IEA: The IE Arts Review - April, 1999 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit ===================================================================== The IE Arts Review _____________________________________________________________________ Editor: Miriam Stewart April,1999 Issue No.14 ===================================================================== The IE Arts Review is a monthly publication from the Irish Emigrant containing news and reviews of the latest in Irish theatre, cinema, visual art, performance and much more. Comments and questions are welcome by email to miriam@emigrant.ie. It can also be viewed on our web pages at http://www.emigrant.ie. > > > > > > > > > CONTENTS < < < < < < < < < REVIEWS Theatre - "Lovers" - "As You Like It" Film - "Waking Ned" NEWS Theatre: - Brian Friel Festival Visual Arts: - Presentation made to the Butler Gallery - Sculpture marks opening of new road - Bacon heir visits Hugh Lane Gallery - Deadline for Iontas submissions Film: - General news - Dublin Film Festival - GFC/RTE Short Script Awards General: - Ireland and Mexico forge cultural links - Galway landmark "decapitated" WHAT'S ON: - A guide to plays currently running in Irish theatres - Art Exhibitions > > > > > > > > > THEATRE REVIEW < < < < < < < < < "Lovers" by Brian Friel At the Town Hall Theatre, Galway Dir: Zoe Seaton First produced in 1967, Friel's "Lovers" examines the nature of love, its expression, desires and realisations. Presented in the play are two facets of its nature, each scenario juxtaposing with the other. The first lovers (or as Friel calls them, "Winners") are a teenage couple; Mag and Joe (Eimear Hughes and Richard Clements) skive from school to study on the hillside overlooking their town. Exams are not the only things looming; Mag is pregnant and a marriage has been hastily organised. The teenagers bask in their love and excitement, discussing their flat and imagining their married future. This scene is interrupted by the calculating interjections of the narrators (Jon Hewitt and Susie Kelly) who are not commenting on the couple's situation, but on their future. The second couple are the "Losers" in this game of love. Middle-aged Andy and Hanna conduct a strained courtship against the constraints of an elderly, interfering mother and the watchful eye of St Philomena. These become too much for Hanna, who quenches her passion for filial duty. Hughes and Clements are energetic and bubbly as the lovers; their effect is dampened somewhat by the staid commentators. However Hewitt's performance is transformed in "Losers"; he acts with such zest that it is hard to imagine he is the same person. Stage and lighting are good but the play is somewhat static in a few places. Despite this, "Lovers" remains a well written play, and Big Telly theatre company do it justice. ***** "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare At the Town Hall Theatre, Galway Dir: Maeliosa Stafford Druid has described its production of "As You Like It" as Shakespeare meeting Mad Max. Certainly one can imagine Shakespeare being intrigued; or perhaps such a version would be more familiar to him than the sanitized versions that do the rounds today? From the opening moment an atmosphere is set; clouds of dry ice malevolently cling to an iron stage, where the evil Duke Frederick (Jaime Robertson) and his henchmen, replete with Fascist overtones, have upset the natural order by ousting the elder Duke. Others are ousted from their rightful place; Orlando (Jason Gilroy) leaves from under the thrall of his elder brother Oliver (Joe Hanley). Eventually he falls in love with the Duke's niece Rosalind (Judith Ryan). Orlando flees; Rosalind is banished, and all go to the Forest of Arden where the real fun can begin. And begin it does. David Wilmot is excellent as Touchstone and the lovesick Phoebe. Mark O'Halloran is wonderful as a wry (and distinctly Irish) shepherd. As Celia/Audrey Helen Norton shines, with a rich, resonant voice. Despite the inventiveness, the romantic couple are anything but. Orlando and Rosalind just don't spark; Rosalind is almost aggressive in her desire rather than love struck. Most of the actors double up as other characters, and at times this can be somewhat confusing, especially at the final wedding scene when the use of puppets doesn't quite work. Stage design (Genevieve Blanchett) evokes an eerieness, which is complemented by the excellent use of lighting (Patrick McLoughlin). "As You like It" is inventive and refreshing, and for this alone it's worth seeing. > > > > > > > > > FILM REVIEW < < < < < < < < < "Waking Ned" Dir. Kirk Jones Starring: Ian Bannen, David Kelly, James Nesbitt "Waking Ned" is set in the picturesque Irish village of Tullymore, home sweet home to Lottery fanatics Jackie (Ian Bannen)and Michael (David Kelly). Discovering that someone in the village has scooped the jackpot, they decide to befriend the winner in the hope of benefiting from a generous handout. Their investigations lead them to the cottage of fisherman Ned Devine, clutching his lottery ticket. The shock has killed Ned, and so begins their scheme to hoodwink the National Lottery