a basis for reading, exploration and thinking about Yeats' work. The Winter School is organised by the Yeats Society Sligo and full details can be found at http://www.yeats-sligo.com/html/winter.html Dublin Chinatown Festival 2005 Due to the tremendous success of the 2004 event, this year's festival is moving to The National Museum, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7. This larger venue will accommodate the development of the festival into new areas; an international pavilion and holistic fair, while building the festivals core activities; intercultural entertainment, dance and music, workshops and seminars, street markets with over 50 stalls. For one week of celebrations, from February 9-15, Collins Barracks will be transformed into "a Chinatown" - a fusion of Asian and Irish culture, bustling with activities being enjoyed by up to 120,000 visitors. The Red Poppy Percussion troupe from China will lead the entertainment on the main stage in Collins Square, followed by Lung Ying Dragon Dance, Chinese Fan Dance, the Liverpool Orchestra, Filipino Choir, Fashion Show and more to be announced. Due to popular demand the market and food stalls have grown in number and will line the walkways of Collins Barracks. A new development for 2005 is the launch of the Chinatown Holistic Fair, a weekend event celebrating the eastern tradition of holistic medical practice. See http://www.dublin.ie/chinatown/?pageID=25&siteID=259 for further details. Tradfest 2005 at UCC Tradfest 2005: concerts, sessions & céilis, headlined by Lúnasa will also take place in Cork, from February 3-6. The event is organised by UCC's Irish Traditional Music Society. *********** Arts Ireland ______________________________________________________________ ARTS IRELAND/Irish Emigrant Publications Editor: Oonagh Montague a: Cathedral Building, Middle Street, Galway, Ireland t: +353 (0)91 569158 e: oonagh@emigrant.ie w: http://www.irishemigrant.com ______________________________________________________________ To advertise in this publication, email sales@emigrant.ie To help support this publication, see our voluntary subscription programme at http://www.emigrant.ie/gift.asp. ______________________________________________________________
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