What’s on in the Arts
7th September, 2022
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Ulster Orchestra: presents their new Season opening concert, 23 September, 7:45pm. As a single horn sounds a fanfare that calls together the musicians of the orchestra, Ulster Orchestra invite you to join us them the opening of the 2022/23 Season in the company of Music Director Daniele Rustioni and phenomenal pianist, Stephen Hough.
The musical programme for the evening includes:
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2
R Strauss Ein Heldenleben
DANIELE RUSTIONI CONDUCTOR
STEPHEN HOUGH PIANO
Lose yourself in the tempestuous drama of Brahms’s Second Piano Concerto, with all of Stephen Hough’s dazzling virtuosity and warmth, and meet Richard Strauss’s (autobiographical?) ‘hero’ in a musical narration of A Hero’s Life (Ein Heldenleben).
Through depictions of the protagonist’s moods, enemies and his beloved companion, Strauss paints a kaleidoscopic picture of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of life. This fascinating depiction of humanity is a welcome start to the new Season!
Other highlights this season includes:
7 Oct, Tianyi’s Tchaikovsky, Ulster Hall
Salina Fisher Tupaia
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
TIANYI LU CONDUCTOR
ARABELLA STEINBACHER VIOLIN
21 Oct, Evergreen Grieg, Ulster Hall
Ligeti Romanian Concerto
Grieg Piano Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No.8
GABRIEL BEBEŞELEA CONDUCTOR
SIMON TRPČESKI PIANO
30 Oct, Halloween Howler, Waterfront Hall
PAUL CAMPBELL CONDUCTOR
RYAN HAND PRESENTER
Celebrate all things Halloween at this spooktacular show featuring music from your favourite scary films and more! Conductor Paul Campbell, with presenter Ryan Hand, will bring you on a spooky journey through some of the creepiest classics including Ghostbusters, Harry Potter and Hotel Transylvania. Whether its witches, wizards or ghouls, this concert will certainly send shivers down your spine! ... Exciting spot prizes for best fancy dress!
For further information and to view the new season programme please visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk
The MAC: presents
Colin Reid in Concert, 16 September 2022.
His performance marks a welcome return to the local live scene of Colin Reid, finger-style guitarist.
Expect to hear original music from his four studio albums and a few choice covers. Colin has been on hiatus from guitar performance to concentrate on creating new music for various ensembles and situations and is now back for a rare performance at the MAC for one night only.
Once described by the great Bert Jansch as “a cross between me and John Renbourne” and by The Irish Times as “a stunning finger-style guitarist”, Colin will be joined onstage by special (mystery) guests. Come along if you want to hear accessible, engaging, melodic, original music.
AURA – an album launch of reimagined Irish airs, 29 Oct, The MAC.
Celebrate the island of Ireland with this one of a kind event to launch the album of solo piano music featuring Irish Airs written by Belfast composer Neil Martin and performed by Derry-born pianist, Ruth McGinley. AURA is an album of re-imagined Irish airs presented in a more Classical musical language… some well-known, some less so, all magical. A very special evening of music and spoken word.
Visit www.themaclive.com
Oh Yeah Music Centre: presents the NI Music Prize at the Ulster Hall on 16 November 2022. The evening celebrates the best music from across Northern Ireland in the past year. The event features performances from shortlisted artists and a very special Oh Yeah Legend Award to musician and singer from Horslips, Barry Devlin. Visit www.ohyeahbelfast.com for further information.
The NI Music exhibition at Oh Yeah is the only permanent exhibit for popular music in Northern Ireland. There is much to see, including a series of storyboards documenting and plotting the history and the stories of Folk, Punk, Rock, Jazz and more.
Exhibition Opening Times
Mon – Fri: 10am-4pm
Sat: 12-5pm
To enquire about a visit, or for further info and group bookings please contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com or call 02890310845
Moving On Music: presents a series of concerts including:
Les Filles de Illighadad, 6 Sep, Black Box
As the name suggests, Les Filles de Illighadad (daughters of Illighadad) hail from the small, secluded village in central Niger. Only accessible via a grueling drive through the open desert, there is little infrastructure and no electricity or running water. But what the nomadic zone lacks in material wealth it makes up for deep and strong identity and tradition.
Their music draws from two distinct styles of regional sound, ancient village choral chants and desert guitar. The result is a ground-breaking new direction for Tuareg folk music and a sound that resonates far beyond their village.
At the heart of the music is the percussion and poetry of ‘Tende’ – a term used for both the instrument and the type of music – whereby a mortar and pestle are transformed into a drum, and women join together in a circle, in a chorus of singing, chanting, and clapping. Sometimes for celebration, sometimes to heal the sick, sometimes it’s poetry of love, and always a space where the wall between performer and spectator disintegrates.
For further info visit www.movingonmusic.com
Moving On Music: presents a series of concerts including:
- 15 Sep, Marisa Anderson
- 1 Oct, Chamber Choir Ireland
- 2 Oct, Jack Warnock
- 7 Oct, Robocobra Quartet
- 20-23 Oct, Damien O’ Kane and the Ron Block Band (tour)
For further info visit www.movingonmusic.com
Northern Ireland Opera: presents one of the most beautiful operas ever written, La Traviata, which returns to The Grand Opera House on 10, 13, 15 and 17 September 2022. Join Northern Ireland Opera as they present a brand-new production of one of the most popular operas of all time: the much-loved and cherished La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.
