EILE Magazine August 2017 (Vol. 5, Issue 1)

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Magazine V 5 Issue 1 - August 2017

Zander Bleck Pontea New York Fashion Galway Pride

Dublin Fringe Inside:

Travel | Film | Fashion |Health | News

EILE Magazine | Who’s Who

Contributors

Mark Anthony Mark is a UCD English graduate, who writes his own menswear fashion blog.

Mark has also produced several fashion shows in the past, all in aid of worthwhile causes M. Butler M. Butler is a writer and editor, with a keen interest in human rights, and has studied philosophy and psychology Scott De Buitléir Scott is founder and Editor-at-Large of EILE Magazine. He is also a writer and broadcaster, from Dublin but now based in Cork Lisa Reynolds Originally from Co. Meath, Lisa is a fashion industry student, now living in Bray, Co Wicklow, with a great interest in media and celebrity Brian Rochford Brian has studied health, exercise, and nutrition, with a special interest in controlling pain in rheumatism and arthritis Frances Winston Frances Winston is EILE’s resident film buff, and has contributed to many other publications such as The Irish Independent and Irish Tatler

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Welcome

Highlights August 2017 IMDT at Dublin Fringe - P.18 Dubli Fringe Festival 2017 - Irish Modern Dance Theatre’s Production of Everything Now, running in September at Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin

Travel - Pps.34 and 36 Travel this month takes in Canada and Asia

Health - Vitamin E - P.32 Brian Rochford tells us all about the vitamin that helps the heart and slows down ageing

Music - Pps.6,10,24 and 26 Our musical guests this month are Zander Bleck, Pontea, Told Slant and Stunt Lover

Fashion P.14 and Review P.30 Mark Anthony takes us through the styles at New York Fashion Week Men’s SS18, and Lisa Reynolds reviews The Christine Jorgensen Story

Volume 5, Issue 1 Editor-at-Large: Scott De Buitléir Editor: MKB Contributors: Mark Anthony, M. Butler, Scott De Buitléir, MKB, Lisa Reynolds, Brian Rochford, Frances Winston Photographers: Julieta Cervantes, Wil Cohen, Fitch Photography, LaFamos NB: All images in this publication are either under Creative Commons licence, or used with permission. Image credits, where necessary, are printed on the corresponding page(s) or photo(s). Any queries can be made to hello@eile.ie Special Thanks to MKB for all her hard work, dedication and support.

Web: http://eile.ie Contact: hello@eile.ie Twitter: @EILEMagazine Facebook: http://fb.com/eilemagazine Note: All opinions expressed in this issue are the writers’ own.

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…plus film reviews, news, travel, and much more!

EILE Magazine

EILE Magazine | Editor’s Letter

Contents 6-

Zander Bleck

10 -

Pontea

14 -

NY Men’s SS18

18 -

IMDT Dublin Fringe

20 -

Owen Wingrave DFF

24 -

Told Slant

26 -

Stunt Lover

28 -

Mario Sughi Art Ex

30 -

Jorgensen Review

32 -

Health - Vit E

34 -

Travel Canada

36 -

Travel Asia

38 -

Frances on Film

46 -

Galway Pride 2017

56 -

Review Grease

60 -

Little Gem Vat II

plus World LGBT News, Views, Arts, Entertainment etc

EILE August 2017 Edition!

Welcome to the August issue of EILE Magazine This month’s musical treats are Zander Bleck, Pontea, Stunt Lover, and Told Slant.

Galway Pride 2017 saw Galway brimming with Pride this year as they put on a great festival despite some early setbacks. We have Dublin Fringe Festival news on Irish Modern Dance Theatre’s Everything Now, and Benjamin Britten’s opera, Owen Wingrave, and news on Mario Sughi’s art exhibition.

Brian Rochford writes on the benefits of Vitamin E, and Lisa Reynolds writes on Christine Jorgensen and Told Slant. Our Travel section features Canada and Asia, Mark Anthony gives us his expertise on New York Fashion Week Men’s SS18, and Frances Winston reviews the latest films and the musical, Grease.

We also have LGBT news and entertainment from around the globe, so sit back, relax and enjoy this August 2017 issue of EILE Magazine!

Scott De Buitléir Founder / Editor-at-Large

EILE Magazine EILE Magazine

See our film reviews

by Frances Winston

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Zander Bleck In EILE’s music section this month, pop/ rock artist, Zander Bleck, from the US, talks about his latest powerful track, Alive. Zander cites U2, Queen and The Doors among his influences, so you know he’s heavily rock-based in his own music.

From rural New Jersey, Zander Bleck grew up close to Manhattan, where he absorbed the music of legendary artists from before his time. A competitive athlete in high school, he soon moved to New York, where although modelling paid the bills, he was setting his sights on his future musical career.

“I developed a certain type of fearlessness,” Zander remembers. “When you get that hardened skin it prepares you well for the music business.”

Whatever about hardened skin, Zander has an amazing voice, and has been compared to Imagine Dragons and U2. He creates epic, anthemic music, and has the voice for powerhouse ballads.

Developing an interest in social media, he can now reach fans worldwide.

“I am a big advocate for positivity and manifesting what you want,” he says.

“The universe has funny ways of making that happen in ways we could never imagine.”

Although being in front of the camera came easily enough, it was not within his creative control. Music was. Zander had early successes with his East Coast band, but then decided to go solo. Fate connected him to multiple Grammy-winning songwriter, Holly Knight, and he travelled to Los Angeles to write and record ‘Temptation’, the song that he recalls, “…changed everything.”

His distinctive voice captured the attention of producer RedOne, hot off the success of Lady Gaga. RedOne introduced Zander to Jimmy Iovine at Interscope Records, and a deal was made. When an executive shakeup reordered the label, Zander shifted to

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Capitol Records. But his major label launch was not to be.

“I had to get tough or die,” Zander remembers. He realised that social media was key.

“I was getting an instant response. Rather than going through the chain, here was the artist and the audience. When I sing a song on social media the message is immediate, to thousands of people all over the world. I started dedicating myself to this connection.”

Forthcoming, a planned series of singles will constitute Zander’s sonic messages to a fan base that now stretches across continents and oceans. With the brotherhood of a band that has travelled with him to Los Angeles, he will be staging a fully realized live performance to showcase the edgy accessibility of his music.

“I truly feel like I am a lion that’s been stuck in a cage,” concludes Zander. “My story is not a sob story. I’ve been incredibly fortunate. A lot of incredibly talented artists haven’t had the luck I’ve had. I’ve been so close, but I’ve never had that chance. I feel fortunate to not be jaded.

Now it’s press play, balls to the wall. I’m reaching toward the moon.”

We think you’ll enjoy ‘Alive’. See what you think!

-MKB

You can follow Zander on Facebook and Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/ZanderBleck/ twitter.com/zanderbleck and download Alive from iTunes at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/zander-bleck/id301941406

Main mages: CourtesyLaFamos Cover Art for Alive

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“I had to get tough or die”

“ I’m reaching toward the moon”

Zander asks: “What’s better than taking a wolf for a walk?”

Zander Bleck Facebook

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Pontea US R&B/Soul/pop artist, Pontea, has just released her debut EP, Unpredictable, and to give you a taste of her music, one of the tracks, Come Over, is a pared-back vocal over muted keyboards and stabby beats, which perfectly showcases her amazing voice, born of Persian and US influences With her energy and vitality, Pontea is set to take the musical world by storm. Her music is a perfect blend of R&B and soulful pop, infused with stabby beats and ambient synths, which make up her unique sound.

Born and raised in Los Angeles to Persian Jewish immigrants, Pontea initially conformed to the expectations of her heritage. After graduating from UCLA, she decided to flip the script, and pursue her lifelong dream of being a singer, a path that has always been challenged by her culture’s social norms and expectations.

“

Pontea grew up in an artistic family. Her father was a talented singer, whose voice filled the house with songs from Iran, Italy, and 60s’ pop. Her mother, a prolific poet, would lull her to sleep with ancient Persian poetry each night. This love of the arts and music in her home fostered her lust for creativity and artistic expression. As a youngster, she was the entertainment at every large family gathering.

From an early age, the self-described drama-queen and theatre-geek was involved in dance, musical theatre and choir. Although composing piano pieces that often won composition awards, Pontea’s songwriting was evolving to a more modern and pop-centric sound.

She had an affinity for singing soulful vocals, and a need to channel a rollercoaster of emotions from her tumultuous high-school relationships, so the songs began pouring out one after another.

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fl e

Singer-songwriter, Pontea

“A lot of my music is about breakups and makeups, the dysfunctions in relationships, moments of weakness and temptation, flirtation, and the effort to maintain my sense of self within them�

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Pontea after her debut EP release show very happy

impromptu beat-boxing, her magnetic presence on stage keeps the audience glued to her every move.