so the village can benefit: like Robin Hood, I suppose. I have a confession to make. I know some of you reading this probably love "Waking Ned". Some months ago, when I was barely even aware of its existence, I received an e-mail from a reader looking for information about it. So be warned; if you found this film charming, avert your eyes. I didn't like "Waking Ned". Principally because it's not about Ireland at all; it's not even about a nice, fantasy, rosy picture of Ireland. It's a twilight zone where the locals are devious (they are committing a serious crime). Tullymore is obviously situated Mid-Atlantic, due to the references to the "City man" who comes all the way from..ooohh..Dublin. From the chintzy wallpaper of all the houses it would appear that interior design has not moved on from the early 1970s, except for Ned's and an old woman's house which are shockingly decrepit. Even the pub has a galvanized roof and if there's one thing that has money in a rural area, it's a pub! The local pig farmer Finn (James Nesbitt) suffers most acutely from Tullymore's social exclusion; due to the lack/ignorance/non-existence of deodorants and aftershaves he constantly smells of pigs, something which his love Margaret finds hard to bear. Margaret even considers the affections of the local rogue, telling Finn that the rogue will be able to look after her and her son. She obviously suffers from the Tullymore disease which prevents her from looking after herself. However "Waking Ned" is finely acted, Bannen and Kelly especially turning in good performances. Nesbitt is engaging, although his accent wavers at times (as does Lynch's). The scenery is beautiful, and I can't fault the cinematography. "Waking Ned" has potential, but why, oh why is Tullymore so hammed up? It ruined the film for me. > > > > > > > > > NEWS < < < < < < < < < THEATRE - The National Theatre has announced details of a special season of plays and events to celebrate the life and work of playwright Brian Friel, to run in the Abbey and Peacock Theatres from April to August. The festival will present new productions of "The Freedom of the City", "Dancing at Lughnasa" (at the Abbey), "Living Quarters" and "Making History" (at the Peacock). Details of the dates for "The Freedom of the City" and "Living Quarters" are listed in "What's On" while "Dancing At Lughnasa" and "Making History" open in June. Accompanying the productions will be a series of pre-show discussions, talks and lectures. An exhibition of posters, letters, original playscripts and photographs celebrating the life and work of Friel will open in the National Library on May 6, and the festival includes an outreach and education programme, including workshops for post primary students, talks for older people, and discussions. For further details contact the Abbey Theatre at +353-1-8787222. - Conor McPherson's "The Weir" open on Broadway early in the month and received very favourable reviews from New York critics. VISUAL ARTS - The Contemporary Irish Art Society presented Janet Mullarney's painted wood sculpture "Alter Ego II" to the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny, where it will join the gallery's permanent collection. The presentation was made by the Society in honour of founding member Gordon Lambert's 80th birthday. - The National Gallery paid Stg182k for an old master featuring an Irish-born Spanish diplomat. The full-length portrait of Richard Wall is by Louis-Michel van Loo (1707-1771). Wall was born in Waterford in 1694 and emigrated to Spain at the age of 24. He eventually became Ambassador to Britain before returning to Spain where he was appointed foreign minister and later secretary of state. - The completion of the Curlew Mountains Road Projects marks not only joy for weary motorists, but joy for art lovers. "The Gaelic Chieftain", Maurice Harron's bronze sculpture of a Gaelic chieftain on horseback, overlooks the road. It is intended as a symbol of the co-operation between Sligo and Roscommon County Councils throughout the project. - John Edwards, Francis Bacon's sole heir, has paid his first visit to the Hugh Lane Gallery, to which he has donated Bacon's studio. This studio will be reconstructed in the gallery from London's Reece Mews and is expected to be open to visitors in 2001. The gallery will also present an exhibition of Bacon's paintings in June 2000. The donation has been heralded as one of the most generous in the history of the State; undiscovered paintings and drawings are already coming to light. - A quick reminder that the month of May (from May 19-24) marks the deadline for submissions for Iontas, the National Small Works Art Competition, which can be made at galleries across the country. Entries are invited in painting, sculpture, print and drawing, and are limited to a maximum of 600mm in their greatest dimension. Entry is also open to Irish nationals living abroad. For entry forms and details contact Ronan MacEvilly, Sligo Art Gallery at +353-71-45847, or mailto:sagal@iol.ie FILM - Stephen Bradley's "Sweety Barrett" opened this month, with Brendan Gleeson in the title role. It tells the story of innocent Sweety, who