Autumn ’13
Vol 10 Iss 1
Space Inside Arts Magazine
Andrea Paul
Space Inside LIVE NIGHTS 1st Tuesday October to June Wicklow Sailing Club, Wicklow Town FREE ADMISSION 1 Great Music, Poetry and Dance
Editorial Hi all, Welcome to our autumn issue of the Space Inside magazine with a mix of topical articles and information about the arts. Firstly, I would like to thank all the performers and audience who participated in our first live night of the season. We had a lovely mix of music and poetry from Krystyna Rawicz, Rachel Moore and Al O’Donnell & Conor O’Donnell (with special guest Mick Brennan). We have even published some of Krystyna’s powerful verses in our Poetry Corner on p.10. We very much look forward to our next live night on Tuesday November 5th. Please keep an eye on our Facebook and blog for info on performers closer to the time. Back to the magazine - in our main feature I chat with soprano Linsey Dempsey about making a career as a singer and what advice she would give to aspiring singers also. We also get to read some interesting traveller’s tales and learn ‘how to’ create characters for a creative writing piece. Here’s a quick look at what else is in the journal 4 Music and Book Reviews 5 Some Things are Free! 9 Twitters I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have putting it together.
Anne Graham
Cover Art by Andrea Paul
From ‘Scratched, Scraped, Furrowed, Dug out and Gouged’ Exhibition Exhibiting From 19th November – 1st December 2013
New Recording Studio in Wicklow Town
Bay Studio is a boutique recording studio located right in the heart of Wicklow Town, run by two qualified and experienced producer/engineers. The studio was designed from scratch to provide a versatile, unique recording environment for artists looking to work in an inspiring and beautiful environment. The studio consists of three rooms: a large live room, a smaller dead room, and a control room situated above the dead room, looking out onto the live room. They pride themselves on the quality of the recordings they produce, and offer pre-production assistance to all artists coming to them if they feel they require it – this might mean helping with song structure, instrumentation choice, string arrangements, electronic music programming etc. The producers/engineers in question are Pete Meighan and Spud Murphy. Pete has been working as a producer and engineer for nearly twenty years and has worked with the likes of Couse & The Impossible (The album he worked on, “The World Should Know” was nominated for a Meteor Award in 2005), Hybrasil, S.I.L. and North Atlantic Oscillation. Spud has been heavily involved in music production/engineering since leaving the Sound Training Centre, Temple Bar, in 2002. As a multi instrumentalist and songwriter (he is a member of Wicklow band Daydream Regime), Spud has an invaluable understanding of arrangement, harmony and composition, and he applies a hands-on approach when it comes to recording and producing bands. He has worked with the likes of Boc Social, The Looks and Hawklion. For more info on the studio including rates see www.baystudiowicklow.com
Signal Arts Centre,Bray, Co. Wicklow
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Bel Canto
and arias that would soon become her passion. A well rounded degree
Anne Graham talks to Wicklow soprano Linsey Dempsey about her passion for singing and what advice she would give to young aspiring singers.
Not content with introducing her to the greats of classical music, Toni encouraged Linsey to undertake the degree in Performance in DIT. This course covered not only the dynamics of performance but gave the student a well rounded education in Analysis, Musicology, composition and teaching. “I was quite nervous at the start but I was very lucky my class turned into this amazing second family. We all supported each other through college, and continue to stay in
College Choir in Venice). She also enjoys having light-hearted fun with her voice “From time to time I get to perform as part of a concert or festival [including Wicklow Arts Festival]. Then I get to sing some fun favourites and of course some Irish songs! I would like to perform in Ireland more in the future.” Arguably her eclectic taste has helped in developing her overall sound. To my ears, she has the vocal techniques perfected, but has a sweetness like Callas which can be turned into a sonorous instrument as opposed to a harsh machine (which is what a lot of opera music sounds like to me!).