Pontea’s debut EP marks a defining moment in her evolution as a songwriter. As she continues to evolve, she challenges herself to step outside her comfort-zone, while remaining authentic and true to her voice.

Pontea is excited to release this new body of work into the world, and is very proud as she displays her wide range and unforgettable sound to a growing audience and fan-base.

Image: I/G

You can catch up with Pontea on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ iampontea/ Twitter: twitter.com/iampontea

“A lot of my music is about breakups and makeups, the dysfunctions in relationships, moments of weakness and temptation, flirtation, and the effort to maintain my sense of self within them” she says, adding: “I also feel a strong pull toward reflecting on society and the ways of today’s generation”. Her lyrical content, reflecting on her inner turmoil, gives a cutting-edge to what may seem to be upbeat electro-pop on the first listen.

Although she has faced many obstacles in pursuing music as a career, Pontea considers herself part of a new and liberated creative community, pushing beyond the bounds of cultural limitations for women. She is on the path to realizing her dreams, and hopes to inspire other women in her position to do the same.

Over the last few years, Pontea has been garnering attention throughout Southern California, for her fiery and captivating live performances. No stranger to the local scene, she has performed at The House of Blues, The Federal, and Genghis Cohen. With her ability to evoke the ebb and flow of raw emotion, and a modest sensuality in her vocals, along with dynamic body movements and 12 EILE Magazine

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/ artist/pontea/id998783515 Website: http://www.iampontea.com/

- M.Butler

Cover Art for Come Over

Photos: Will Cohen

“I also feel a strong pull toward reflecting on society and the ways of today’s generation” EILE Magazine 13

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New York Fashion Week: Men’s SS18 Our intrepid fashion guru, Mark Anthony, writes on that iconic city’s Fashion Week Men’s SS18 The sun is out, the waves have come to play, and life is as carefree and colourful as a day at the beach.

However, there are storm-clouds gathering, and they are not too far away. You could say we are in for some nasty weather.

That is only one of many ways you could have interpreted the overarching message that New York Fashion Week: Men’s brought to us last month. Now in its fifth season, the annual four-day event featured a huge mix of established designers and houses, and a whole lot of new-comers.

Designers picked sides this time around, when they opted for either the dark side or light. Some went for playful and optimistic motifs, in contrast to the more brooding collections. Nonetheless, New York was just as exciting as its European counterparts.

hugo boss

If there is one guy that knows how to put on a show, it is Jeremy Scott. His previous collection was a little on the political side, but this time around he showcased his collection in a road trip form. This was to show the development from LA (the previous show setting) to Vegas.

The looks went from stylishly downtown to biker-chic throughout. It was almost like you were looking at a fantasy from Jeremy Scott’s eyes - sexy, yet mesmerizing.

Yohji Yamamoto went on to take a different approach than

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raf s

N hoolywood

that of Scott’s - he allowed the c speak for itself - literally. Looks we in graffiti and tape, and on close i many looks had English and written all over them, about vulner conviction. However, even though t lot of darkness throughout, there w of pink to try and lighten the mood.

What would a fashion week be if didn’t attempt to go back in time? Pa 16 EILE Magazine

simons

clothing to ere covered inspection, Japanese rability and there was a were flashes .

f someone atrik Ervell

took us back to the 90s on this occasion, with shiny colours, leather, and lots of neon. Black leather shorts, nylon short-sleeved shirts, and his staple air-jacket were only some of the pieces that made this collection a sight for all.

Ovadia & Sons went and brought the designers childhood back to life, by jumping back into past experiences of working in their dad’s warehouse.

Boxes and pallets set the scene perfectly for this on the runway. Again, the 90’s were explored throughout, with checkered prints, camouflage, illustrated prints, and, of course, brightly-coloured vans all on show for this one.

Lastly, but certainly not least, is the exquisite Raf Simons. Think Chinese lanterns and neon lights in the streets of Manhattan.

Even the New York fire department arrived before the show to make sure all of this was legal.

Models were sent down the runway with umbrellas and rain boots throughout, and we even had a whole bunch of gender-neutral looks to look forward to. This was a show that brought the Asian and western cultures together to start a new movement - a movement that would bring cultures together through fashion.

represent

Here is the thing though, having watched all these shows, it is hard to imagine an assortment of layered sweaters, tunic-like tops, and oversized raincoats as a viable part of a Spring-Summer wardrobe, let alone an Autumn-Winter one.

But with a full run of men’s fashion weeks now in our rear-view mirror, it is very hard to imagine a set of shows that better reflect the mood of the moment.

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IMDT At The Dublin Fringe Festival 2017 ‘Everything Now’ John Scott’s Irish Modern Dance Theatre (IMDT) presents Everything Now, a world premiere at Dublin Fringe Festival 2017

explore the pervasive, potentially damaging influences of Western society, of being consumed and consuming, while recognising that joy is still to be found.

Directed and Choreographed by John Scott, Lighting Design by Sarah Jane Shiels, Music

by Brian Hogan, Costumes by Justine Doswell

The piece is accompanied by powerful new music composed by Brian Hogan, bass player and co-writer/arranger with Kila, and leader of Preacher’s Son; and the support of a laughing/shouting/silent multicultural chorus.

Danced by Kevin Coquelard, Maurice Ivy, Sebastiao Mpembele Kamalandua and Ryan O’Neill

Everything Now will embrace and humanise its audiences to resonate long after the performance ends.

Everything Now | Smock Alley Theatre | 1317 September 2017 | fringefest.com

Following its world premiere performance on Wednesday 13 September, Everything Now runs until Sunday 17 September, with a 1pm matinee performance on Saturday 16 September, and daily performances at 6.30pm in Smock Alley Theatre, during Dublin Fringe Festival 2017.

“Our final gesture before we’re thrown off a cliff” – John Scott Irish Modern Dance Theatre (IMDT) presents John Scott’s explosive new work Everything Now, at Dublin Fringe Festival 2017 in September.

Everything Now is a rollercoaster ride danced by an all-male, ethnically diverse cast of renowned dancers - Kevin Coquelard (France/Ireland), Maurice Ivy (USA), Sebastiao Mpembele Kamalandua (Ireland/Angola) and Ryan O’Neill (Ireland).

The dancers throw us into a dynamic and vital physical exploration of how we respond to the way identity shifts, is reshaped, and shifts again, in a time when nationhood is transformable, languages meld, and the news is incessant.

Everything Now combines the formality and rigour of highly disciplined dance with elements of a 1960s happening, to 18 EILE Magazine

Irish Modern Dance Theatre was founded in 1991. A Dublin-born graduate of English Literature and Classics at University College Dublin, and dance at Irish National College of Dance, Scott’s work is pioneering, playful, and virtuosic. Performers are a rich ensemble ranging from Irish and international dancers to African torture survivors with whom Scott has created several unique works, the most famous being Fall and Recover. He has been awarded the African Refugee Network’s Culture Award for his work with Refugees and Survivors of Torture. John is also one of the subjects of Saddlers Wells’ 52 Portraits with Jonathan Burrows, Matteo Fargin and Hugo Glendinning.

Photos: Julieta Cervantes

For further information on Everything Now, go to: fringefest.com irishmoderndancetheatre.com Facebook @irishmoderndancetheatre Twitter @IMDTJohnScott Funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Dublin City Council. Supported by Culture Ireland, Dance Ireland, Newstalk, The Iris O’Brien Foundation. Developed at FRINGE LAB with the support of Dublin Fringe Festival.

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A gripping tale of family conflict with devastating consequences......

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CAST: Andrew Boushell, Rachel Croash, Christopher Cull, Amy Ní Fhearraigh, Peter O’Reilly, Sarah Richmond, Benjamin Russell, Róisín Walsh

desire to escape from the spiral of war and create world peace? To what extent do we determine our own futures? Should we let past events inform the decisions we make?

Britten’s characters grapple with timeless issues in this gripping psychodrama.

and O’Reilly Theatre for two performances this September. Running time approx. 120 mins (incl. interval).

A gripping tale of family conflict with devastating consequences –

2017 sees Opera Collective Ireland expand its horizons to join forces with the internationally-renowned Paris Opera, to present the Irish premiere of Britten’s compelling opera, OWEN WINGRAVE.

A co-production with the Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris

At Coyle’s cramming establishment in London, Owen and his friend Lechmere are learning the strategy of battle.

At the end of the lesson, Owen declares that he cannot go through with a military career.