is plunged into a corrupt smuggling ring when he loses his job at the circus. Some screenings of the film include Paul Mercier's short "Lipservice". - "Though the Sky May Fall", a film based on the life of journalist Veronica Guerin, is currently being shot, with John MacKenzie directing. Joan Allen plays the journalist, with Patrick Bergin supporting. - Treasure Films ("Southpaw") are collaborating with Conor McPherson on a filmed version of "The Weir", McPherson's successful play, which the author will direct. - "Angela's Ashes", the film of Frank McCourt's book starring Emily Watson and Robert Carlyle, is scheduled for release in June. - Galway Film Centre/RTE have announced the winners of their 1999 Short Script Awards. The winning shorts are as follows: Orla Walsh's "Blessed Fruit", Josephine Conlon's "Diversion", and Doreen O'Connor's "The Hall". Award winners received IR7,000, plus the use of Galway Film Centre equipment and facilities. - The 14th Dublin Film Festival has been running since April 15 and finishes on Sunday. It opened with a screening of Cathal Black's new film, "Love and Rage", with Greta Scatcchi. Other films shown include John Shea's "Southie", Neil Jordan's "In Dreams" (a psychological horror with Aidan Quinn and Annette Bening), and Bryan Singer's "Apt Pupil". The festival includes a retrospective of the work of Bernardo Bertolucci. For further information contact +353-1-605-6848. GENERAL - During a recent visit to Mexico, President McAleese oversaw the creation of a new agreement between the two countries which allows for greater cultural co-operation, with each country pledging to arrange exchange visits and residencies of artists, groups, writers and directors. Provision is also made for translations of works and joint publications. - Galway's landmark statue of the writer Padraic O Conaire was damaged this month. Residents awoke to discover the statue's head missing. Gardai quickly recovered the head and arrested four men. It is expected that it will be at least June before the statue can be repaired. Unveiled in 1935, the statue has survived attacks before, but none so serious as a severed head. Peadar O'Dowd, president of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, referred to it as "..the greatest cultural outrage in the West of Ireland". > > > > > > > > > WHAT'S ON < < < < < < < < < THEATRE - The Abbey's production of Hugh Leonard's "Love in the Title" is currently touring. Directed by Patrick Mason, "Love in the Title" is a moving and evocative piece. Set in a meadow with a standing stone, three young women gather for a picnic. The story unfolds to draw us into the lives of these young women, exploring their fears and secrets. Dates are as follows: April 27-May 1 - Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dublin May 3-4 - Backstage Theatre, Longford May 6-8 - Laois Arts Centre, Portlaoise May 11-15 - Everyman Theatre, Cork May 17-22 - Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick May 24-28 - Lyric Theatre, Belfast June 1-5 - Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo. - You may have noticed from the theatre news section that the National Theatre is opening its Brian Friel Festival with "The Freedom of the City". First performed by the Abbey in 1973, it opens again at the Abbey on April 28. Set in Derry in 1970, three civil rights activists escape the riots at a march in the Guildhall, the symbolic stronghold of Protestant Derry. It's directed by Conall Morrison and the cast includes Sorcha Cusack, Michael Colgan and Miche Doherty. Following its run in Dublin the play will transfer to the Lincoln Center in New York during July. For booking phone +353-1-8787222. - In its last week at the Peacock Theatre is Daragh Carville's new play "Observatory". A Gothic science fiction thriller set in the Armagh Observatory in both 1799 and 1999, "Observatory" details the entangled lives of four people across two centuries. The cast includes Charlie Bonner, Des Cave and Mary O'Driscoll and the play is directed by Jason Byrne. - The Peacock's role in the Friel Festival starts with "Living Quarters" on May 19, directed by Jason Byrne. Set in a small Donegal town in the 1970s, it deals with members of a family who are brought together by the reconstruction of the events that drove them apart. For more information contact +353-1-878222. - Druid's production of "The Lonesome West" directed by Garry Hynes opens on Broadway on April 27 at the Lyceum Theatre, 149 West 45th Street, New York. Contact +00-1-212-239-6200. - Frances Sheridan (mother of Richard Brinsley) has waited 200 years for this; the day her play "The Trip To Bath" is produced on stage. Well, not exactly. Frances Sheridan was a well-known writer in the 18th Century, but her third play was left unfinished. So characters such as Edward Bull and Lady Tryfort have been locked into static corsets and wigs, until Rough Magic's Elizabeth Kuti came along and gave it an ending worthy of the best Restoration comedy. The finished play "The Whisperers" opened at the Belltable in Limerick on April 12 and tours as follows: April 20-24 - Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo April 27-May 1 - Town Hall Theatre, Galway May 4-8 - Everyman Palace, Cork May 11-22 - Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dublin. - Cork's Corcadorca Theatre Company is following the success of "Disco Pigs" with "Misterman", a one-man show. It deals with the zealot Thomas, living with his mother in the Irish town of Inishfree. "Misterman" is directed by, and stars, Enda Walsh. It opens at the Granary Theatre, Cork, on April 26. - The Civic Theatre in Tallaght was officially opened on March 20, 1999, with its first production being Mark O'Rowe's play "Howie the Rookie". With a 320-seat main auditorium and a studio space, it marks an exciting development for the arts in Dublin. The programme details are as follows: April 12-May 1 - Are You Listening to me Gaybo? (Black Box) April 19-24 - Catalpa (Red Kettle/Andrew's Lane Theatre) April 27-May 1 - Love in the Title (Abbey) May 3-8 - Lovers (Big Telly) May 10-22 - The Whisperers (Rough Magic) - "Out of the Heavens in Showers," a play by Clare poet and playwright John Doorty based on the life of traditional tin-whistle and flute player Micho Russell, will open on May 12 at Galway's Town Hall Theatre for a one-night-only performance. A Kilshanny Workshop Production, the show includes dancers Paddy Neylon and Aisling Martyn, and musicians Michael Hynes, Tommy McCarthy, Marian McCarthy and Paul Stafford, in addition to John Doorty himself. Booking at the Town Hall Theatre, Galway at +353-91-569777. EXHIBITIONS - To celebrate the International Year of Older Persons, IMMA is displaying some 60 artworks created by a group of older people from Inchicore in Dublin. "..and start to wear purple" aims to demonstrate and celebrate older people's creativity and their engagement with contemporary visual art. Key works include "Ribbons of Life" 1993, which features the personal histories of 10 women from the group, and "A Sense of Place" 1996, which addresses memories. The exhibition continues until May 11. - Opening May 9 is "Joseph Beuys:Multiples", the largest exhibition yet seen in Ireland of the legendary German artist Joseph Beuys (1921-86) and one of the most important exhibitions of his "multiples" ever organised. These multiples represent a vehicle for communication, each encapsulating a specific moment in Beuys' life or work, in a variety of media. About 300 works will be displayed at IMMA, mostly drawn from the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Among them will be "Sled" (1969), "Felt Suit" (1970) and Rose for Direct Democracy (1973). A series of lectures has been arranged to accompany the exhibition. On May 5 Professor Richard Demarco presents a lecture entitled "Journeying with Beuys in the Celtic World 1970-1986", and Joan Rothfuss of the Walker Center will give a guided tour of the exhibition. Artist Nigel Rolfe talks on May 9, and Dorothy Walker discusses Beuys and Ireland on May 16. Booking for these events is essential. "A Collection in the Making: New Displays", their permanent collection, can also be viewed. For further information contact +353-1-6129900 or their website at www.modernart.ie. - At the Kenny Gallery, Galway is "Wild Places, Secret Corners", an exhibition by the Armagh-born artist James Flack. The pieces comprise mainly watercolours of images from the West of Ireland and the Burren, ranging from sweeping landscapes to detailed flowers. The artist's use of delicate colours and strong shapes translate into a fresh and personal interpretation. Send mailto:orla@kennys.ie for more information, or look at website http://www.kennys.ie. - If you are in Dublin then you shouldn't miss a visit to the Yeats Museum at the National Gallery. This houses a permanent collection of work by Jack B. Yeats and works by other members of the Yeats family, including John Butler Yeats and W.B. Yeats. Contact +353-1-6615133. - An exhibition of the prints of Roderic O'Conor (1860-1940) is currently showing at the Museum of Pont-Avon, Place de l'Hotel de Ville, Pont-Avon, France. O'Conor, considered to be one of the most advanced Irish artists of his generation, spent many years in France. This exhibition details O'Conor's relationship with the French printmaker Armaud Seguin, who introduced O'Conor to the technique of etching. O'Conor's prints are rare, as he did not publish them as editions and this exhibition presents a wonderful opportunity. For more information contact +33-2-98-06-14-43. - At the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny is an exhibition of sculpture by Janet Mullarney. Contact +353-56-70031 for more details. - If you're lucky you can catch a video installation by the Turner Prize winning Gillian Wearing and Jaki Irvine at the Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The installation forms part of IMMA's National Programme. For more details, phone +353-56-33946. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Irish Emigrant Arts Review Cathedral Building, Middle Street, Galway, Ireland. Editor: Miriam Stewart Tel: +353-91-569158 Email: miriam@emigrant.ie Fax: +353-91-569178 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytire-04.25.99-12:36:30-11284