I’m going to be honest here: I’m not a fan of opera. For me opera is Bugs Bunny dressed up as some sort of Viking Queen bedecked with horned helmet and bronze breastplates being wooed by an unsuspecting Elmer Fudd. Or that warbling woman somehow managing to do wide ranging vocal gymnastics through the The future bondage of a corset that is several times too small for her So what does the future hold for heaving (and weeping) chest. Linsey? “As a performer I would However, a recent listen of Maria love to be on the same par as Callas showed me that some Renee Fleming (well known opera can contain a sweetness opera singer). For me she and emotion that is embodies everything one needs complimented or even enhanced to have to be a great by the trained voice. I am sure communicator, which is the there does exist that operatic primary goal of singing. In diva with too much make-up (on addition, there are some her face and voice). However, I international competitions I discovered through talking with would like to enter and also The Wicklow soprano Linsey Dempsey Linsey singing Christmas carols at the Church of Ireland, Veronica Dunne Singing Wicklow Town that if you have love and joy for competition here. I am also the music (as in any other genre), it touch.” Not only did Linsey work working toward making my recital will supersede the basic mechanics through her nerves and make lifelong debut in the John Field room in the and ultimately reach the audience on friends, she was also given amazing National Concert Hall. I would also an emotional level. performance opportunities. “I made like to be involved in the my National Concert Hall debut and development of opera here in Keeping it in the family had the opportunity to join the Ireland, there is huge potential chorus of Opera Ireland which was there.” “Since I can remember I have always an amazing experience.” In addition, sang. All the members of my mum’s Linsey got to work closely with some Keep on singing family are involved or have been well-known Irish musicians including involved in singing. Right back to my David Brophy, David Adams and And as Linsey progresses in her great uncles and aunties.” With such David Agnew singing career, what advice would a family tradition, it could only be a she give to aspiring singers starting matter of time before Linsey took it Eclectic Taste out? “No matter what type of singing to the next level. “In secondary you do, make sure to perform as school I was cast in the musical My Although opera is her first love, much as you can and to create your Fair Lady and after seeing an ad for Linsey is an appreciator of all types of own performance opportunities singing lessons decided to take a few. music. She has worked on modern where possible. Also, learn not to That was with my first singing works, sacred music (such as Faure’s take rejection personally and to keep teacher Toni Walsh.” Toni was requiem in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in going no matter what. And, most arguably her biggest influence, Dublin) and very early music importantly, enjoy every moment!” introducing her to the operatic songs (including Pergolesi and Tallis, which she performed with the Trinity
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Music Review
Book Review
Pure Heroine Lorde (Universal)
Michael Tinsley reviews ‘Pure Heroine’ the debut album of New Zealander Lorde.
More Than This by Patrick Ness
Lorde is the nom de tune of one Ella Yelich-O'Connor, a sixteen year-old superstar in the making from Auckland, New Zealand. Having whetted our appetites late last year with her stunning debut EP ‘The Love Club’, she has met with considerable success and recognition both Down Under and in the US with the subsequent singles ‘Royals’ and ‘Tennis Court’.
This new young adult novel, by award winning author Patrick Ness, opens with Seth, drowning. He is desperate and alone in his final moments, losing his life as the pounding sea claims him. But then he wakes. He is naked, thirsty, starving. But alive. How is that possible? He remembers dying, his bones breaking, his skull dashed upon the rocks. So how is he is here? And where is this place?
‘Pure Heroine’ was written and recorded with her producer Joel Little in her native Auckland. If you want to know what Lorde is all about look no further than opening track ‘Tennis Court’. Like a lot of her songs the lyrics deal cleverly with the travails of teenage life. Her deft turn of phrase may be inherited from her mother who is the poet Sonja Yelich, but rarely have lines as apt as ‘It's a new art form showing people how little we care’ summed up the plight of the 21st Century adolescent.
It looks like the suburban English town where he lived as a child, before an unthinkable tragedy happened and his family moved to America. But the neighbourhood around his old house is overgrown, covered in dust and completely abandoned, seemingly for years. What's going on? And why is it that whenever he closes his eyes, he falls prey to vivid, agonizing memories that seem more real than the world around him? Seth begins a search for answers, hoping that he might not be alone - but also afraid he’s not. And hoping it’s not the hell he believes it to be.
