12 minute read
ARTS DIARY
Kellie Burch
kellie@ulstertatler.com
CATALYST ARTS LAUNCHES
Catalyst Arts recently hosted not one, but two launches. recently hosted not one, but two launches. The fi rst, held in the gallery space at College Court in Belfast, was the opening of exhibition Concealed in the Concealed in the Half-light. This presentation explores the idea of the archive. Rather than accepting the traditional archive model which rigidly depends on data organisation such as standardisation and categorisation to streamline and eradicate difference, Concealed in the Half-Light explores how multiple histories not restricted by agreed narratives, can offer archive alternatives, by acknowledging the subjective, intimate and personal, essentially the ‘unarchivable’. The exhibition is made up of many voices including Alice Rekab, artist-inresidence Nollaig Molloy, Matthew Wilson, The Department of Ultimology, the Digital Archive of Artists’ Publishing, Frances Whorrall-Campbell and and the Artist-Led Archive.
The second of Catalyst Arts’ launches, was the offi cial The second of Catalyst Arts’ launches, was the offi cial unveiling of SAM’S EDEN, a new publication celebrating , a new publication celebrating Queer artists and writers in 2021. This book, which is edited by Thomas Wells, was launched at Fruit Shop on Ormeau Road and showcases the work of fourteen LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups and explores queer occupation of physical and virtual spaces. The artists included are: Day Magee, Jennifer Mehigan, Padraig Regan, Yarli Allison, Richard Martin, Claire Biddles, Bassam Al-Sabah, Phillip McCrilly, Ben Malcolmson, Michaela Nash, Richard O’Leary, Ruth McCarthy,
the LGBTQIA+ youth Steering Committee at Ulster
Museums and Shy Bairns.
At the launch, segments of the unique book were projected onto the walls of the intimate venue. As well as guests having the opportunity to snap up their own copy of this original publication, twenty original framed works by featured artist Ben Malcolmson were also on sale.
SAM’S EDEN is a vibrant and important publication, and its launch was well supported by guests including publication contributors Padraig Regan and Phillip McCrilly; artist Stephen Farnan; Programme Manager at Strand Arts Centre Johanna Leech; and Catalyst Arts Manuuela Moser.
Concealed in the Half-Light and SAM’S EDEN were launched on 5 August 2021.
CONCEALED IN THE HALF-LIGHT LAUNCH Matthew Wilson, gallery co-director Cecelia Graham and show curator Nathan. Manuuela Moser with Thomas Wells at the launch of SAM’S EDEN.
Ponyo and Johanna Leech. Julia Maguire, Stephen Farnan and Sarah Cassidy.
Celeste Owens and Ciara Hickey. Celeste Owens and Ciara Hickey. Ruth McCarthy and Padraig Regan.
The Outcasts live in Ward Park. Courtney and Riley Strong, Andy Strong and Jonny Gould.
Elsie and mum Shelley Armstrong. Natasha Manganar and Melissa Hawthorne. Kellie and Keith Burch.
Ashleigh and Jenna Sittlington, Steven Ferguson, Roberta and Paul Sittlington. Niamh Lennon and Samuel Morrow with Mischa the dog. Karen and Richard McGarvey with Jarvis.
PUNK IN THE PARK
Beloved Belfast punk band, The Outcasts, turned up the heat this summer as they headlined Punk in the Park. The open-air concert, which was part of the Open House Festival’s Music in the Park series, saw the iconic band, supported by local Bangor ensemble Wasted Talent, transform Ward Park for the afternoon.
Punks, young and old, brought picnics, deckchairs and good vibrations as they soaked up the electric atmosphere. Wasted Talented took to the stage fi rst and thoroughly warmed up the energetic crowd. Their opening number, ‘Anarchy in the UK’ by The Sex Pistols, set the tone, whilst a superb cover of ’Alternative Ulster’ took things up a notch. Their closing number was ’Teenage Kicks’ which appropriately was dedicated to the godfather of punk, and champion of The Undertones, Terri Hooley.
Next up was The Outcasts, who were fi ttingly introduced by Hooley himself. The band shot to fame under Hooley’s Good Vibrations record label in 1977 - and they have been a force to be reckoned with ever since. The band, which is made up of brothers Greg and Martin Cowan along with JP and Petsey Burns, gave the audience what they wanted and played a collection of their classics such as ‘Frustration’, ‘The Cops Are Comin’, and ‘You’re A Disease’. They also paid homage to their peers with a rambunctious cover of RUDI’s ‘The Pressure’s On’.