Coyle is angry but agrees to break the news to the Wingrave family for whom soldiering has been a way of life for decades……

OWEN WINGRAVE was composed originally for BBC television, although Britten himself didn’t own a TV, and had reservations about the medium.

As pertinent now as then, OWEN WINGRAVE was composed by Britten at the height of the Vietnam War. The opera poses the question: Is pacifism an act of cowardice? Or rather a

A co-production with the Académie de l’Opéra national de Paris, and directed by the awardwinning Irish director from Cork, Tom Creed, the performances will be conducted by Stephen Barlow, who returns to the company following the much-praised performances of Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia in 2014.

Performed by some of Ireland’s finest young singers, this superb piece of operatic theatre is as pertinent now as it was when first premiered fortysix years ago.

The production opens at the Lime Tree, Limerick, and tours to the Everyman, Cork, while taking to the Dublin Fringe Festival

Libretto by Myfanwy Piper based on a short story by Henry James

Supported by RTÉ Lyric FM & the French Embassy in Ireland with the IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Conducted by Stephen Barlow Directed by Tom Creed Set and Lighting Design by Aedin Cosgrove Costume Design by Catherine Fay TOURS: Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick – 9 September 2017 / Everyman Theatre, Cork – 13 September, 2017 / O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin (at Dublin Fringe Festival) – 15 & 16 September, 2017 LIME TREE THEATRE, Limerick Saturday 9 September | 7.30pm | €28 / €25 / €15 (Student)

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Bookings: limetreetheatre.ie / Tel: 061 953 400 EVERYMAN THEATRE, Cork Wednesday 13 September | 8.00pm | €28 / €24 / €9 (Student) Bookings: everymancork.com / Tel: 021 450 1673 O’REILLY THEATRE, Belvedere College, Dublin Friday 15 & Saturday 16 September | 8.00pm | €33 / €28

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Bookings: fringefest.com (Online bookings open Now) / Tel: 1850 374 643 (Phone bookings from Aug 30) In association with Dublin Fringe Festival Full Tour Information: operacollectiveireland.com

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Album Review - Still

review by Lis

Still Water (2016) by indie/pop/punk band, Told Slant, is a stunning al truly mesmerising in a subtle, beautiful way. Previously, The A.V. Club s that quality is very evident on this g

The album begins with the beautiful, storytelling, conversational, Parking Lots. There is an intimat charismatic opening, which leads effortlessly onto track 2, entitled Algae Bloom. The

Track 3 is In San Francisco - another wonderful ballad which is heartfelt and captivating. Track 4 is L are gloriously subtle and perfect. Ending the first half of th

The second half of the album opens with Ohio Snow Falls. It is a dazzlingly dynamic track, w

Next up is Sleep In, which has a very cinematic sound. There is a beautiful subtle sound to th Pine Tree Lines is next. It is a Closing the album is I’m Real, which is a stunning track, and another one of my

A wonderful, sincere piece

To download or listen to Sti https://toldslant.bandcam 24 EILE Magazine

l Water By Told Slant

sa Reynolds

lbum. The Brooklyn-based band is led by Felix Walworth, whose vocal is said that Felix had the ability to create “simple, heartbreaking songs” and gorgeous album, spanning 10 tracks.

te quality to Felix’s vocal throughout this album, and it begins from track 1 - a beautiful simplistically variation in the instrumentals on this song is brilliant, and it is a subtly powerful song.

Lack ,which is one of my favourites on the album. Felix’s vocal is truly engaging, and the instrumentals he album is Heart Sinks, which is a wonderful, emotive track.

with instrumentals which flow really well, with a brilliant, storytelling quality in Felix’s vocal.

his track. Following Sleep In is I Am Not, which is a gorgeous heartfelt song, subtly beautiful. compelling and gripping track. favorite tracks on the album. It’s is breathtakingly subtle - a perfect closing track.

e of art. An excellent listen.

ill Water by Told Slant, go to: mp.com/album/still-water EILE Magazine 25

Stunt Lover San Jin Peric, Kaylee Bear and Alberto Soldati aka Stunt Lover Image: Fitch Photography

Trans-fronted, Dublin-based band, STUNT LOVER, will be launching their first album, Aldona’s Daughter, on September, 22nd!

The album is four years in the making.

Stunt Lover is a 3-piece alt-punk rock band based in Dublin, made up of Kaylee Bear on guitar and vocals, San Peric on bass, and Al Soldati on drums.

Their first album, Aldona’s Daughter, will launch online and in Dublin on Friday, September 22.

“As part of Culture Night Festivities at Steambox Galleries & Studios, along with the annual Studio members’ exhibition, Stunt Lover will be celebrating the release of their first an long-imminent album, ‘Aldona’s Daughter’ in the lounge.

With supporting music by Leifert, it is guaranteed to be a totally enjoyable night!

On this day this album -the culmination of four years’ work- will be available for download on Bandcamp, in hardcopy at our launch, and also at Tower Records in Dublin!”

Stunt Lover cite among their influences Andrew Bird, Ani DiFranco, Band of Skulls, Bikini Kill, Black Keys, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and lead vocals Kaylee Bear’s voice has been compared to Nick Cave.

The band will be back in Sin É in Dublin on 29th September.

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You can watch videos of Stunt Lover on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTWBiVbLczU35xNnPMwLEXA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stuntlovermusic/

Aldona’s Daughter (2017) C. Stunt Lover P. Moxie Studios

TRACK LIST

LENGTH Cover Art for Aldona’s Daughter

Sledgehammers & Knitting Needles SCAB Fear of Falling 3 Dreams SkyBelow On Her List Of Things To Do Apple Cider Vinegar Superstitious Girl Love Letters From Strangers / Strange Letters From Lovers

4:10 4:18 3:44 5:30 5:06 3:16 5:02 3:38 4:06

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Encounters, The Mario Sughi Exhibition, at the beautiful Luan Gallery, Athlone, opened on the June 30, and will continue until August 26. Luma by Helen Mac Mahon, is also featured at the gallery for those dates.

The exhibition was officially launched on Friday June 30, 2017, with an address by Dr Ruby Wallis.

‘Encounters’ by Mario Sughi is being exhibited in the Library Gallery, while ‘Luma’

by Helen Mac Mahon features in the New and River Gallery spaces.

Dublin based, Italian-born artist, Mario Sughi, who goes by the alias nerosunero, makes large scale digital paintings, which present snapshots of strangers’ lives.

These are large, bold works, showing everyday scenes in brilliant techni-colour (see above).

Mario says: “It’s like when you sit in a coffee shop and enjoy looking at the people passing by.

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Athlone Mario Sughi Exhibition at Luan Gallery until 26 August Some of the people capture your attention. You follow them with your eyes and you reinvent their stories. And yet the only thing you know about those people and their lives is their image standing in front of you. And that is what you try to do when then you draw and paint: you try to capture and reproduce those interesting images. Nothing more nothing less, because the image seems already to have everything you need within it”.

The exhibition will continue until 26th August. Luan Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday 11.00 – 17.00, and Sundays 12.00 – 17.00.

Admittance to Luan Gallery is FREE and guided tours are available to all at no cost.

Luan Gallery Grace Rd, Athlone, Co. Westmeath For more information, visit: http://www.athlone.ie/visit/the-luan-gallery/ You can visit Mario’s website at: www.nerosunero.org EILE Magazine 29

The Christine Jorgensen Story Review By Lisa Reynolds

The Christine Jorgensen Story (1970) is a film based on the life of Christine Jorgensen, who was the first transgender woman from America to have gender confirmation surgery, in a time when trans issues were treated significantly worse than today.

The movie begins with a newsreel showing Christine returning home from Cogenhagen to New York, which is followed by clips from a press conference she did following her flight back to America.

Directed by Irving Rapper, the film starts at Christmas in 1933, when she was a child.

Her sister had been given a doll as a present, while she had been given building toys, as her parents hoped that she would follow in her father’s 30 EILE Magazine

footsteps in the building industry.

At this time she didn’t realise why she felt more drawn to the doll than the toys she had been given. Throughout the early part of the movie, we see how she suffered from transphobic bullying from other children. During her childhood, she is also caught by her mother in her sister’s clothes and her mother’s lipstick in one scene, and she is not encouraged by her mother to be herself.

When she grew up, she started working as a professional photographer in an advertising agency. When she attends her sister Dolly’s wedding, she realises that she is jealous of her sister being able to live freely as a woman when she can’t. Following her sister’s wedding, she suffers from transphobic bullying from a model while working on a photoshoot.

The night of the photoshoot, her boss attempts to rape her. She manages to get away from him, and considers suicide, before she is stopped by a model who is a friend of hers. She goes back home and begins to try to figure out who she is. In the library during

her research, she begins to find out who she is while reading a book called Sex And The Glands.