There is not a weak song amongst the tracks here but, in a way, earlier single ‘Royals’ rules the roost with a chorus so catchy that you will be singing its praises for weeks after you first hear it. Musically the album owes a lot to modern hip-hop with its pounding beats and heavy bass driving the songs.
This new novel from Patrick Ness is written in his usual unique way. Beautifully written and compulsive to the last page, it is an interesting opinion of what else is out there, what else exists. If you have ever wondered if this is it, this is life, or if there is ‘more than this’, then this is a novel for you.
Also worth a mention are the defiant ‘Glory and Gore’ and the minimalistic ‘Still Sane’. While I guess her age is ultimately not important, it is refreshing to see a modern pop-star in the making who has stamped so much of herself into her music without being over stylised or sexualised by the industry. Hopefully the apparent insouciance which exudes from her music will protect her from the success that will inevitably follow such a stunning debut.
Joanna
Bridge Street Books, Bridge Street, Wicklow. T: +353(0)404 62240 www.bridgestreetbooks.ie
CONTRIBUTORS WANTED FOR SPACE INSIDE MAGAZINE
http://lorde.co.nz/
If you love the arts and have something interesting to write about, get in touch!
Michael Tinsley is one-half of Wicklow based band Aphrodite Lion. For more music news and reviews check out their regularly updated blog ‘The Lions Share’ at http://aphroditelion.tumblr.com.
email: spaceinside@hotmail.com 4
Some Things Are Free! The Art of Superstition Exhibition at the Copper House Gallery
Illustrators Ireland present a wonderful new group exhibition examining the world of irrational beliefs featuring works from 40 leading Illustrators, including PJ Lynch, Steve Simpson and Children’s Laureate Niamh Sharkey. The show will also feature work from emerging illustrators, showcasing finalists from an accompanying open submission competition. A number of artist’s talks will be held at The Copper House during the show where exhibiting artists will discuss their work and inspirations, the role of the illustrator in Picture Books, Advertising and Graphic Design. The exhibition will conclude with a Halloween Party where all superstitions will be tested to the full!
www.thecopperhousegallery.com t: (01) 535 4332
Calary Art Exhibition and Music
The biennial Calary Art Exhibition will open at 7.30pm on Friday 11 October in the church and, that evening, there will also be entertainment by young, traditional musicians from Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Eireann in Roundwood under the direction of Janine Brennan. The exhibition will continue on Saturday 12th between 11 am and 5pm and on Sunday 13th between noon and 2.30pm. Come along and view the paintings by local artists, which will also be available for sale. On Saturday 12th, there will also be a sale of plants and country produce for parish funds. www.newcastleparish.org
Dublin Divided: September 1913 at the Hugh Lane Gallery 26 September 2013 - 02 February 2014 At the beginning of August 1913, the city of Dublin was on the threshold of a momentous showdown between organised labour led by James Larkin, founder of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union, and
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Dublin's capitalist entrepreneurs represented by the leading business magnate, Cork-born William Martin Murphy. Dublin Divided: September 1913 provides an opportunity to reflect on the different agendas of the individuals involved in that momentous and bitter dispute. The Hugh Lane Gallery's collection contains many portraits of the key individuals who were active in the Lockout as well as works by artists who became involved in the dispute, including William Orpen
and George Russell . The exhibition also provides a rich resource of evocative images that depict life in Dublin in the late nineteenth century and first decades of the twentieth century. The exhibition features paintings, sculpture and drawings by artists including John Lavery, Sarah Purser, John and Jack B. Yeats, Casimir Markievicz, Auguste Rodin, Sarah Cecilia Harrison, Maurice MacGonigal and Louis le Brocquy. A fully illustrated catalogue will be available with essays by Padraig Yeats, Margarita Cappock and Helen Carey. www.hughlane.ie t: (01) 222 5550
What’s On – Events that caught the Space Inside’s eye www.mermaidartscentre.ie
MUSIC
COMEDY
Black Umfolosi
Laugh Your Arts Off
Fri 18 Oct 2013 8 pm
19 Oct 2013 8pm (doors 7.30pm) Hosted by Kalle Ryan (brownbread mixtape), and featuring comedians Dave McSavage and Barry Murphy (Après Match), LAUGH YOUR ARTS OFF presents a luminous line-up of Ireland’s best and brightest comedic voices on stage at Ireland’s premier arts centre. The night is being held to raise funds for the National Campaign for the Art’s (NCFA) work in 2013.