Over the years punk has been a genre that has been important, both to Northern Ireland, and the world, in allowing audiences the opportunity to embrace their differences and to unite because of them. It was heart-warming to see that decades after the explosion of punk that these principles remain the same. The audience gathered in Ward Park was a rich and diverse tapestry, from mohawk wearing pogo dancers to dog walkers. The audience was also made up of all ages, from original punks to the new-born generation. As the sun came out for the afternoon’s festivities, it was a pleasure to see some familiar faces in the crowd, such as Belfast Telegraph’s Karen McGarvey and her dog Jarvis.
Whilst it was hard to tell who was having the most fun, the band or the audience, one thing was obvious - everyone was vocal in their appreciation of the superb Open House Festival for bringing live music back to the fore and making it accessible to all after such a tough year.
Punk in the Park took place on 22 August 2021.
THE BURIAL AT THEBES
It was a very exciting moment when live theatre made a triumphant come back. From Dracula at the Lyric Theatre to Through the Window at The MAC, theatre goers were snapping up tickets with renewed vigour. My fi rst theatrical experience was the VIP and Press Evening to see The Burial at Thebes, part of the EastSide Arts Festival and Féile an Phobail.
The production was staged by Bright Umbrella at The Sanctuary Theatre, a unique space in the former Mountpottinger NSP Church on Castlereagh Street. This former Church has been wonderfully renovated to make it a practical theatrical space whilst retaining its impressive charm.
The opening night attracted a varied crowd including journalists Jane and Padraig Coyle, as well as former arts programme co-ordinator Tim Kerr and his wife Alice, a fundraising consultant. Before the play started I had the opportunity to chat to artist director Trevor Gill about this exciting debut, which is the fi rst production to be shown on the stage at The Sanctuary Theatre.
The Burial at Thebes is based on Seamus Heaney’s classic, which in turn was inspired by one of the world’s oldest extant plays, ‘Antigone’ by Sophocles. Whilst modernised in parts, and interwoven with world politics, the production maintains its gravitas and intensity. The play opens somberly with a military funeral. What unfolds is a fast paced tale that grips your attention throughout. This is in no small part due to the captivating performances from the cast. Eleanor Shannon as Antigone is completely spellbinding whilst Glenn McGivern as Creon exudes an intensity that roots you to the spot.
I know I am not alone in being overjoyed by the return of theatre and The Burial at Thebes was a poignant reminder of what we’ve been missing. I have to mention how professional the theatre was at creating an intimate atmosphere whilst also sticking to Covid-19 restrictions. Seating in the pews was limited to two people and there was hand sanitiser available at each designated sitting area. The actors also incorporated masks into their performance when accessing the stage through the audience. With such thought and attention to detail this production shows how well theatres can comply to the current situation and so here’s hoping this theatrical resurrection is one that’s here to stay.
The Burial of Thebes VIP and Press Evening took place on 4 August. Alice and Tim Kerr with Artistic Director Trevor Gill.
Cast members from top to bottom: Glenn McGivern, Nathan Martin, Graham Chipperfi eld, Jennifer McCarley and Samuel Mahadeo.
Jane and Padraig Coyle.
Trevor Gill with members of the The Bright Umbrella Theatre company. Cast members: Paula Byrne, Eleanor Shannon and Patricia Elwood.
BEST OF THE REST
CQAF IS BACK!
It’s been a while, but Belfast’s most dynamic arts festival is back! Fully masked and double jabbed,
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
returns from 2-12 September, with an incredible programme of live music, comedy, literature, theatre and more. Live music events include Lisa Hannigan, Bronagh Gallagher, Kíla, From the Specials – Neville Staple, Bell X1, Sharon Shannon, The Adventures and Luka Bloom, to name a mere few. Live comedy headliners include the welcome returns of Andrew Maxwell and Rich Hall, the acclaimed Nabil Abdulrashid and our very
Lisa Hannigan
own fabulously funny Teresa Livingstone. There’s the return of Belfast’s Street Art Festival Hit the North and an impressive listing of special CQAF screenings.
For full programme and booking info go to cqaf.com.