After reading the book, she enrols on a course with Prof.

Estabrook, who wrote the book, and whose other work she has read. She confides in him about how she is feeling, and he takes a blood test from her. Following the blood test, he puts her in touch with a doctor called Dr. Victor Dahlman in Copenhagen. She stays with her aunt Thora in Denmark, and confides in her about her real reason for going to Denmark. In Aunt Thora, she finds the first supportive, open-minded person in her life.

Christine attends the Copenhagen Seruminstitut to meet Doctor Victor Dahlman.

She signed her application with him to consent to taking hormone injections, and to have gender confirmation surgery, and waited to see if her application would be accepted. It was, and she went to have gender confirmation surgery with Doctor Dahlman and his team.

They hadn’t attempted the surgery before, and Christine

Christine Jorgensen was unsure if she would survive it. Thankfully she did, and Aunt Thora visited her and gave her her daughter’s necklace. On the necklace was her daughter’s name Christine, and Christine asked her if it would be alright if she took the name Christine. Afterwards she returned many times to the hospital for hormone injections.

and Aunt Thora tries to play cupid by taking a photograph of the two of them together. Christine feels uncomfortable, and tells Tom she wants them just to remain friends. Following their conversation, they don’t see each other for a few days before Tom comes to see her.

By the end they are together, and the scene where they get together is very romantic.

She applied for a new passport, and it reached the news, and a lot of transphobic abuse followed. Her father took it badly, and the rest of the family, and the pastor, try to convince him to be openminded.

The film, which is told through Christine’s narrative throughout, then switches to Tom’s narrative for the final scene, when Christine returns to America in 1953, accompanied by Tom. Transphobic abuse from the press awaited. Christine’s family came to the airport.

A reporter from Globe Magazine, Tom Crawford, interviews her. Everyone writes to her except her father. While she talks about her father, and tells Tom about her terrible experiences when she was in the army, it becomes clear that there is chemistry between them, as Aunt Thora looks on.

Soon the photoshoot for the magazine takes place,

In 1966, The New York Times printed that John Hopkins became the first hospital in the U.S. to perform gender confirmation surgery, and the headline appears near the end of the film. After the film ends, there is some further footage of the real Christine Jorgensen, which was very interesting.

All the cast were brilliant, and it was a really interesting film. The one criticism I would have is that, as great as John Hansen was in the role of Christine when she got older, and as great as Trent Lehman was in the role of Christine as a little girl, I don’t think it was right for a man and a little boy to be playing a woman and a little girl. I’m sure there were plenty of female actresses who could have taken on the roles, and I think it gives off the wrong impression about what it means to be trans.

Apart from that, I really liked the movie. I think it gave a great overview of what it was like to be trans in a very, very, prejudiced period in time, and gave us a great insight into Christine, her life and her relationships with those close to her.

A must-watch!

The Christine Jorgensen Story is available to watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/GpcKVv9nqcc EILE Magazine 31

Health

Vitamin E Brian Rochford takes up through the health benefits of this powerful vitamin

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It is believed that Vitamin E can play a role helping with heart conditions, and age-related health conditions. As a powerful antioxidant, it can help slow processes that cause damage to the body’s cells.

When your body converts the food you have eaten into energy, this process creates free radicals. Free radicals can cause healthy cells to become weaker and to stop functioning effectively, shortening the life of the cells. This powerful vitamin may help in the reduction of this damage, and can help slow down the aging process. Vitamin E can be derived from food and supplements, and is a fat soluble antioxidant.

It has been suggested that it can also help with eye disorders like cataracts, and with reducing the damage caused by the toxins found in air pollution. It is also believed to reduce cholesterol. It is used widely is skin and hair care products, because it promotes good blood circulation to the scalp and skin generally.

Vitamin E oil is useful in helping the skin to heal as it is absorbed easily, and is regularly used in the treatment of sunburn as it is easily absorbed into the epidermis layer of your skin. It is often used in sun protection products.

Your body also requires Vitamin E to help your immune system remain healthy and strong, and to fight against harmful bacteria and viruses. It assists the body to make better use of vitamin K, helps in the creation of red blood cells, and with the widening of blood vessels preventing blood-clotting.

It has been proposed that Vitamin E has had positive effects on muscle and bone mass, due to its antioxidant properties. Some experiments have highlighted that Vitamin E could help maintain levels of DHA in the brain. Studies support the possible brain health that can be derived form this powerful vitamin.

Vitamin E is good news for the skin, in helping to smooth wrinkles and keep you looking younger, and also helps the skin to hold its moisture content for longer, therefore preventing dry skin patches. Some people use Vitamin E oil and massage it into the scalp to help promote better hair growth. As well as nourishing the cells, it can help to strengthen the capillary walls.

Vitamin E can be found in broccoli, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds - these are a very rich source of Vitamin E. It is also found in vegetable oils like canola and olive oil, and is also present in spinach and avocados.

(It is important to consult your medical professional before taking vitamin supplements, especially if you are already taking medication).

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Travel What sets Canada apart from other destinations? Canada is all about personal journeys and exploring the country on your own terms.

Expe best

After all, Canada is a land built for explorers. Board a train and journey through the magnificent Canadian Rockies, take a seaplane or helicopter to a remote lodge. Wander, trek, voyage or glide; no matter how you like to explore Canada’s dramatic natural wonders, getting around is half the fun.

However, if you want to do it we would recommend leaving the “getting there” to the experts, so call your local American Holidays travel expert to plan your lifetime adventure in this amazing country.

Here are some of their favourite holiday suggestions, but remember they can tailor each and every holiday to your exacting standards, budget, time frame or wish lists.

Vancouver, Seattle and Alaska cruise Spend 2 nights at the 4* Pinnacle Hotel, Vancouver , a 7 night cruise onboard Celebrity Solstice, and 2 nights at the 4* The Edgewater, Seattle from only €1840pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 4 nights’ accommodation as stated, 7-night cruise as stated, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: May 2018 Ref No: 1518907

Travel: May 2018 - Other dates and durations available.

Ref No: 1519554

Toronto and Niagra Falls experience

Alberta and British Columbia

Spend 4 nights at the 3* Holiday Inn Downtown, Toronto, and 2 nights at the 3* Best Western Fallsview Hotel, Niagra Falls from only €959pp.

Spend 2 nights at the 3* The Mount Royal Hotel, Banff, 2 nights at the 3* The Maligne Lodge, Jasper, 1 night in accommodation in Kamloops, 3 nights at the 3* The Sandman Hotel, Vancouver, from only €2739pp.

Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 6 nights’ accommodation as stated, transfers and selected sightseeing tours, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

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Price includes: Return flights ex.

erience the t of Canada

Dublin, 8 nights’ accommodation as stated, 2-day Rocky Mountaineer Train with GoldLeaf or SilverLeaf Service, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on the Rocky Mountaineer, transportation from Calgary Airport to Banff, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: October 2017 Ref No: 1496737 Call American Holidays to book on 01 673 3804 or call into their office just off Grafton Street 18- 19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 where the expert staff will help you plan your holiday of a lifetime.

For more information visit www.americanholidays.com.

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Travel

‘Sale’ to dream destinations

Nothing goes together quite like dream holiday destinations and a flight sale for that perfect getaway!

Experience the bustle of Bangkok, the rich history of Vietnam, the unique cultural blend in Dubai or the stunning lagoons of the Maldives, all while getting a little more bang for your book thanks to the Emirates flight sale.

Dubai Spend 5 nights at the 5* JA Ocean View Hotel, Dubai, on a B&B basis, from only €1,209pp.

Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 5 nights’ accommodation as stated, airport transfers, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: January 2018 Ref Number:1517630

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Maldives Spend 7 nights at the 4* Kuramathi Island Resort, Maldives, on an all-inclusive basis, from only €2,789pp.

Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights’ accommodation as stated, airport transfers, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: May/June 2018 - Other dates and durations available.

Ref Number:1519303 Bangkok and Phuket Spend 3 nights at the 4* Rembrandt Hotel & Towers, Bangkok, and 7 nights in 4* Centara Karon Resort, Phuket, from only €1,369pp.

Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation as stated, airport transfers, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: November 2017 - Other dates and durations available.

Ref Number:1519294 Ho Chi Minh, Danang, Hanoi & Halong Bay Cruise Spend 3 nights at the 4* Saigon Prince Hotel, Ho Chi Minh, on a B&B basis, 5 nights at the 4* Furama Resort, Danang, on a B&B basis, 1 night at the 4* Pan Pacific, Hanoi, on a B&B basis, 1 night onboard the Halong Bay overnight cruise, on a full board basis, and 1 night at the 4* Pan Pacific, Hanoi, on a B&B basis, from only €2,349pp.