This stunning new production comprising four performances is sure to delight and move audiences of all ages. It is perfect for anyone looking to experience an opera for the first time as well as for existing opera fans. Northern Ireland Opera is delighted to engage with the Ulster Orchestra to bring this masterpiece with its gloriously romantic score to life. Visit www.niopera.com
The Black Box: For further information visit www.blackboxbelfast.com
Scott’s Jazz Club: Scott's Jazz Club runs a weekly concert in Ballyhackamore club 1a Sandown Road every Friday Night from 9pm. The club provides a welcoming environment for world class jazz music to be experienced in a concert setting. For upcoming performances visit https://www.scottsjazzclub.com/
Portico of Ards: presents a new programme of events for 2022 . Highlights include:
- Neil Delamere, 16 September
- Owen O’Neill: The Whole Nine Yarns, 17 September
- Rainer Hersch: All Classical Music Explained, 18 September
- Teresa Livingstone and Diona Doherty, 23 September
To view the full programme visit porticoards.com
ITMA: 'Drawing from the Well' is an online monthly ITMA series which connects artists with archival materials to inspire new art. To date, nine videos, podcasts and blogs have been created by leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers, including Louise Mulcahy, Martin Hayes, Edwina Guckian and Cormac Begley. All episodes are free to view online at https://www.itma.ie/drawingfromthewell
Phil Taggart: ChillDaBeats is the brand new show from NI DJ, Phil Taggart. Every week he brings you a soft focus selection of the best alternative chill sounds along with the biggest guests picking some brain soothers in the Soul Food Selection. ChillDaBeats goes live every Sunday. Listen on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2IpL7ldc1Rui2aa9meX3 This podcast series is supported by emergency funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Department for Communities.
Tommy Sands and Artsawonder: In this new online film series, legendary musician, Tommy Sands, films, sings, listens and learns from a singing five times world champion drum major Alan McBride, two young women, Jenna Stevenson and Wendy Graham Hanna, who initiate and drive an Arts hub shop, a rhythmic drum weaver rhythmic drum weaver Damien McKeown and a young woman Bronagh Kelly who lovingly echoes the poetry of her mother. To watch visit Media | Artsawonder (wixsite.com)
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents Music Corner, the best of traditional music with great traditional musicians every Saturday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/AnChulturlann/
FILM, LITERATURE, DANCE & DRAMA
Accidental Theatre: presents the following:
The Totally Radical Accidental 80s Prom Night, Friday 16th September 8pm til late
https://accidentaltheatre.co.uk/box-office/the-totally-radical-accidental-80s-prom-night
Throw down your Sega Medadrive, turn off MTV, grab your hairspray and leg-warmers and hoof it on down to Accidental for the prom of your dreams! Sneak your booze past our (not-so) eagle-eyed teachers, put on your dancing shoes and grab the mic for some epic karaoke – those power ballads won't sing themselves! Don't mind the grumpy janitor, he'll mop around you...
A tie-in event for Never Seen It Film Club’s back to school viewing of epic-ly dark 80s high school film Heathers (1989) on 24th September, The Totally Radical Accidental 80s Prom Night will rock your world! You’ll live your best Dirty Dancing life and declare that nobody puts you in a corner as you strut your stuff on our dance floor. We'll go Back To The Future with power ballads, rock anthems, and we're gonna live forever through cheesy but oh-so-right songs. Then we'll crank up the karaoke so you can live your pop and rock star dreams.
Accidental staff will be dressed as stern teachers, telling you off for your too-tight and too-short skirts, checking your bags for booze (hide it behind your back instead!) and disapproving of any heavy petting. Bring your old school mates and reminisce about the good times from eight til late, dance and sing the night away, reliving your youth or enjoying the prom you wish you'd had.
Each ticket includes a glass of Behind The Bike Sheds Punch, and corkage for your own alcohol – if you manage to sneak it past those pesky teachers! Dressing in your finest 80s gear strongly encouraged!
Tea & Jam, Thursday 22nd September 6pm-8pm
https://accidentaltheatre.co.uk/box-office/tea-and-jam
Have a cuppa tea and we’ll jam! Tea & Jam is an alternative event for all, where you bring the music, and Accidental Theatre will bring the tea and coffee, and we’ll enjoy both together in a relaxed space. This drop-in event is open to all people, of all musical abilities - or none! Feel free to just enjoy the vibe - as we chill with some music and some tea and coffee and chat.
Lies Where It Falls, Friday September 30th, Sat 1st and Sun 2nd October, 8pm-10pm
https://accidentaltheatre.co.uk/box-office/lies-where-it-falls
Award Winning Broadway, West End, and Downton Abbey actor Ruairi Conaghan brings a story born from his native South Derry. When asked to play the part of Patrick Magee (the man who tried to assassinate Margaret Thatcher and her Government in Brighton 1984), an act of violence upon his own family when he was a child plays heavily with his conscience - despite being a tale of truth and reconciliation. But it was his next role as “The Player King“ in the most successful production of Hamlet in recent years that the true consequence of his decision took its toll.
