What’s On in the Arts / Dec 2018 and Jan 2019
Crawford Gallery in Cork looks to its own as it celebrates the work of six contemporary local artists excelling in craft. The recent exhibition, Made in Cork: the Arts and Crafts Movement from the 1880s to the 1920s examined the Arts and Craft movement and its influence in Ireland. Building on that knowledge, Earth, Wind, and Fire: Made in Cork Contemporary picks up on the theme. The new exhibition will demonstrate the nature and extent of the stimulating, exhilarating, and exciting work that is being made by Cork based artists in the twenty first century. (more from crawfordartgallery.ie)
Christmas is always associated with pantomime and there is plenty happening in that regard at venues big and small around the country. If you are looking for something else or in addition, then How To Catch A Star is definitely worth considering. Based on the beloved book by Oliver Jeffers, it is created by Branar Téatar do Pháistí, one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies for young audiences. They like to see themselves as, ‘creating big stories for little citizens’. This nonverbal adaptation of Jeffers’ book shows off their signature style of story-telling. For audiences aged 4 and up (including adults), it reminds us all to follow our dreams. (booking from theark.ie)
First Fortnight is a mental health arts charity that began as a kitchen conversation 10 years ago and has grown from one event to more than 150 events nationwide. The festival aims to challenge mental health stigma by using arts events to create open discussion and understanding of mental health problems. Check out the complete programme on firstfornight.ie and find an event where you are.
Music features strongly in various programmes at the start of the year. Irish Chamber Orchestra and guests reflect on 100 years of the Irish Republic through poetry, music, and song in The First 100 Years at Mermaid Arts Centre; Swansong: Intimations of Mortality is the theme for Music for Galway’s classical performance event; Scottish songstress Siobhan Miller and the honeyed tones of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh combine in a Music Network tour; Tradfest in Temple Bar is a welcome sight at the end of January.
Finally, a word for Stan & Ollie. In 1953, the duo embarked on a regional tour in the UK as their star is waning and interest in them is melting away. But a series of TV and celebrity appearances remind people of just how good and unique they really were. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly inhabit the roles of Stan and Ollie as one of comedy’s most famous double acts as they enter their twilight years. Nationwide from January 11.
Maretta Dillon
Events around the Country / Dec 2018 + Jan 2019
EARTH, WIND & FIRE: MADE IN CORK CONTEMPORARY
Visual Arts
Showcasing six Cork-based contemporary artists whose artistic practice exemplifies excellence in craft.
From Nov 23-Feb 17 / Crawford Gallery Cork.
Admission free / information: crawfordartgallery.ie
THE SIGNALMAN
Theatre
Charles Dickens’ ghost story from 1866 tells of a lone Signalman haunted by visions of a terrifying spectre.
From Dec 3 – 15 / The New Theatre, East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Information and booking: thenewtheatre.com
HOW TO CATCH A STAR
Theatre for children
Once there was a boy who dreamt of having a star as a friend. Based on the book by Irish author Oliver Jeffers.
Dec 5-30 / The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Information: theark.ie
I HEAR YOU AND REJOICE
Theatre
Pat Farnon, a cobbler and all-round contented man, embarks on a journey with some unexpected surprises.
Dec 5 – Jan 18 / nationwide tour
Information and booking: locoandrecklessproductions.com
IN CONVERSATION
Talk
In conversation – sociologist, Professor Mary Corcoran and visual artist Amanda Jane Graham.
Dec 8 / The Dock, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim
Information: thedock.ie
VLADIMIR & ANTON ‘THE VIOLINISTS’
Music
Musical maestros and brothers, their style combines classical music with the playfulness of traditional folk.
From Dec 10 / family concerts at National Concert Hall, Dublin and nationwide
Information and booking: the-violinists.com
FIRST FORTNIGHT
Festival
Uses arts and culture to challenge mental health stigma – wide range of arts events and performances.
January 2019 / nationwide activity
Information: firstfortnight.ie
THE WHISTLE BLOWER OUT OF TIME TOUR
Music / Cinema
Cormac Breathnach’s unique view of the trial around the Sallins Mail Train Robbery Case in 1978.
Jan 5-Mar 22 / island wide tour
Information and venues: whistleblower.ie
COLETTE
Film
Keira Knightley takes on the role of French writer, Colette, who scandalised Belle Époque society.
Jan 11 nationwide
STAN & OLLIE
Film
Steve Coogan and John C Reilly as comedy’s most famous double act, entering their twilight years.
Jan 11 island wide.
MUIREANN NIC AMHLAOIBH, SIOBHAN MILLER, DAMIEN MULLANE & ANNA MASSIE
Music
Scottish songstress Siobhan Miller and the honeyed tones of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh combine.
Jan 16-26 / nationwide
Information and booking: musicnetwork.ie
THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Music / Poetry
Irish Chamber Orchestra and guests reflect on 100 years of the Irish Republic through poetry, music, and song.
Jan 17 / Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
Information and booking: mermaidartscentre.ie
MIDWINTER FESTIVAL
Music
Swansong: Intimations of Mortality is the theme for Music for Galway’s classical performance event.
Jan 19-21 / Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Information: musicforgalway.ie
TRADFEST
Music
Dublin’s annual toe-tapping musical extravaganza: festival of trad, folk and world music is back.
Jan 23-27 / Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Information and booking: tradfest.ie
Finally, if you would like your event to feature in our list of arts events please email: events.country@gmail.com