Price Includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 11 nights’ accommodation as stated, airport transfer, taxes and charges. Based on 2 adults sharing.

Travel: May 2018 - Other dates and durations available.

Ref Number:1520669 For more information on these offers or to book, visit www.travelmood.ie or call their dedicated and experienced team on 01 4331063 or visit the Travelmood store on Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.

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The Emoji Movie

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Frances Winston on Movies Directed by: Tony Leondis Starring the voices of: T. J. Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, Maya Rudolph, Steven Wright, Jennifer Coolidge, Christina Aguilera, Sofía Vergara, Sean Hayes, Patrick Stewart I don’t claim to have much in the way of psychic ability, but I’m predicting that before you even stumbled upon my review you were already aware of this film, thanks to reports of its Rotten Tomatoes rating over the past few weeks.

I’m not going to lie, in light of those I was somewhat apprehensive going to see this, but I believe in giving things a chance. And you know what, it’s not as bad as it has been painted in some circles.

The story is pretty standard kids fare, with messages about friendship, loyalty, and being yourself peppered throughout. Gene (Miller) is supposed to be a “Meh” emoji, but finds he can make different expressions, which

causes all sorts of problems.

About to be deleted, he flees Textopolis, and encounters Hi-5 (Corden), a once hugely popular emoji who has fallen out of favour. Together, they work their way through the phone and the various apps, searching for a hacker to help fix Gene’s expression issues, and restore Hi-5 to favour.

As I said, it’s a pretty simple concept. And it is colourful and fun on the whole. There is nothing new here. You’ve seen the same characters before in different formats, but every child at the screening I attended loved it. While some of the emojis prove more engaging than others on screen (bearing in mind that they are usually inanimate) overall, the interpretations of them work well.

However, there is a huge amount of marketing in this. Shamelessly so. Apps are referred to, displayed or promoted every few minutes or so, and I did find myself wondering about just how long it took to sort out all the licensing and deals this entails. No doubt this will heavily influence younger audience members.

they would understand jargon about Trojan Horse viruses and malware (because, let’s face it, many adults don’t know what the hell they are). While for me this is a grumble, I’m sure some parents will be annoyed at this in-your-face promotion targeting their LOs. However, for many others it will be a mild irritation.

This isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, or indeed do anything new. But it is engaging enough to keep the mini-me’s entertained for its 86 minute running time. It is not the best or the cleverest animated movie ever made, but it is not as bad as you may have been led to believe.

And as we come to the end of the summer holidays, it basically could equate to an afternoon of peace for frazzled parents. Without trying to sound like I’m sitting on the fence, I would say give it a chance. After all, it can never be as bad as Adam Sandler’s Jack and Jill, which, in my opinion, is the worst movie ever made.

In Cinemas Now!

And I also wasn’t quite sure

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Johannes Roberts – Starring: Claire Holt, Mandy Moore, Chris J. Johnson, Yani Gellman, Santiago A. Segura, Matthew Modine Ever since Jaws scared the bejaysus out of cinema-goers back in 1975 (yes it really is that long ago) filmmakers have utilised the great white shark as a terror tool. This is yet another shark-shocker, and, as the title suggests, much of it is indeed set 47 Meters Down.

Sisters Lisa (Moore) and Kate (Holt) are on holiday in Mexico, and after meeting two handsome strangers, they agree to go cage-diving with sharks – because clearly there is nothing bad about that idea at all.

(There may have been alcohol consumed when they agree).

When they arrive at the boat the next day (surprisingly hangoverfree for two dirty stopouts) they assure the captain (Modine) that they can both scubadive. This, of course, is

a lie, as only Lisa has any experience, but why let that get in the way of putting a few inches of metal between you and a deadly killer.

Their descent goes swimmingly enough at first (pun intended) and they are astonished at their proximity to the pointy-teethed predators. However, since 47 Meters Down is a thriller, something has to go wrong, and that something is that the winch holding the cage breaks, sending them hurtling to the bottom of the ocean, which is (quelle surprise) 47 metres from the surface.

Running out of air, and with the sharks seemingly rather enamoured with the idea of tinned food, they must find a way to get back in contact with the boat – which, of course, means leaving the safety of the cage. But with the other alternative being death by suffocation, they don’t really have much choice.

the idea of being trapped in a cage at the bottom of the ocean with sharks circling you is terrifying.

Unfortunately, they don’t ever really take it as far as they could, so it always feels a little bit underplayed. Instead, we get a twist in the tale that is funny, rather than shocking. Despite this, 47 Meters Down does have some great moments that will have your heart in your mouth, and both Moore and Holt bring a huge like-ability factor to their roles.

47 Meters Down is a bit of fun, and does offer quite a few thrills.

Probably not as shocking or scary as it could have been, but at 90 minutes, it is a good way to unwind and forget about the world for a short time.

Also, it will leave you longing for a sunshine holiday – maybe don’t book a ‘swimming with sharks’ excursion though.

In Cinemas Now!

47 Meters Down is one of those typical summerfiller movies, that boasts a cute cast and just enough intrigue to get bums on seats. To be fair,

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Christopher Nolan – Starring: Fionn Whitehead, Tom GlynnCarney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy It is astonishing to think that there has never been a major movie made about the evacuation at Dunkirk during the early stages of WWII. Since it wasn’t a victory, but rather a rescue mission, perhaps it wasn’t deemed ‘sexy’ enough to merit the blockbuster treatment. Until now that is.

Writer and director, Nolan, has spent 25 years percolating this idea, since he and his wife sailed across the English Channel to Dunkirk, and his passion for the project is completely apparent.

Forget everything you think you know about war movies.

This totally spins the concept on its head. In fact, it is more a human drama than a war film.

At no point do you actually see any German soldiers, and there is no Saving Private Ryan type gory brutality. What you get instead is a tale told through the frightened eyes of the people involved on land, sea and air.

For those of you who don’t know, Operation Dynamo, as it was called, was the epic evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk in mid-1940. What makes this stand out from

other rescue efforts during wartime, is the civilian effort that went into bringing these men home. Men and women boarded their own boats and set sail to help the trapped soldiers.

Although Nolan uses fictional characters to tell his tale, he captures the spirit and horror of the actual events. We have the terrified young soldiers, the stoic father and son just trying to do their bit, there are the airmen bravely tackling the German planes to keep them from reaching the forces on the beaches, and the weary officers who have to make life or death decisions about those in their charge.

The story is crafted with surprisingly little dialogue, but you absolutely feel the fear and anxiety that people are suffering. Despite the stellar cast, this is absolutely an ensemble piece, and no one person is highlighted at the expense of the story. Every single performance is part of the bigger picture, the cast are truly wonderful, and there are some amazing little moments between characters that will leave you with a lump in your throat.

In terms of cinematography, this is an absolute masterpiece.

It is truly visually stunning, and the look of the film is complemented perfectly by some stunning sound-mixing, and a haunting soundtrack from Hans Zimmer. Despite the vast scale of the story and setting, it feels quite intimate.

It also feels quite real, with

practical effects rather than CGI taking centre stage. This is modern movie-making done old school. And it works.

Nolan has completely turned contemporary filmmaking on its head here. He’s taken a story that would usually be a subplot and turned it into an epic drama. On paper, this is the antithesis of a Hollywood blockbuster. But it is a magnificent artistic masterpiece, and a truly compelling story about everyday heroism. It is the type of movie that demands processing, and it will resonate with you long after you leave the cinema. You’ll run the emotional gamut, and your eyes may become moist on more than one occasion. This definitely has the makings of a modern classic that people will be watching for decades to come, and talking about fondly.

Nolan intended this to be seen on film, and I had the privilege of seeing it on 70mm, and if you do have the option of that format or 35mm in your nearest cinema, I would absolutely recommend that that is how you see it. But either way, just see it. Because it is truly one of the best cinematic experiences you will have this year – maybe even this decade.

In Cinemas Now!

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Frances Winston on Movies continued...

Directed by: Stella Meghie Starring: Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Ana de la Reguera, Taylor Hickson, Scott Baio, Fiona Loewi This is based on the 2015 YA novel of the same name, by Nicola Yoon. If you don’t know what YA is, then this probably isn’t the movie for you. It stands for young adult, and it is a hugely popular genre in literary circles, so it makes sense that so many of these books are being given the big screen treatment, since they already have a massive audience.

In this offering, an 18-year old girl called Maddy (Stenberg) suffers from a rare immunedeficiency disease, which prevents her from leaving her home. Instead, she lives in a sterile environment looked after by a nurse and her mother, Pauline (Noni Rose) who is a doctor.