The speech of King Priam of Troy’s assassination, told by the Player King to a broken Prince Hamlet flares up the memories of his own family’s devastation, and brings down on Ruairi a physical and mental collapse that threatens his mortality.
It is only through the love and care of family and the community of theatre that he is brought back from the brink. In a time when the legacies of this island’s recent past have never been more important to talk about, this unique one person show, directed by acclaimed actor Patrick O Kane, uses storytelling, song, poetry, humour, cinema, and Shakespeare to tell Ruairi’s tale, leaving us with a sense that even through the worst of times, if we can find empathy, there is always hope. Visit www.accidentaltheatre.co.uk
Tinderbox Theatre Company: presents Birds of Passage in the Half Light written by Kat Woods.
Duncairn Arts Centre, 1st – 10th September 2022.
Booking link - https://www.theduncairn.com/events/birds-of-passage
Birds of Passage in the Half Light is the dark and funny new production by Tinderbox Theatre Company, combining sharp writing, deft direction, dazzling performance and clever and witty animation.
The personal and political entwine to explore the complicated relationship between Her faith and the generational impact that it has had on Her female lineage. See the fractured world of Her as she battles the dogmatic iron grip that once captivatingly controlled Ireland for centuries. She needs to cut the ideological umbilical cord and set Herself free of the weight of Her ancestral wounds, but can she?
Linen Hall Library: the Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. The library is free for all to enter and enjoy. The Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more. To view the events programme visit www.linenhall.com
Cahoots NI: presents The Ghost House, 14-31 Oct, Cityside Retail and Leisure Park. Journey into a shadowy world of shipwrecks and sword fights, through the thin veil that separates our world from the world we call, ‘the past’. Secrets emerge and things definitely go bump in the night in this seriously spooky story! The Ghost House is a walk-through theatre experience in a custom built, multi-space set, featuring live performances, magic, digital technology and dance from Cahoots, makers of The Grimm Hotel (BIAF 2021).
Strand Arts Centre: For more information visit www.strandartscentre.com
Grand Opera House: presents a series of shows including the highlights below:
- Northern Ireland Opera, La Traviata, 10,13,15,17 September
- Saturday Night Fever, 20-24 September
- Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, 27 Sep – 1 Oct
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 4-9 Oct
- Northern Ballet, The Little Mermaid, 12-15 Oct
- Martin Hayes and the Common Ground Ensemble, 25 Oct, part of the Belfast International Arts Festival
- Paul Carrick, 26 Oct, part of the Belfast International Arts Festival
For tickets and the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Lyric Theatre: presents a new programme for 2022/23 with highlights including,
The Gap Year, a Lyric Theatre production in association with Commedia of Errors, 3-25 September.
A journey of craic, coffee shops and self-discovery at 60
How to Bury a Dead Mule, 6-10 September.
How to Bury a Dead Mule tells the story of Norman Clements, Royal Irish Fusilier, his experiences of the front line battles of North Africa, Sicily and Italy during World War Two and his subsequent struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Norman’s account is brought to life in a one man show with original music, scripted by his grandson, actor Richard Clements who also performs.
Green and Blue by Kabosh Theatre Company, 14-18 September.
The award-winning Green & Blue explores the painful and humorous realities faced by the individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict. An officer from the Royal Ulster Constabulary in his green uniform and Eddie from An Garda Síochána, resplendent in blue, communicate via crackly radios until an explosive incident forces them to meet across a field only farmers know the location of.
Focusing on what it’s like to be hunted when you’re protecting a man-made line on the ground, the play looks at the societal and human cost of borders. ‘Green & Blue’ is based on real-life interviews with former serving officers. Winner of The Lustrum Award for Best Theatrical Moment at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe. Presented by Summerhall.
Propaganda: A New Musical, by The Belfast Ensemble, 8 Oct – 5 Nov.
With a Broadway influenced score, a live 14-piece orchestra and stellar cast, Propaganda promises to be a musical for our time. Commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, and developed with the Lyric New Writing department, Propaganda: A New Musical by double Ivor Novello- nominated composer Conor Mitchell is an old fashioned Soviet love story
For further details on all events and to buy tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents a new season of music, comedy, theatre and more. Highlights include:
- Comedy with Kevin McAleer, 15 Sep
- Myra’s Story, 16-17 Sep (Theatre)
- Comedy with Tommy Tiernan, 22 Sep
- Music with Gavin James, 25 Sep
- Comedy with Dara O’Brien, 29 Sep – 1 Oct
Visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of events this autumn and winter with this month’s highlights including:
MAC Saturday Art Club: Puppet Emporium, 10 Sep & 12 Nov, £3
https://themaclive.com/event/mac-saturday-art-club-puppet-emporium
Come and make your very own puppet from scratch in our puppet-making emporium. An afternoon of family fun in the MAC, kids and their adults will get to make puppets in the style of Indonesian shadow puppetry. The MAC’s exhibiting artist, Ron Mueck, started his career as a puppet maker - after the workshop, don't miss exploring his life-like sculptures in our galleries. The boring bit for parents/guardians: Book a time slot and drop-in anytime within the hour. Recommended activity time: 30mins.
