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WITH THE EXCESSES of Christmas firmly behind us, many have vowed to take it easy for the month of January. No booze, no cheeseboards, no languishing on the couch in front of darts for hours on end.
And what better way to take it easy than engaging with some culture? Here are some arts events taking place across the country over the coming weeks.
When: January 2018
Where: Various locations around the country
First Fortnight, Ireland’s mental health arts festival, is back and better than ever. This year’s programme is especially ambitious with events taking place across the country. There are film screenings, plays, gigs, spoken word events, art exhibitions, and much more besides.
“This year we really want people who have taken part before to come again and bring someone who has never been to a First Fortnight event before with them,” says organiser JP Swaine. “With events happening in 17 counties and prices being kept to a minimum everyone can be part of the experience.”
Each festival that passes seems to encourage a new crop of artists to work creatively in response to mental health as an issue in Irish society and it has been hugely encouraging to meet with artists who have been developing their work with the expressed purpose of contributing to the First Fortnight.
One of Swaine’s personal highlights is Lunatic There I Go, a play based on Hanna Greally’s book Bird’s Nest Soup, which recounts the author’s time spent incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital in Mullingar for the better part of two decades.
Find out more about this year’s programme here.
When: January 1st – 31st
Where: National Gallery of Ireland, Clare Street, Dublin 2
Every January, the National Gallery of Ireland exhibits a number of JMW Turner’s dreamy watercolours. The gallery has 31 in its collection and only puts them on display in January as that is when the natural light is at its weakest and therefore least likely to cause damage to the paintings.
This year’s exhibition will be accompanied by drawings by Kerry-based printmaker Niall Naessens. Don’t let another year pass you by without stealing a glimpse of these masterworks.
When: January 4th & 6th
Where: Light House Cinema, Dublin
Ahead of the release of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread, Dublin’s Light House Cinema are presenting a PTA retrospective and will be showing films from his back catalogue on 35mm over the coming weeks.
First up is Boogie Nights, a delightfully sleazy romp tracking the highs and lows of porn star Dirk Diggler. Rollerblades, dodgy moustaches, baby-faced Mark Wahlberg – what more could you want from a film?
When: January 11th, 8pm (Free)
Where: Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois
Dreading the onset of Janxiety? Allow spoken word artist Stephen James Smith to soothe your soul. As part of First Fortnight, Smith has enlisted poets Richard Brennan and Tony Walsh as well as Laois-based trad group cua for a very special night of dazzling performances. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.
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RIP kevin we can learn a lot of t from you we should all support Lauralynn and the work they do for kids like kevin and there families Never met you kevin but you have touched me
What a lovely mum you are Mairead. That was so moving. I wish you and yours all the best.
Hats off to you Mairead and Chuck. He’s left a great legacy behind
Ah Mairead I’m in tears after that. Respect to you and Kevin.
What a very special family
Good piece. Great looking kid, all the best
Great piece Mairead. We remember & talk of Kevin often.
He looked so joyful
Beautiful piece Mairead. RIP Kevin.
Lovely piece Mairead from the heart. Know Kevin from Eithne. Hope Chuck and you get strength from Kevin to move on. Bless.
What a beautiful boy…A lovely photo.thank you for sharing Kevin with us…words escape me, my sadness for u all..Thankfully Lauralyn gave u many happy memories. Bless u all.
Beautifully written Mairead. Hugs to you and the family x
Beautiful Mairead, smiled with a tear in my eye reading this and remembering Kevvy D. X
Chuck and family a lovely tribute and a lasting legacy
A little angel be good little man
What a beautifully written piece. I would love to have met the little fella. I’m sure he would have stolen my heart. May you have peace and closure from your terrible loss. I’m very moved by the story of Wee Kevin.
Kevin could only inspire because he was a chip of the two auld blocks.
Jarleth, Mairead, and family, ordinary heroes, doing extraordinary things.
Loved the article Mairead, there’s a writer there lost in you.
Marty Daly
Thanks Chuck, Maireid and your lovely family for you generosity in sharing Kevin’s story and his smile with us. For many I am sure, it will offer inspiration and possibly comfort and to most of us a gentle reality check.
Lovely piece Mairead, full of joy and love
So very sad reading this Mairead & Chuck, remembering our meeting in 2004 & what a beautiful kind and supportive family you were to us when it was so badly needed and you still managed the strength to share it with us even though you probably should have been selfish and saved it for your own family. RIP beautiful Kevin will never forget that beautiful smile. Thinking of you & will call soon.
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