Theatre is everywhere this season with a variety of shows and performances to suit all tastes. Louise White is a theatre and performance maker who excels in designing exciting and alternative experiences for audiences. A title like, This is the Funeral of Your Life, is certainly guaranteed to get your attention. Three performers – a dancer, an actor and a mezzo soprano – create a playful environment that invites audiences to examine the possibilities around their own personal legacy including the fragility of life, families, humour and love; to play a game of imagination in a warm and supportive encounter with…themselves. Check louisewhiteperformance.com for more.
On Blueberry Hill by Sebastian Barry is just back from its off Broadway run for a quick zip around the country. Fishamble theatre company bring together actors Niall Buggy and David Ganly once again to play best of friends and worst of enemies, Christy and PJ. This new play explores murder, forgiveness, survival and, ultimately, love in the prison of the human heart. See fishamble.com for details on venues and dates.
Alice in Wonderland is a classic but Sligo company, Blue Raincoat are bringing a new interpretation. Alice’s tumble down the rabbit hole precipitates her entry into a world full of fantastical people, and strange and unpredictable events. This promises to be a visually sumptuous and physical re-telling of Lewis Carroll’s beloved work. Booking at projectartscentre.ie
You may think the cello is a rather sedate instrument but Spike, Dublin’s alternative cello festival, begs to differ. It opens with Kitty Maguire leading one of her unique “Yocella” classes – a blissful “yin” yoga class accompanied by cello. Other highlights include: cellos playing a computer game; an older cousin of the cello, the viol putting in an appearance; and new work from talented performers from home and abroad. Full info at spikecellofest.com
Maretta Dillon
Events around the Country / Feb Mar 2019
THIS IS THE FUNERAL OF YOUR LIFE
Performance
A dancer, an actor and a mezzo soprano enjoy a playful look at the possibilities around their own personal legacy.
Until Feb 28
Information + booking: various venues nationwide in Galway, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Portlaoise, Cork, Carlow
ON BLUEBERRY HILL
Theatre
Sebastian Barry’s play features best of friends and worst of enemies, Christy and PJ.
Until March 1 / nationwide tour
Information + booking: fishamble.com
THE PAST IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY
Visual Arts
Anita Groener explores trauma and loss in being human, through drawings, large scale installations, film + animation.
Until March 19 / The Dock, Carrick on Shannon / touring to The Lab, Dublin and Uilinn, Skibbereen, Cork in 2019.
Admission free / information: thedock.ie
SPIKE
Music
Dublin’s alternative cello festival celebrates talented cello artists and friends from home and abroad.
Feb 8-10 / various venues in Dublin
Information: spikecellofest.com
INSPIRING BACH
Music
Irish violinist Claire Duff joins young French harpsichordist Benjamin Alard to champion the music of Bach.
Feb 16-22 / nationwide
Information + booking: musicnetwork.ie
ON THE BASIS OF SEX
Film
True life story of Supreme Court Judge, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who fought discriminatory gender law in the US.
Feb 22 nationwide
THE WICKEDNESS OF OZ
Theatre
A day in the life of a travel agent with a penchant for 1960s musicals. A story of unfilled potential.
Feb 25-Mar 2 / Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Information + booking: projectartscentre.ie / 01 881 9613
Finally, if you would like your event to feature in our list of arts events please email: events.country@gmail.com