She whiles away her days, building architectural models. When a new boy, Olly (Robinson) moves next door, she is intrigued by him, and decides that spending some time with him is worth the risk of illness. Wanting to see more of the world than the confines of her home, the two of them embark on an adventure that will change both their lives forever.

This is pretty standard teen fare, with a couple of cute star-crossed lovers trying to overcome the odds to be together. It’s not a new concept – Romeo and Juliet faced similar angst. It is a tried and tested formula that works, and I’m sure that the target audience will be gooey-eyed for the leads, and willing their story to work out.

However, anyone outside that audience may not find this engaging enough to maintain their interest. There is an air of whimsy about it that becomes tiresome, and even though I hadn’t read the book, I could see the plot-twist coming a mile away.

That said, there are some good performances. Noni Rose is excellent as Maddy’s mother, and deserves far more screen time than she gets here. The fantasy sequences, where Maddy transports herself into her models, are also fun. Overall though, there is nothing remarkable about this film. It’s not as tear-jerking as something like The Fault in Our Stars, and doesn’t have the action of The Hunger Games. Instead, it trots along at a gentle pace, as if showing reverence to its subject matter. However, this unfortunately means that it never feels like it ‘takes off’.

A nice film and a sweet story, but probably only really for a young adult audience, as there is little for anyone outside of that demographic to relate to.

In Cinemas Now!

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A Great Time Was had By All at Galway Community Pride 2017!

Despite many setbacks, Galway Community Pride overcame them this year, with everyone having a great time, whether at the Parade, or at one of the many events - like at Club GASS on Friday night, and with Mr. Pussy or a Street Party on Saturday night!

According to Martin McManamon: “We had a great weekend! There was a brilliant turn-out at Club GASS Friday night, and at the Parade on Saturday, and at the street party, and Club GASS was extremely busy”.

Martin also said that the feedback from the LGBT community in Galway about the event has been great this year. And some of the comments on Facebook reflect this. Chris Noone said: “The committee deserve our utmost gratitude for organising an amazing week of events. It was the perfect balance of education, protest and celebration. Everything was carefully thought out to ensure that the diversity of our

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local LGBT+ community was represented. I hope that with the opening of Teach Solais, we can maintain this sense of community which this year’s Pride brought back to Galway”.

Ariel Ní Nualláin commented: “One of the greatest experience[s] of my life!

I’m so glad I got to work with the Galway Community Pride volunteers and committee, thank you so much to everyone who came out to support us :)”.

And Collette Fleming said: “It was my first time attending Galway Community Pride, really great fun and well organised. Looking forward to the next one!

Thanks to all!”

And don’t forget, Club GASS will be back again on Friday 7th September, at the Róisín Dubh, and we will have more information about that later, but meanwhile, here are some more photos of the Pride festival in Galway on the following pages.

Kelly, Eileen D’Over, Miss Kiki St Clair, Donatella, Joey, Tammy W, Dusty Flaps, and Athena

From left: Joey, Kiki St Clair, Donatella, Dusty Flaps

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Galway Pride Parade 2017, Saturday 12th August – Photo by Darius Ivan, with Des Hughes, Chris Cooney and James Fluffy O’Fluffy, Club Gass

All having a great time at Galway Community Pride Parade 2017! (and on the following pages more photos plus a letter from Galway Community Pride Chairperson, Rob Patridge) -MKB

Eileen & Tammy Images courtesy Club GASS 48 EILE Magazine

Athena, Donatella, Chris, Miss Kiki St Clair, Eoghan Martin, Eileen D’Over, Tammy W, Dusty Flaps, Joey, Miss Glitz, and Kelly

Miss Kiki St Clair (centre) & Donatella

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Galway Community Pride Image: Facebook

Left: A touching message from Rob Partridge, Chairperson, Galway Community Pride 2017

Below: Galway Community Pride with Grand Marshal Cameron Keighron Image: Facebook

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Club GASS from Galway Having the Craic at Cork Pride!

Just some photos of the gang from Club GASS in Galway enjoyin themselves on their recent visit to Cork supporting Cork Pride!

And Galway went on to have their own great Pride (see our separate article on Galway Community Pride 2017).

All photos courtesy of Club GASS

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ng !

y

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Australian comedian Tim Minchin Image: japantimes.co.jp

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Comedian Tim Minchin Parodies Australian Song ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ (ophobic) Comedian Tim Minchin has done a parody of the Australian song ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ by re-writing the words to highlight his objections to the proposed equal marriage plebiscite, and the fact that Australia has not yet brought in marriage equality.

Probably best known as the composer and lyricist of Matilda the Musical, the award-winning hit based on the Roahl Dahl children’s story, Matilda.

With quite strong language in parts, his re-write says “I Still Call Australia Home(ophobic)” and in a written piece after the video, he states that he feels the proposed plebisicite is “noxious and obnoxious”. He also takes a shot at the religious element in Australian society that he feels is trying to hold Australia in the past, but feels this will ultimately fail, as the majority of Australian citizens are not homophobic, and are in favour of marriage equality.

–MKB

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Frances Winston reviewed the musical ‘G Dublin, and found it to be great fun, with and Jimmy

Long before Zac Efron charmed viewers as Troy in High School Musical, there was Grease part of the right social clique was everything, and never the twain would meet. Unt

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Grease’ at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, a cast that exuded enthusiasm, great sets, y Osmond!

e, which gave a somewhat grittier take on high school life, albeit in the 1950s – when being til bad boy, Danny, met nice girl, Sandy, and then all the rules went out the window.

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I’m going to work on the assumption that everyone reading this already were immortalised forever, and there are extremely few people in the w from this endurin

But the movie was actually an adaptation of the stage show, which act animal. There are additional songs, certain characters are fleshed out som might be used to fr

At its heart though, it is the same tale with the same infectious energ enthusiasm from the minute th

Danny and Sandy were played by former boybander, Tom P

This was Parker’s first stage role, and he seemed a little nervo

Hope is a musical theatre pro at this stage, since landing the role of Doro show, and this experience shone through. Her somewhat nemesis, Rizzo, from her roles in EastEnders and The Bill, or her turn on Strictly Come D some vocal issues on the

However, they all managed to be overshadowed by Jimmy Osmond as moment in the touring shows, and Jimmy knew it. He milked every note for more, and the audience loved it. Clearly Osmond-mania hasn’t subsid he is. He even took his second curtain call with the two lea

The set was amazing, it looked more like a long established productio shortly. This crew doesn’t travel light! But i

Overall, this was just a joyous experience that would have you sing formula, and it works. No matter how many times you’ve seen the mov entertainm

Grease played at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Quay, G August

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knows the basic story. Thanks to the 1978 film, Danny and Sandy western world who can’t quote at least a few lines and song lyrics ng classic.

tually ran for the first time in 1971, and is a somewhat different mewhat, and some of the timeline is slightly different to what you rom the film.

gy. This is obviously due in large part to the cast, who exuded hey stepped out on stage.

Parker, and Over The Rainbow winner, Danielle Hope.

ous in some scenes, but on the whole he did a great job.

othy in the Wizard Of Oz after winning the aforementioned talent , was played here by Louisa Lytton, whom people would recognise Dancing. She did a great job in the role, but did seem to be having e night I was there.

Teen Angel. He had only one scene, but it has become an iconic of Beauty School Dropout for all it was worth, and even came back ded in some quarters, and Jimmy revelled in it like the old pro that ads, such were the cheers for him from the audience.

on, rather than a show that would be packing up and moving on it really added to the feel of the show.

ging and dancing along for its duration. It’s a tried and tested vie, you would still find this fresh, and it was a fabulous evening’s ment.

Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, from Tuesday 1st to Saturday 12th t.

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Little Gem Records New Release Vatican II - Squirdiller Vatican II was formed in the sticky summer of 2012 by Hugh, Paul (Hands Up Who Wants to Die, Shifting, Molossus) and Ivan (Crowhammer), over a mutual appreciation of jam donuts and the music of Unwound, Polvo and Rodan.

They have mostly been focused on writing and rewriting tunes over the last four years, and playing sporadic rock shows with lovely bands like Animal Lover, Golden Oriole, Mayors of Miyazaki, Siorai Geimhreadh, Nothing Clean, Gaze and Woven Skull, amongst others.

“Squirdiller” is their first release, recorded in Guerilla Studios by Ian Chestnutt (Percolator, Molossus). Mastered by John ‘Spud’ Murphy (Percolator, Lankum, Lynched, Jimmy Cake) Cunningly abrasive and excelling in the antagonism of the inner senses, “Squirdiller” is a compact collection of post noise rock, melancholic dirge and revitalising heft.

