It’s autumn – time to think of cardigans and thick tights. In arts terms, it’s theatre time with Dublin Fringe Festival planning a city wide take over. In a strong and eclectic programme there is genuinely something for everyone. Among the myriad options are: A Holy Show by Janet Moran and presented by Mermaid Arts Centre, a new comedy about the 1981 hijacking of an Aer Lingus plane by an ex-Trappist monk with a bottle of water as his weapon, the Pope as his nemesis, and a burning desire to know the third secret of Fátima ; Shame by Pom Boyd & Séan Millar invites you to witness a sacred punk theatrical ritual; The Sound of Phoenix by Shanna May Breen is a site-specific travelling soundscape of Phoenix Park, from the vantage of a vintage bus. Block out a bit of time to choose – fringefest.com
Want to see your classical music in a different space. Dublin’s Kaleidoscope Night was founded to take classical music out of its typical setting and into an informal and intimate alternative. Now in its 10th season, it’s the go-to place for a sociable evening with the country’s top musicians from all genres, performing small-ensemble gems and premieres from the worlds of classical & contemporary music, trad, jazz and beyond. Scottish harpist Maeve Gilchrist leads the charge on September 5 along with the RTÉ Contempo Quartet (the ABBA of classical music). Surprise yourself – kaleidoscopenight.com at BelloBar.
The Irish famine of the 1840s which decimated the population and reframed Irish history is serious stuff. New film, Black 47, comes at the story from a different angle. It’s 1847 when Feeney, a hardened Irish Ranger who has been fighting for the British Army abroad, abandons his post to return home and re-unite with his estranged family. When the full horrors reveal themselves, he embarks on an odyssey of revenge and killing. James Frecheville does an excellent job in Irish and English as the man out for vengeance while Hugo Weaving is on form as his old army buddy. The mostly all male cast add weight to the proceedings. On release island wide from September 28.
Irish director Lenny Abrahamson follows up the Oscar winning Room with an adaptation of writer Sarah Waters gothic horror, The Little Stranger. Domhnall Gleeson plays a respectable country doctor happily leading a quiet life in post war England when it all starts to unravel. From Sept 21 island wide.
Travellers’ Journey is a new exhibition that explores the rich culture, traditions and crafts of the Traveller community in the west of Ireland. More at Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
Finally, Culture Night is on September 21 this year!
Maretta Dillon