Through Irish Eyes, 10 Sep, £15 - £25
https://themaclive.com/event/through-irish-eyes
An explosive show featuring world champion Irish dancers, award-winning singers, and highly acclaimed musicians. Their experience, skill, and passion combine making Through Irish Eyes a unique spectacle not to be missed.
Lockdown DLA, 14 – 18 Sept, 7.45pm and 2.30pm, £12.50 - £27.50
Hapless freedom fighters, the Dundonald Liberation Army, are back with a brand new comedy, Lockdown DLA. March 23rd, 2020. Boris Johnson announces the UK’s first national lockdown resulting in reputed Dundonald Liberation Army boss, Davy ‘The Venezuelan’ Taylor and his right-hand man, John ‘Horse’ McCracken, being forced to isolate together in their high-rise flat.
<[>From panic buying toilet rolls and baking banana bread, to leaving the house for essential items only (Buckfast and inflatable hot tubs are essential, right?), we follow Davy and Horse as they navigate their way through those unprecedented times at the beginning of the Covid-19 global pandemic.Matthew McElhinney reprises his role as Davy ‘The Venezuelan’ Taylor and Matthew Forsythe (A Night in November; Keep Telling Me Lies) returns as the ever-undependable deputy, John ‘Horse’ McCracken, in this hilarious and thought-provoking new comedy written by Stephen G. Large and directed by Gerard McCabe.
Colin Reid in Concert, 16 Sep, £10.50 - £12.50
https://themaclive.com/event/colin-reid-in-concert
This performance marks a welcome return to the local live scene of Colin Reid, finger-style guitarist. Expect to hear original music from his four studio albums and a few choice covers. Colin has been on hiatus from guitar performance to concentrate on creating new music for various ensembles and situations and is now back for a rare performance at the MAC for one night only. Once described by the great Bert Jansch as “a cross between me and John Renbourne” and by The Irish Times as “a stunning finger-style guitarist”, Colin will be joined onstage by special (mystery) guests. Come along if you want to hear accessible, engaging, melodic, original music.
Fun with Clay, 17 Sep & 18 Sep, Free
https://themaclive.com/event/fun-with-clay
Inspired by Ron Mueck’s exhibition, join us for a drop-in clay workshop with Young at Art’s artists and explore how ‘macquettes’ or ‘plasticos’ are used by sculptors as small-scale versions of their finished work.
Be inspired to recreate one of Ron’s sculptures, or enjoy making a character of your own.
All materials provided. You just need to choose whether you bring your creations home, or add them to our very special collection in the Common Room for everyone to enjoy...decisions, decisions…
The boring part for parents/guardians: this is a drop-in activity in our Common Room. Join in anytime throughout the day from 11am - 4pm, 17 & 18 Sep.
Luisa Omielan: Ten, 24 Sep, £12.50 - £27.50
https://themaclive.com/event/luisa-omielan-ten
Luisa Omielan was the first comedian to receive a Bafta Breakthrough for stand up. Not the first female comedian. The first. Now, 10 years after 'What Would Beyonce Do?!' propelled her into the spotlight, she brings together the best bits of every show since, featuring jokes from Am I right Ladies, Politics for Bitches and God is a Woman. Viral before there was TikTok, expect cow impressions, thigh gaps, Mary Magdalene and relationship boat analogies. Authentic, raw, honest and timeless, it's the only show that can make you laugh your head off and cry your eyes out simultaneously. Book now!
Dinner with Groucho by Frank McGuinness, 5-9 Oct, The MAC. ,
An evening that promises blistering wit, brilliant buffoonery, and reflections on the ephemeral nature of life from the award-winning writer of such iconic plays as Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me and The Factory Girls comes this fast-paced fictional dinner date like no other.
On The Shelf, 9 – 23 December, various times, £12.50 - £20
A Christmas show that’s strictly for grown-ups. Starring Tara Lynne O’Neill (Ma Mary from Derry Girls) as Paula who, this Christmas Eve, finds herself firmly back on the shelf. Following its sold-out run in 2018, this smash-hit comedy is back with an updated version for the MAC that’s bigger and better than ever.
It’s Christmas Eve. Paula has a list and she’s checked it twice. She has the flat, the car and the career. Now all she wants for Christmas is the ring! Her boyfriend has other ideas though and she ends up back On The Shelf.
Faced with spending a lifetime of Christmases alone, she decides to peel off the spanx, pour a drink or twelve and dish the dirt on love, life and turning 40. Like the rest of Paula’s night though, things don’t quite go to plan with the arrival of an unusual and unwanted house guest (Chris Robinson (Bouncers).
Join The MAC for a laugh-out-loud cracker. Time to get together for a guaranteed great night out this Christmas. https://themaclive.com/event/on-the-shelf
DU Dance (NI): presents Belfast Boys, physical dance theatre for boys aged 7-11 years at the Crescent Arts Centre. Classes at 2-3pm every Saturday. No experience is necessary. Book at info@dudanceni.com
Echo Echo: presents Introduction to Body Wisdom Movement for Over 50s on Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm at Echo Echo's studios on Magazine Street, Derry-Londonderry. Join Echo Echo for a short introductory evening course in Body Wisdom Movement and Dance for the over 50s led by Echo Echo's Artistic Director Steve Batts.