“It smells of the group which is beginning, which is looking for, not yet to the point but Vatican II has just planted a very interesting seed. Given the quality of the compost, it can give birth to a very good future group.” Perte & Fracas

Vatican II are: Hugh Deasy – Bass, Guitar, Vocals Paul Clynes – Drums, Vocals Ivan Deasy – Guitar, Bass with: Katie Kim on “Crying In The Middle Ages” All songs written by Vatican II except track 2 written by Vatican II and Katie Kim Recorded and mixed by Ian Chestnutt Mastered by John ‘Spud’ Murphy Artwork by Laura McAuliffe Little Gem Records LGR022 Available on cassette & DL

littlegemrecords@gmail.com www.littlegem.ie

Little Gem Records Basement 18 Kildare Street Dublin 2 http://www.littlegem.ie/

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UK: Brighton and Hove Triathlon 2017 – Stonewall

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After a fantastic first year’s event with 1,000 entrants, the UK’s Brighton and Hove Triathlon returns on Sunday 17 September 2017.

The race will see participants take on the challenge of a sea swim (which was a mill pond for the 2016 event), a scenic cycle along the seafront on the closed road cycle leg, and flat run along the iconic beach lined promenade.

You can select any of the below distances, and there are various waves to select from, including the Rainbow Wave, which celebrates the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity, and is open to anyone to join.

Olympic Distance (Individual & Relay 18+): 1500m sea swim – 40km bike – 10km run Draft Legal Sprint (Experienced individuals only 16+): 750m sea swim – 20km bike – 5km run Sprint Distance (Individual & Relay 15+ years): 750m sea swim – 20km bike – 5km run Super Sprint Distance (Individual 13+ years): 400m sea swim – 5km bike – 2.5km run The Olympic and Sprint distances can be entered as a relay time or 2 or 3 people of any gender.

How do I apply to join team Stonewall?

Stonewall has a number of guaranteed places in the Brighton and Hove Triathlon so entry to the event is already covered for you. All we ask is that you pay a registration fee and commit to raising £350.

You can register at: http://web.stonewall.org.uk/public/event/eventBooking.aspx?id=EVT12213 Already have a place?

If you already have your own place and would like to join Team Stonewall, contact community@stonewall.org.uk or call 020 7593 3456 to let us know.

We welcome everyone who has a place to join the team and will help support you in the race.

You can set up an online giving page to start fundraising straight away.

Visit Stonewall’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/stonewall You’ll receive a Stonewall running vest and a pair of Rainbow Laces.

Joining Team Stonewall By joining the team you’ll receive…

Fundraising pack and training support Stonewall running vest and pair of rainbow laces Support and encouragement in the months and weeks leading to the race

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Design: Anthony Zagariko, exclusively for EILE Magazine

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Quality LGBT News and Features – Produced from Los Angeles Available via podcast on our website (thiswayout.org) or on iTunes, and on 200+ Radio Stations Worldwide!

thiswayout.org | Twitter: @TWORadio Overnight Productions (Inc.)/”This Way Out” Post Office Box 1065 Los Angeles, CA 90078 U.S.A. EILE Magazine 65

The Young Offenders comedy series has begun filming in Cork The six part TV comedy series of The Young Offenders began filming in Cork. Commissioned by BBC Comedy for BBC Three, in association with RTÉ, the TV series comes from producers, Vico Films.

Written, directed and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Peter Foott, the comedy series will film for eight weeks at locations across Cork city and county.

The Young Offenders TV series will follow the coming of age adventures of loveable rogues, Conor and Jock (Alex Murphy and Chris Walley, reprising their roles from the feature film) as they navigate their awkward teenage years, hatching plans and adventures to help distract from their tough home lives, and their inability to stay out of trouble at school.

The comedy series will expand on the characters already seen in the film, as viewers watch the lads encountering love, loss, peer pressure, and morality, with each episode set in the city, the producers want to celebrate with these memorable characters. The Young Offenders is foremost a comedy, and will be jam-packed with laughter, but it will also be tender with a lot of heart.

The much-loved characters returning for the TV series include Conor MacSweeney and Jock O’Keeffe (Alex Murphy and Chris Walley), along with Conor’s long-suffering mother, Mairead MacSweeney, played by Hilary Rose.

All three actors received Irish Film and Television Academy award nominations for their performances in the film. Many other familiar faces from the film will also feature in the TV series, including Dominic McHale as exasperated Garda Sergeant Healy, Shane Casey as local fun-loving thug Billy Murphy, and PJ Gallagher featuring in a new role, Principal Walsh. Foott continues to bring new talent to the forefront by including two exciting young actors in the cast, local Cork newcomers, Jennifer Barry and Demi Issac Oviawe.

Peter Foott commented: “After spending many months writing the scripts and getting the whole team together to rehearse over the last few weeks, it’s a real thrill to start filming today with these

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fantastic actors and crew. We’ll be bringing new adventures and stories for the well-known characters, and some new ones, to life in the TV show. The reaction to the scripts has been really positive, and we want to live up to the original spirit of the film. I think we have all the right elements, so we’re all excited to get out there and start filming today on this new phase of The Young Offenders journey. We’ve picked some fantastic locations in Cork, so we’re looking forward to knuckling down and working hard on filming, which I’m sure will be great fun too!”

Foott wrote and directed the original smash-hit feature film, which took in €1.3million at the Irish box office in 2016. Acclaimed producer, Martina Niland (Once, Sing Street) is producing the series, each episode with a duration of thirty minutes. It is expected that the series will be broadcast early in 2018.

The Young Offenders was commissioned for BBC Three by Controller of BBC Three, Damian Kavanagh; Controller of Comedy, Shane Allen, and Commissioning Editor Alex Moody; and for RTÉ by Eddie Doyle, Head of Comedy.

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Australian Marriage Equality: Disappointed Reaction To Retained Plebiscite Australian Marriage Equality had this reaction to the disappointing news yesterday that the Liberal Government had voted by a majority to retain the proposal of a plebiscite on marriage equality in Australia, rather than allowing a conscience vote by MPs. “Marriage equality can and should be a unifying moment for our country. But rather than doing their jobs by voting, this Government has again decided to delay, distract and divide Australia.

It didn’t have to be this way. There is a bill in Parliament they could have voted on this week.

As we know, a vote in Parliament is the only way to achieve marriage equality in Australia. The High Court has settled this. The Senate backs this — and they will again.

Over the last few months, hundreds of thousands of Australians have taken action for marriage equality. And they will keep taking action until every Australian is equal under the law.

Parliament needs to get on, do its job, vote for marriage equality and deliver on the will of the Australian people.

Keep telling them this www.equalitycampaign.org.au/callnow and chip in to keep powering our voice www.equalitycampaign.org.au/donate” Mathias Cormann, Deputy Leader in the Senate, said of the vote: “The Liberal party room resolved to maintain our commitment to give all Australians the opportunity to have a say whether or not the definition of marriage should be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry”.

Bill Shorten, Leader of the Opposition in Australia, tweeted: “This is ridiculous, disappointed for so many Australians that their Prime Minister has again let them down”.

-MKB (eile.ie 8 August 2017)

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GAZE Film Festival: 25th Anniversary opened with Gala World Premiere screening of major Irish Marriage Equality documentary Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, and other leading figures from the Marriage Equality campaign, joined directors, Linda Cullen and Vanessa Gildea, to attend the Gala Opening Night of the GAZE Film Festival for the World Premiere of The 34th – The Story of Marriage Equality in Ireland.

The 34th tells the story of the driven and dedicated people who formed Marriage Equality in Ireland, and developed it into a highly effective grassroots force with one clear goal in mind – the extension of Civil Marriage to same-sex couples. Through revealing interviews and archive material, former board members and staff outline the strategising, fierce battles, sheer hard graft, and personal cost of running such an all-consuming campaign. ​ rom the KAL (Katherine Zappone & Ann Louise Gilligan) case, to a YES vote on 22nd May F 2015, this documentary spans a decade, culminating in the 34th amendment to the Irish constitution, allowing same-sex marriage.

GAZE Festival Director Noel Sutton said: “I can’t imagine a better way to open our 25th Anniversary Festival than the world premiere of this landmark documentary. In the last quarter century, the LGBT community, including GAZE, has fought for and achieved a transformation in Irish society’s relationship to its LGBT members that culminated in the Marriage Referendum so it’s with both joy and pride that we welcome this film and start an extraordinary long weekend of film.”

Director and Producer, Linda Cullen, added: “The movement for marriage equality didn’t come out of nothing so this film tells about the ten years before the referendum and all the people who came together and fought hard to make it happen. We’re delighted that the film has its World Premiere at GAZE amongst our peers and so many people who made the campaign and the film a success.”