Zimbabwe's greatest ambassadors will be back this year performing music inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled. Their performances mix a great gentleness of spirit and song and exuberance of dance. Their famous Gumboot Dances showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.
€20/18 conc Project Arts Centre, Temple Bar Box Office: 01 881 9613
€18/16 conc Mermaid Box Office T: 01 272 4030
www.projectartscentre.ie
www.mermaidartscentre.ie
THEATRE
FILM/THEATRE
Eden
Richard II Live from The Royal Shakespeare Company
Tues Oct 15 2013 8pm
Light House Cinema Wed 13 Nov 2013
Eugene O'Briens award winning play 'Eden', brings to life a gallery of colourful midland characters. At the heart of his world is a moving, funny and tragic portrait of the failing marriage of Billy and Breda and the weekend that will make or break them. 'Eden' won Best New Play at the Irish Times Theatre Awards and Best New Play at the Stewart Parker Awards. Eden is a powerful story of an ordinary relationship on an extraordinary weekend.
This screening is the first ever live cinema broadcast from the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company. The sellout production of Richard II with David Tennant in the title role and directed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran. Richard is King, ordained by God to lead his people. But he is also a man of very human weakness. A man whose vanity threatens to divide the great houses of England and drag his people into a dynastic civil war that will last 100 years.
€18/16 conc Mermaid Box Office T: 01 272 4030
For more on times and ticket prices see: www.lighthousecinema.ie
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Traveller’s Tales: Sicily John Graham tells us of the historical and artistic treasures he discovered on a recent trip to the Italian island of Sicily. On a recent holiday to Sicily I was amazed by the variety of cultures that have impacted on this island in the Mediterranean Sea. The legacy of this cultural mixture manifests itself in many ways. In terms of its people’s appearance, from dark complexions/ brown eyed to fair haired/blue eyed, the range is truly amazing. But in particular, its art and architecture offer a wide mix, from Classical Greek to Roman to Arab, Norman and Spanish styles. While in Sicily we visited a number of places including Palermo, Monreale, Enna and Sperlinga. Most of these places present fundamentally Norman buildings to the tourist eye, but are built on previous structures. Since then they have been altered and added to by others after earthquakes and other happenings, such as the arrival of the Spanish.
different periods, including Roman, Arab, and Norman. This cathedral was built between 1179 and 1185 by the Normans on the site of an earlier Christian Basilica. This is very much in line with the building of Christ Church in Dublin, which was also built by the Normans. It is both a beautiful building externally and internally. While there you can see the Roman Crypt under the building, the Cathedral Treasure, the Kings and Queens of Sicily’s Tombs. You can also go onto the roof of the building and see the city from above. A five minute walk away is the Norman Palace and Church of Cappella Palatina. The internal art work of this church is truly breathtaking. It is almost impossible to describe. The entire ceiling, floors and walls are covered by some of the most beautiful mosaics. Arab influences and Greek Byzantine styles work together harmoniously. San Giovanni degli Eremiti is also close by and was built in 1132 by Roger II and contains a church and a monastic cloister. Monreale Cathedral/Cloister
Palermo
Enna and Sperlinga
Both Enna and Sperlinga are hill towns in the interior of Sicily. They both have fortifications/castles built by the different invaders. Enna’s Castle has a series of courtyards. The views over the countryside highlight how difficult it would have been to catch its defenders by surprise. Greeks, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and others have all occupied this fortification. It is now almost a ruin, but its power and defensive purpose is still apparent. Sperlinga Castle built in c.1100 by Roger I, was honed out of the natural rock. The internal castle contains chambers for storage of everything from food/water and stables to a church. In 1282 it held out for over one year against attack. A visit is the only way to get a sense of both of these castles and their powerful positions. Highly Recommended
Palermo is the Capital of Sicily and the largest city on the island. What I am about to relate to you represents only a sample of what can be seen. Palermo Cathedral is a building that has so many elements, with styles from
This is another example of Norman/Arab art and architecture at its best. Monreale is a monastic settlement and cathedral built in 1172 by William II. It is just outside of Palermo. Highlights include the cloister with 228 double columns that are highly decorated in a mixture of Arab and Norman styles. The cathedral also has a beautiful Bronze Door with 42 biblical scenes.