Any men and women 50 years and upwards can join, no matter the level of physical ability or experience. To register please visit https://www.echoechodance.com/whatson/introduction-to-body-wisdom-movement-dance
For more details on al of Echo Echo’s classes and events visit www.echoechodance.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich and Quotidian: presents Poetry Jukebox. Poetry Jukebox are #ChangingTheMessage! This project aims to share beautiful, profound and life-affirming words and change the words on our streets, opening hearts and minds, putting poetry to work where it belongs: everywhere, for everyone. As well as pressing buttons on the physical jukebox outside the Cultúrlann, poetry-lovers will be able to listen online at https://www.culturlann.ie/en
Crescent Arts Centre: has launched a new season of the Crescent’s Creative Learning Programme where you can explore a hobby, brush up on your creative talents, or have a go at something new. Visit https://crescentarts.org/courses
Seamus Heaney HomePlace: has released details of their new winter-spring 2022 seasonal programme of events. Visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com for tickets and information.
Declan McConaghy Show: Newry based former BBC broadcaster, Declan McConaghy has created a new serfies of short films where he talks in-depth to creatives from Newry and the surrounding area who have made a contribution to theatre, music, dance and the performing arts in general. The view the films visit https://www.facebook.com/DMCSHOW or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaH9LxmhE8O1Af3Csk-k6vA
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: is offering events and courses in abundance with something for all. Highlights include:
Arán & Im le Manchán Magan, 09|09|22, 1:00pm | 7:30pm
Arán & Im is a theatrical performance in which Manchán Magan bakes sourdough bread for 70 minutes while offering insights into the wonders of
the Irish language – exploring potent words of landscape, terms of intuition
and insight, and the many phrase that bring to life the mysterious glory of our natural world. The show is a celebration of language,land and local Irish food, with freshly- baked traditional sourdough bread for the audience to slice and spread with butter they churn themselves from Irish cream. (Knowledge of Irish is not required.)
Arán & Im had a nationwide tour with the Abbey Theatre in 2018. In Autumn 2019 it toured widely again. In Spring 2022 it toured 16 cities, 13 states and 2 provinces in USA and Canada. It will tour the west coast of North American in 2023.
Written & presented by Manchán Magan. Set by Tom de Paor. Originally produced by the Abbey Theatre. Production assistance from Once Off Productions
Songs about life, love and growing up in West Belfast with Ursula Burns (aka The Dangerous Harpist) & Joby Fox, 09|09|22, Doirse | Doors: 6:30pm
Ursula Burns and Joby Fox performing a dynamic in-the-round set withoriginal songs. Both accomplishedartists who grew up in West Belfast, they present two different takes on the
same theme. Ursula on harp/vocal, Joby on guitar/ vocal. This is a rare opportunity to see these two artists in an informal setting up-close and personal and scaled back to the bare bones.
Bláth na dTulach,10|09|22, 1:30pm
Join is in the Cultúrlann for a live edition of the Bláth na dTulach podcast which will be recorded in front of a live audience. Special guest, Bríd Ó Gallchóir will read a story from the book Bláth na dTulach and have a conversation with Réaltán Ní Leannáin after.
Further information on all events, workshops and courses can be found in their programme available on www.culturlann.ie
Sole Purpose: as part of Community Relations Week this September, presents, MOHAND & PETER, 20th - 24th September. PSYCHEdelight Theatre and Sole Purpose Productions present a wonderful work of storytelling and physical theatre. With humour and visual poetry, Mohand & Peter will take you on a road trip through Sudan jumping from one character to another, including Omar Al Bashir, Mohand’s 450 cousins, and a lazy camel. Mohand & Peter bounce on one of the toughest international news stories of the decade and as two brave clowns, they fight horror with laughter to build a magnificent pedestal for Mohand’s country. In English with some Arabic. Performed by Mohand Hasb Alrosol Abdalrahem and Peter Pearson, and directed by Sophie Bertrand Besse, this is an unmissable event, make sure you get a ticket!
Tickets £10, matinees £5, free for school groups and refugees / asylum seekers.
20th 7.30pm / 21st Sept 1pm, 7.30pm - Duncairn Arts Centre, Belfast
23rd 11am, 7.30pm / 24th Sept 7.30pm - Pilots Row Community Centre, Derry/Londonderry
Visit https://www.solepurpose.org/ for further details on performances in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
Cathedral Quarter Arts: presents Fionn’s Window. Visitors to Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter are invited to divine their way around the area in a journey of discovery and inspiration which has its origins in the Druidic traditions of our collective past and the mythology that has endured.