Director and producer, Vanessa Gildea, commented:

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“Working with Linda and our editor, Cuan MacConghail, on such a historic subject has been a great experience. I’m thrilled that so many people directly involved in the film and the campaign are able to be with us tonight.”

Alastair Blair, country managing director at Accenture Ireland, concluded: “Now in our sixth year, we are delighted, once again, to be headline sponsor of the GAZE International LGBT Film Festival for the 25th anniversary celebration. Ireland has made profound societal progress in supporting the rights of the LGBT community during this time and The 34th is a very fitting opening gala film depicting the hard work and sheer dedication by the people of Ireland. Many of my colleagues at Accenture and friends at GAZE worked tirelessly during the campaign to ensure inclusivity for our families and friends. Tonight we will see that brought to life.”

A COCO Production, The 34th was produced and directed by Linda Cullen and Vanessa Gildea.

The GAZE Film Festival was sponsored by Accenture, funded by Funding Partners the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, and Dublin City Council, and supported by Venue Partner Light House Cinema, and the opening night was supported by leading catering and facilities services company Sodexo Ireland. Other additional partners also provided valuable support.

The GAZE 2017 Film Festival took place at Light House Cinema, Smithfield, from August 3rd – 7th 2017.

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Australia: The Equality Campaign Intends To Fight “Postal Vote The Equality Campaign in Australia, campaigning to bring in marriage equality there, have now said that they intend to fight the postal vote in the courts, and are fund-raising to do so, having so far raised $100,000.

Shirleene Robinson of The Equality Campaign said: “Thanks to […] thousands of equality supporters, we have fundraised over $100,000 to fight this postal vote madness in the courts. We will exhaust all legal and political avenues to stop this.

But, like many of you, we are in this to win this. If the court rules the Government can work around the Parliament and treat people’s right to love this way — and the postal vote goes ahead — we need to turn Australia’s overwhelming support into a resounding YES”.

They feel that the timing is tight and the deck is stacked against them, but they will never allow a vote of no to equality, and they will never give up the battle to show LGBTI Australians they are loved and respected.

The Equality Campaign have set out the three things marriage equality supporters need to do now: Check you are correctly enrolled to vote at your current address so you get your survey papers. They also need to make sure all the young people they know are enrolled to vote so they have the option of having their say. (And hey, enrolling to vote is good anyway.)

Chip in so they can win. “Right now marriage equality opponents are trying to raise $30 million for their negative and divisive campaign. Let’s make sure we raise enough

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Olympian Ian Thorpe (right) who came out as gay in 2014, lends his weight to the marriage equality campaign funds [..] so equality and love win the day�.

Tell 5 friends and family to join with you in the campaign. It will take all supporters to make marriage equality a reality — they want to make sure everyone who supports them is signed up and ready to campaign.

You can also visit The Equality Campaign on: Twitter or Facebook.

-MKB (eile.ie 14 August 2017)

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Image: Pixabay

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HRC Reaction to Trump’s Comments on Transgender Troops Ban The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has responded to Donald Trump’s comments regarding his plan to ban transgender service members, where he said that he felt he was doing the military a favour: “Donald Trump’s delusional comments regarding his reckless ban on transgender troops are demonstrably false and lack any basis in reality” said Chad Griffin, HRC President.

“Donald Trump’s attack on transgender troops weakens our military and is a betrayal of those who wear the uniform.

Fifty-six retired admirals and generals, Republican and Democrat elected officials, and a majority of the American public have all condemned Trump’s misguided and despicable policy that will do nothing but undermine military readiness and harm brave transgender service members and their families.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community. (eile.ie 13 August 2017)

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LGBTQ People Who Are World Sports Champions The list of out LGBTQ individuals who have achieved success as world champions in sport deserves recognition. Competitive superiority in athletics is not dependent on sexual orientation, as is attested to by the number and diversity of sports involved.

Noteworthy is the fact that world champions exist across the whole LGBTQ spectrum. While many of these individuals did not reveal their sexual orientation during competition, their presence creates role models, and they become mentors to others, who either are out, or are considering doing so.

Many of the individuals, who came out prior to winning their world championship status,

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UK Diver, Tom Daley Image: Radio Times

have stated that coming out mentally freed them to better compete, by removing the pressure of hiding that aspect of themselves. Those who came out subsequent to their honour discuss the hyper-aggressive culture of bias and homophobia that pressured them to stay in the closet, as well as the financial risk of being publicly out (through loss of sponsorship, for example).

As world champions, these individuals have become recognized nationally, and often internationally. They have received many additional honours and awards as a result. Many of them broke down regional barriers and stereotypes, both when they competed and when they were declared victors.

Note that this list of individuals does not include only Olympic gold medal athletes, but rather focuses on those who have competed in organized World Championship competitions.

Queerbio have identified individuals, like diver, Tom Daley from the UK, and basketball player Sue Bird from the US, and many other sportspeople from Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the United States, France, Germany, Scotland, The Netherlands, Slovakia, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden, Puerto Rico, and Belgium.

For more, visit: queerbio.com (eile.ie 11 August 2017)

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Robert Redford and Jane Fonda Reunite in ‘Our Souls at Night’ Fifty years since playing newlyweds in Barefoot in the Park, Academy Award winners, Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, come together onscreen for the fourth time in Netflix’s ‘Our Souls at Night’, this time playing a couple who find love unexpectedly later in life.

Based on the best-selling novel written by Kent Haruf and adapted for the screen by 78 EILE Magazine

Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in Our Sould At Night

Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (The Fault in Our Night is set in Colorado, and begins when Addie Moore (J unexpected visit to a neighbour, Louis Waters (Robert Red

Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a been neighbours for decades, but had little contact. Their and they are all alone in their big houses. She seeks to esta and make the most of the rest of the time they have.

In addition to Redford and Fonda, the film stars Bruce De

r Stars), Our Souls at Jane Fonda) pays an dford).

Schoenaerts, Judy Greer and Iain Armitage.

a small town they’d children live far away, ablish a connection,

Our Souls at Night will be released on Netflix on 29 September.

ern, Matthias

Check out the new teaser here https://youtu.be/e0L_bvBGzfo

For more, visit: www.netflix.com/oursoulsatnight

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Information and support for women who need someone to talk to

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David Letterman Returns To TV On Netflix David Letterman, the longest-serving host in U.S. late night television – the original host of Late Night (NBC) and The Late Show (CBS) – is returning to television for a new series for Netflix.

The yet-to-be-named, six-episode series has Letterman combining two interests for which he is renowned: in-depth conversations with extraordinary people, and in-thefield segments expressing his curiosity and humor.

In each hour-long episode, Letterman will conduct a long-form conversation with a singular guest – and will also explore topics on his own, away from the studio. The series is set to premiere in 2018.

Said Letterman: “I feel excited and lucky to be working on this project for Netflix. Here’s what I have learned, if you retire to spend more time with your family, check with your family first.

Thanks for watching, drive safely.”

“Just meeting David Letterman was a thrill; imagine how exciting it is for me to announce that we will be working together” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix.

“David Letterman is a true television icon, and I can’t wait to see him out in the wild, out from behind the desk and interviewing the people he finds most interesting. We’ll have to see if he keeps the beard.”

In 33 years on late-night television, David Letterman hosted 6,028 episodes of Late Night (NBC) and The Late Show (CBS), and is the longest-running late-night broadcaster in American history.

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US TV Host, David Letterman

“I feel excited and lucky to be working on this project for Netflix. Here’s what I have learned, if you retire to spend more time with your family, check with your family first...”

As a writer, performer and producer, Letterman is one of the most-nominated individuals in Emmy Award history, with 52 nominations, resulting in 10 wins. Letterman is also a twotime Peabody-Award winner, a Kennedy Center Honoree, and will receive the Mark Twain Prize in October.

From his roots in comedy, Letterman also became renowned as an interviewer, sharing the stage with U.S. presidents, cabinet officials, Medal of Honor recipients, and virtually every presidential candidate for more than 20 years. Through his guest interviews, Letterman also brought to light important global issues such as world hunger and climate change.

Letterman announced his departure from The Late Show in 2014, and aired his final episode on May 20, 2015 to an audience of 13.76 million people.

David Letterman resides in New York with his wife Regina and son Harry.

The project is being produced by RadicalMedia, the Academy Award® and Emmywinning company behind Netflix’s What Happened, Miss Simone?, Oh Hello on Broadway and Abstract: The Art of Design, and Letterman’s Worldwide Pants.

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Zander Bleck Image: LaFamos

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