Sicily has such an amount and variety of art and architecture that it is almost impossible to see or outline it in one visit or article. The beautiful weather (in September), the friendly people, the food and the general atmosphere of Sicily acts as an invitation to go back and see more. For me, hopefully in the near future this will happen. Well worth visiting, go and see for yourself.
HOW TO Create Characters Cait Breathneach gives us some tips on how to create characters for creative pieces - be it short stories, novels or plays. Discovering who they are:
further explore the character and their motivations and in particular how they interact with others. You may even find one of these imagined events becomes an integral part of your plot. Events to consider:
When we begin to write creatively, we will need to give the characters we create a background, a history of their lives...
Happy events
We all come from somewhere, so is this person from the
-School/ Home/ Friends
City or Country?
-As young adult:
How old are they?
-First Job/ Apartment/Holiday
Have they a wholesome nature?
-As 'mature' person:
Are they 'of the earth'?
-Relationships/Choices in life etc.
-Childhood memories
Are they well educated? What is their family like?-parents, siblings, relations etc.
Sad events
Friends?Good friends? Bad friends?
-Loss
Married or Single?
-Disappointment
What are their Hobbies?
-Illness / Accident
Where do they work?
-Death / Funeral
What kind of Past do they have? Good or Bad? Is there a secret that cannot be told?
Where your piece starts
What kind of personality have they?
Fleshing them out
Once you’ve brought your character to life in various settings and time periods, it’s a good idea to look at the present moment - is the character where they want to be right now? Judging from most stories and novels, probably not! After using those exercises you should be able to step into the shoes of your main character quite comfortably and start writing as if it’s your own story.
A good place to start ‘filling out’ your main character’s story would be to write special/important moments you’d imagine they have had in their lives. This helps you to
Cait gives creative writing workshops at SOL Studio in Wicklow Town. Email veracwalsh@eircom.net for dates and times. All are welcome to attend.
Why are they living where they are? Are they Happy?
TWITTERS Support Dublin Flamenco Festival 2013
Dublin Flamenco Festival was created in 2011 by flamenco aficionados and long time friends Nathalie Moyano and Damian Power. Their main purpose was to provide a platform for Spanish flamenco professionals to showcase their work in Dublin and Ireland, and to delight Irish audiences with the richness and diversity of flamenco as an art form. However, there are many incidental expenses that are not so easily covered by ticket sales, and this is where your support - in whatever form it may take - can help make this year's edition of the festival a success. Go to www.indiegogo.com/projects/dublin-flamencofestival-2013 to see what you can do. We have had two visits from the dancers of Peña Flamenca El Indalo at the Space Inside and we have to say, they put on a fantastic, colourful show. We wish them the very best for the festival!
Meitheal 2013 at Signal Arts Art and Craft Pop-Up Shop 3-24 December 2013 While the thought of the ‘C’ word right now gives me an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach (like I’ve eaten a very rich pudding), our next edition of the journal won’t be until the New Year, so we figured one arts item related to that time of the year wouldn’t hurt too much! Signal Arts will be selling all sorts of crafty and artful festive fare in their Meitheal pop-up shop including jewellery, embroidery, ceramics, metalwork - prefect present ideas. All items are made by Signal staff past and present. For more info see www.signalartscentre.ie or like them on Facebook to receive timely updates.