Following on from last year’s successful Ogham Grove installation for Culture Night, the Cathedral Quarter Trust (CQT) is presenting Fionn’s Window, named after Irish hero Fionn MacCumhaill, a warrior chieftain and druid. Fionn’s Window launched on June 21, to mark the Summer Solstice. Fionn’s Window comprises a series of hand-made wooden plaques, representing each of the twenty-five Ogham characters. The plaques have been placed in various locations around the Cathedral Quarter, enabling visitors to divine their own journey and answer their own personal questions. Read more at www.culturenightbelfast.com
Crescent Arts Centre: has a new term of classes to book and enjoy now. Fancy learning to speak some Italian before your holiday to Italy this year? Well now’s your chance! From visual arts, language classes, acting, dance, music making and more, there’s something to tantalise all tastes. Visit www.crescentarts.co.uk
Duncairn: has released details of their new programme of theatre, music and digital classes. Highlights include:
- 1-10 Sep, Tinderbox Theatre Company presents Birds of Passage into the Half Light
- 16 Sep Live music with Susan O’Neill
- 20 Sep PSYCHEdelight Theatre and Sole Purpose Productions present Mohand and Peter
- 2 Oct Live music with Jack Warnock
- 8 Oct Live music with Clare Sands
- 23 Oct Live music with Damien O’Kane and Ron Block Band
For Further details visit www.theduncairn.com
Duncairn Player: all of the previous video projects can now be viewed from the Duncairn Player including The Duncairn Virtual Cabaret, Take 2, Carlingford and the Ring of Guillion Sessions. Visit https://www.theduncairn.com/player
Greater Shantallow Community Arts: presents Spill The Tae Youth Led Podcast from the young people at Studio2/GSCA. This amazing group of creative young people have launched their very own podcast and it can be found on Spotify or Apple Podcast. The young people plan, host, interview and edit the Podcast. To date they have interviewed some of their local MLA’s, Councillors, survivors and local Derry’s own Serena Terry, creator of Mammybanter. As well as this they have a voice and a safe place where they can openly talk about mental health and what it means to them.
As well as having a voice the young people are developing their communication skills, confidence and self-awareness as well as learning skills in sound engineering and digital editing, skills they can take with them into their future career paths. You can find the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast but also by clicking this link below.
https://shows.acast.com/spill-the-tae-youth-led-podcast
Eden Place Arts Centre: has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Lanscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contempoary Botanical Watercolours, Landscape Painting Life Painting, Spinning and Weaving plus Portrait Painting, among others. All courses are designed for adults aged 18+. Visit www.edenplaceartscentre.com
Wheelworks: unique to WheelWorks Arts is their state of the art ArtCart — a mobile arts studio that travels to your venue and opens up to provide an additional studio space for workshops and is packed full to the brim with digital equipment such as ipads, music and film making technology.
Virtual ArtCart activities take place at your own venue. Where outdoor space is limited, Wheelworks bring the ArtCart creativity inside your centre. They also come with a full outdoor suite — marquees, stage sound, lighting and outdoor heaters.
This unique space allows your young people the opportunity to experience professional equipment in a custom-made studio. It allows your centre to offer a range of socially distance spaces and utilises outdoor space. To book your perfect digital and arts activities just email lisa@wheelworksarts.com and visit www.wheelworksarts.com
Streetwise: Fancy learning how to juggle and other circus skills?! In response to Covid 19 Streetwise Community Circus has developed a team of tutors who are now working via Zoom to reach out to those who can no longer participate in workshops. To take advantage of this opportunity all you have to do is email Streetwise on streetwiseathome@gmail.com. Suitable for participants who range in age from 8 to 80 plus.
Arts Care: has a wonderful range of arts activities available online on their Arts Care 4U Premium +, their online arts delivery channel that everyone can access. Arts Care’s new dedicated online arts and well-being workshop resource, ‘Break-Time’, accessed via their website to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children and young people through the Arts. New art, music, dance & exercise, drama, creative writing and clown doctor’s CDTV videos will be uploaded regularly and it’s all FREE. Visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ85xLA2BlQQdrnWBhKw1hw
Belfast Print Workshop: is celebrating 45 Years of Belfast Print Workshop with an exhibition at their premises at Cotton Court in Belfast. Belfast Print Workshop still has thirteen of the original members who were there at the beginning and it is a home for another generation of artists who are now establishing themselves. The Workshop has been a dynamic home for printmakers and it is a pleasure to acknowledge its contribution to the arts in Northern Ireland as we celebrate forty five years of growth and development with this exhibition. Visit www.bpw.org.uk
The MAC: presents
Ron Mueck, 29 July – 5 Nov, The MAC. Free, booking advised. Suggested donation: £5
This is the first exhibition of Mueck’s work in Ireland and brings together seven of his key works including Dead Dad, 1997 and his monumental work In Bed, 2005. Book now for the opening weekend (29 - 31 July) of what will be a powerful exhibition of Mueck's meticulously sculpted figures, from mini to mammoth, that act as psychological reflections of the human condition. https://themaclive.com/exhibition/ron-mueck-2
Craft Northern Ireland: presents August Craft Month, an initiative bringing together summer craft events across the island of Ireland through a partnership of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Craft NI and Cork Craft& Design. From craft talks, open studios, craft trails, exhibitions, workshops, meet the maker events, to how tos and try-out event, there’s something to suit all tastes and ages. To view the full programme visit www.augustcraftmonth.org
Irish Craft Heroes Exhibition, view now until 7 November 2022, Botanic Gardens and Craft NI Gallery, Belfast. Free to view, visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.comIrish Craft Heroes is a highly-visual, outdoor panel trail at Botanic Gardens celebrating Ireland’s inspirational craftspeople and makers whose work has contributed to the rich tapestry of craft and design practice in Ireland. The exhibition charts the evolution of the craft and design sector on the island of Ireland over the last 50 years, and pays homage to the many makers whose work has significant legacy.