ROUGH GIRLS
It will be a game changing production when Rough Girls, a new play by Tara Lynne O’Neill, takes to the stage of the Lyric
Theatre Belfast 9th- 25th Sept
2021. Proudly supported by Electric Ireland, Rough Girls tells the story of the fi rst all-female football team in Belfast at the end of the First World War. Featuring an impressive eleven strong female cast, audiences will also have the unique opportunity to sit amongst the action on stage. Directed by Kimbelery Sykes, this ambitious, large-scale production is an original Belfast story based on true events which
Ruby Campbell, Caroline Curran, Eloise Stephenson and Nicky Harley.
resonates with the history of the city and chimes with the recent equality movements across the sports industry and the cultural sector.
For further details visit www. lyrictheatre.co.uk.
Maggie Cronin, Cillian Lenaghan and Tim McGarry (standing). Louise Matthews (seated). Pedro Donald and Mary Lindsay.
Fiona and Raymond Johnston. Angela and Damien McLoughlin. Julie McCauley and Eileen Branagh.
Vittoria Cafolla, Tim McGarry and Mary Lindsay. Geraldine Finucane and Pat Caldwell. Gráinne Maher and Sharon Curran.
AT THE BAR WITH BRIAN
The American Bar beer garden in Belfast was drenched in late summer sunshine when it played host to the closing event of Paradosso Theatre’s Lonely Passions: The Brian Moore Centenary Festival.
At the Bar With Brian, which was aptly held on the centenary of his birth - 25 August 1921 - offered the sold out audience the chance to listen to readings from the prolifi c Belfast author’s most famous works. The evening was hosted by the superb actor/ writer/ comedian Tim McGarry. Joining him on stage were fellow actors Maggie Cronin, Louise Matthews and Cillian Lenaghan.
The actors collaborated in various combinations on stage, performing six readings from the three time Booker Prize nominee’s novels. The festivities kicked off with Tim McGarry reading a passage from The Lonely Passion of Judith Herne. Other titles showcased were, Fergus, I Am Mary Dunne, The Feast Of Lupercal, and The Emperor Of Ice Cream.
The prize-winning writer based a lot of his books on his experiences from his life in Belfast. The places - and indeed people - are familiar. The performances were captivating and really brought Moore’s subjects to life. The audience were in stitches throughout as the talented actors teased out the nuances of Moore’s writing, making those awkward interactions he’s famous for, suitably hilarious. I also have to say that Tim McGarry, who peppered the evening with tidbits of information about Moore, as well as offering lashings of his signature humour, was the perfect host.
Lonely Passions: The Brian Moore Centenary Festival was an expertly curated series of events from Paradosso Theatre. By using diverse mediums, such as walking tours, documentaries, panel discussions and readings in unusual places, the festival had something for everyone. At the Bar With Brian was a wonderful close to these festivities. Attended by milliner Gráinne Maher, Open Arts Chief Executive Offi cer Eileen Branagh, The American Bar (and sister bar The Sunfl ower) owner Pedro Donald, Paradosso Theatre’s Mary Lindsay, and even members of Brian Moore’s family, this relaxed evening was fi lled with fun and laughter and gave an insight in to why this somewhat underappreciated writer should be recognised as a sublime talent.
At the Bar With Brian took place on Wednesday 25th August.
Prof Chris Maccabe CB and Jenny Maccabe and Neil Mathews.
USWA 64TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION
. USWA President Judith Logan welcomes guests to the exhibition.
The Ulster Society of Women Artists (USWA) 64th Annual Exhibition took place recently at the Lanyon Conference Suite in Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast. Although the Society staged a number of successful online shows during the Covid-19 pandemic, this was their fi rst physical art exhibition since 2019 and allowed attendees to once again appreciate the nuances and subtleties of the art on display in real life.
. John, Margaret and Neil Mathews.
Guest speaker and former RUA President Betty Brown. Award winning sculptor Helen Merrigan-Colfer. USWA President’s husband Hernan and daughter Annabelle.
Trevor Russell, Mary Dugdale Cup winner Helen Condy Russell with show judge Noelle McAlinden. Drew and Valerie Blackburne (Duchess of Abercorn trophy winner).
. USWA members Kay Cullen and Deirdre Hiscocks.
Sculptor Trish Rogers.
Arlene Marks and Ursula Leighton.
Richard and Lesley Sharp and Beverley Healy. Noelle McAlinden with guest speaker and former RUA President Betty Brown.
zzzzTed Macartney and Robyn Joyce.
zzzzFormer USWA President and Bradbury Graphics awardee Margaret Brand with family Michael and Nicola Bannon.