Music Network - Music Capital Scheme
Creative Writing Comps Telegraph Harvil Secker Crime Writing Competition Deadline: 30th Nov 13 Fish Short Story Competition Deadline: 30th Nov 13 Children’s Book Festival Competitions for Young Writers Deadline: 1st Nov 13 The 2014 Davy Byrnes Short Story Award Deadline: 3rd Feb 2014 Write 4 Autism Competition Deadline: 31st Dec 13 Source: writing.ie
The Music Network Music Capital Scheme is designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments, and respond to a broad range of capital needs within the music sector in Ireland. This scheme is funded by The Arts Council and managed by The Music Network. In 2013, financial support will be offered in two distinct streams: Instrument Banks for non-professional groups (at local or national level) Individual Instruments for professional performers. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2013. To find out more go to www.musicnetwork.ie
Krystyna Rawicz was born in Birmingham and now lives in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. She won the 2012 Paddy Power Short Story Competition. You can see more of poetry and art on her blog www.krystynarawicz.blogspot.ie
Square Peg Worked hard all my life to make the Square peg that is me fit The round hole of my life. Jammed and squeezed me into a Space that is too small, hacked off Rough edges to make myself fit. It’s time; time to make the hole Bigger, expand the life to fit Each and every part of me.
What Matters
Reclaim those rough edges. Feel And know the sharpness of my angles.
Slow breathing in the early morning. The wind, raging wild outside the window. An untroubled mind.
Make a life fit for this square peg.
Shelter. Food. Warmth. A heart resting quiet. An untroubled mind.
Softly
Focus only on this. A peaceful house. A gentle cupping. Feel your mind un-troubling. Feel your heart nesting, and Slowly learning a new, steady beat. As the wind rages outside the house. As the wolves howl their threats. As all the threads of the familiar unravel.
I walk tenderly, softly through this life. Those other lives that might have been hang heavy round my neck. Meanwhile, rivers of water and stone run down both sides of the road. And the wipers wipe the screen clean. And the radio plays its tunes. And my life passes softly, softly by.
FRIENDS of The Space Inside 2013/14
WhenNational did breathing Businesses: Fire Museum of Power (Wales), Healthy Habits Café, Wicklow, Maltfield School, Redcross,, Bridge Street Books and Track One become soRiding important (Wicklow) and Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray. Groups: Wicklow Writers and Shed Poets Individuals: Anne Ferris (TD), Helen Duffy, Avril Young, Charlie Burke, Conal Kavanagh (Councillor), Mary Boland, Anne Graham, John Graham, Joy Whittaker, George and Meta Whittaker, Liam Walsh, Edward Ryan, James Boland, Edward Ryan, Andy Boland, Cora Boland, Marie O’Brien, Philip Lynch, Michael Tinsley, Shirley McClure, Marin O’Donovan, Carol Boland, Margaret Kennedy, Tommy Dickenson, Bernie Walsh, Pat Moore, Peter Kelly, Philip Galvin, Pascal Moran, Liam Walsh, Catherine Graham, Helen Graham, Kevin Graham, Charlie Kavanagh, Angela Nolan, Kerri Gill, Patricia Gill. Space Inside Arts Magazine is published quarterly by volunteers: Anne Graham. Distribution: Evert Beerda, Tess Doyle and others. Live Nights: Kerrie Gill, Anne Graham, Cait Breathnach, John Graham, Maureen O’Donovan
Space Inside Arts Live Nights First Tuesday in the month, from October to June, the Space Inside Arts runs a free evening of music, dance and poetry in Wicklow Sailing Club, South Quay, Wicklow Town. Doors opens 8pm Help us to keep afloat by becoming a Friend for only €35. You can also donate €3 (or more) online at thespaceinside.blogspot.com. The Space Inside is grateful to Wicklow Town Council and Friends for making the journal and Live Nights a reality. This project was initially assisted by Wicklow Rural Partnership Ltd under the European Union LEADER +/National
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