The outdoor panel trail launched in Kilkenny Castle in 2021, to coincide with Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s 50th Anniversary since its establishment in 1971. It then toured to Dublin Castle in Autumn 2021, and Galway and Cork in 2022, and now to Belfast. Presented by Belfast International Arts Festival and Craft NI | Curated by Design & Crafts Council Ireland | Supported by National Museums NI.
Craft NI Gallery: Irish Craft Heroes Exhibition: To accompany the outdoor trail, Craft NI will show a capsule exhibition of work from the Northern Ireland-based Heroes, giving people the opportunity to see their stunning work up close, a perfect complement to the outdoor exhibition in Botanic Gardens. NI makers include Seliena Coyle, Jack Doherty, Sara Flynn, Bob Johnston, Alison Lowry, Michael McCrory, Peter Meanley and Cara Murphy. For more information visit www.craftni.org
Golden Thread Gallery: presents ROOT AND BRANCH Catherine and Simon McWilliams, view now until 15 October 2022 at Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast. Free to view, visit www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk
Catherine and Simon McWilliams, mother and son artists, present work together in the Golden Thread Gallery’s Project Space. Taking Betty McCord’s sculpture ‘Rook’ as a starting point, the exhibition is a conversation about the processes of making artwork with familial connections. Both Simon and Catherine are interested in the natural environment, with the rook appearing in both of their works at various points. This connecting motif draws out a combined interest in interpreting the world around them, whether it’s a goddess emerging from within a tree, bursting with life and vibrancy or a quiet view out a beautiful window, revealing a riot of colour.
Simon and Catherine display immense technical skill within their chosen media. In painting or sculpture, they are informed and inspired by the materials with which they work and have both revisited the subject of trees throughout their individual careers.
Catherine’s tree pieces are evocative of female figures, gods, terrifying in their ferociousness. Female figures have played a central role in her paintings over a number of decades from the 1960s to the present day. In moments of transition, the figures metamorphose into Celtic goddesses and rise above with a sense of joyous freedom.
The cherry tree for Simon might be aligned with his attitude towards paint as a medium. It continues to flower even as the world around changes, adapting to its environment much as he has introduced new materials and new techniques into his more recent works.
The McWilliams hail from a family of artists and this history and connection informs and speaks through their work. They engage with the act of creating in a unique and personal way, using paint for its endurance through generations and ultimately its versatility. The interpretative power of paint is core to their work and acts as an additional connector which, as with the images of trees, continues to provide something beautiful, revelatory and enduring.
CCA: presents Ballads of Rhinestones and Newcomers, which runs from 20 July-24 September 2022, with a preview event taking place from 7-9pm. Ballads of Rhinestones and Newcomers features work by Frank Sweeney and Tom O'Dea, and Bojana Janković, an Eastern European artist based in Belfast. The exhibition brings together two counterpointing experiences of the border between the UK and Republic of Ireland at a time when the realities of Brexit are playing out. The work included in the exhibition refers to the history of analogue radio and TV signals, as well as the migrant experience of the border.
Visit www.ccadld.org for further details and background.
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich:.For further details visit www.culturlann.ie
VOID: Void Gallery presents the following:
- Preview: Being in a Place: A Portrait of Margaret Tait. An exhibition by Luke Fowler, Saturday 10 September, 6:30-8pm
- In conversation: Void Director Mary Cremin and artist Luke Fowler, Saturday 10 September, 5:30-6:30pm
- Personae: Margaret Tait, portraiture and film. A talk + film programme presented by Sarah Neely, Sunday 11th September, 12 noon
- In poetry, something else happens’: Being In A Place and Margaret Tait’s Film Poems. Saturday 8 October, 2pm
Visit www.derryvoid.com
Belfast Exposed: Presents the following exhibitions:
Gallery 1: Belfast Exposed is delighted to present 'Parr's Ireland: 40 Years of Photography', a retrospective of work by esteemed British documentary photographer, Martin Parr.
One of the pre-eminent photographers of his generation, Parr has been taking photographs in Ireland since the 1980s, when he spent two years living in Co. Roscommon. Returning at regular intervals for the next three decades, his work in Ireland forms a visual testimony of the changing cultural and social norms of Irish life, the influx of newfound wealth and, in particular, the Americanisation of Irish society from the 1980s onwards.
Brought together in 'Parr's Ireland: 40 Years of Photography' as a complete collection for the first time, Parr's Irish body of work has been on tour since 2021. The work explores a variety of themes and events of historical and social significance in Ireland including the Pope’s visit to Ireland, the traditional Irish horse and cattle fairs, rural ballrooms, the infamous abandoned Morris Minors of the West of Ireland, seaside holidays and the changing face of economic Ireland.
What is more, Belfast Exposed is privileged to be presenting a curated special edition of the collection, that includes the commission of work focusing specifically on Northern Ireland, and will be on display in Gallery I from Thursday 4th August to Saturday 24th September.
Gallery 2: Strangely Familiar is a collection of thought provoking work that explores the realm of cinema and its relationship with the still image. As the name suggests, Johnston combines familiar objects & settings with the strange and bizarre, all photographed through the medium of film. Johnston shoots all of her work on film, and processes and prints her work by hand. This is a key part of her practice, as is the pace of the processing and printing work, which takes place immediately after a shoot has finished. Johnston has described this rhythmic practice as akin to an 'obsession'.
'It is the moments spent in the darkroom that I really love, there is something very comforting about walking into a darkroom and seeing your enlarger and smelling the chemicals' - Samantha Johnston.
The exhibition showcases Johnstone's signature style in a series of evocative, powerful still lifes, replete with rich colours and a combination of the mundane and mysterious. A unique experience for viewers, Strangely Familiar will be shown in Gallery II from Thursday 4th August to Saturday 24th September 2022.
Visit www.belfastexposed.org
ArtisAnn:
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE
Tue – Fri: 11am to 6pm ; Sat: Noon to 5pm
All artworks are available to buy. You can also buy art from this exhibition through the Arts Council supported Own Art scheme which gives you an interest-free loan over 10 months (and you still get to take the art home immediately the exhibition ends). Visit www.artisann.org
Echo Echo Festival: in partnership with Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and Siamsa Tiré, presents, 'Tradition and Beyond, 14-18 September. A short festival rooted in and extending the Irish Tradition with performances, workshops and discussions at Echo Echo Studios and Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry/Londonderry
In recent years numerous artists across the island of Ireland have been approaching the Irish tradition in new ways, using its deep roots to provide nourishment for continuing extension and artistic development. This festival, ‘Tradition and Beyond’, treasures this growth. From 14th - 18th September the festival will host artist residencies, at Echo Echo Studios and Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, focused on creating new work. The festival also includes dance and music performance, workshops and a round table discussion around the festival theme. Dance artists involved are Joanne Barry and Anne O'Donnell from Siamsa Tiré, Kristyn Fontanella, Aneta Dortova, Sarah Fennell, Laura Lundy, and musicians Moya Sweeney, William Troy and band Áirc Damhsa.
Public events begin on 15th September with the opening of an exhibition of landscape painting at Echo Echo Studios on Magazine Street curated by Sinéad Smyth. The programme has a great variety with artists who work in different ways while being consciously committed to honouring the tradition in which they embed themselves and to which they are dedicated.
For more information and tickets please go to: www.echoechodance.com/festival
See full festival programme at following link: www.echoechodance.com/tradition/
Belfast International Arts Festival: The 60th Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) has unveiled the autumn season of its diamond anniversary year, with a programme of events that addresses the current and future nature and role of arts and culture in society, the contemporary issues that are influencing our international artists, and Northern Ireland’s place in the global world.
From October 5 to November 6, over 320 imaginative, inspiring and intriguing events spanning across the artistic disciplines of music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and discussion will be hosted throughout the city of Belfast for all to engage with and enjoy. Some of the many highlights include:
- Irish Craft Heroes, 29 July – 7 November, Botanic Gardens. This exhibition charts the evolution of the craft and design sector on the island of Ireland over the last 50 years, and pays homage to the many makers whose work has significant legacy.
- Dinner with Groucho by Frank McGuinness, 5-9 Oct, The MAC. An evening that promises blistering wit, brilliant buffoonery, and reflections on the ephemeral nature of life from the award-winning writer of such iconic plays as Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me and The Factory Girls comes this fast-paced fictional dinner date like no other.
- Propaganda: A New Musical, Lyric Theatre. With a Broadway influenced score, a live 14-piece orchestra and stellar cast, Propaganda promises to be a musical for our time. Commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, and developed with the Lyric New Writing department, Propaganda: A New Musical by double Ivor Novello- nominated composer Conor Mitchell is an old fashioned Soviet love story
- Cahoots NI presents The Ghost House, 14-31 Oct, Cityside Retail and Leisure Park. Journey into a shadowy world of shipwrecks and sword fights, through the thin veil that separates our world from the world we call, ‘the past’. Secrets emerge and things definitely go bump in the night in this seriously spooky story! The Ghost House is a walk-through theatre experience in a custom built, multi-space set, featuring live performances, magic, digital technology and dance from Cahoots, makers of The Grimm Hotel (BIAF 2021).
- AURA – an album launch of reimagined Irish airs, 29 Oct, The MAC. Celebrate the island of Ireland with this one of a kind event to launch the album of solo piano music featuring Irish Airs written by Belfast composer Neil Martin and performed by Derry-born pianist, Ruth McGinley. AURA is an album of re-imagined Irish airs presented in a more Classical musical language… some well-known, some less so, all magical. A very special evening of music and spoken word.
- Big Telly: presents Frankenstein’s Monster Is Drunk And The Sheep Have All Jumped The Fences, 14-22 Oct, Brian Friel Theatre. The story begins in 1946, when they dig Frankenstein’s monster out of a glacier, where he’d crawled after his Hollywood career had given up the ghost. Fully defrosted, he meets his match, a spark which ignites a love story of monstrous proportions, a duet of undateables who stand out and fit in and forge their own brutiful brand of domestic bliss in a small holding with their 67 (Italian) blue sheep. Where comedy is pitch black and horror gets a happy ever after, this wildly fresh look at the Frankenstein myth is provocative, topical and tailor made for critically acclaimed theatre mavericks, and festival favourites, Big Telly. Age guidance: 14 Yrs +.
There are many more theatre, visual arts, music, comedy, film and talks events available to view and book at www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com