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4 events for... Poetry lovers and fans of spoken word
From Bloomsday theatrics in Dublin to poetry séisiúns in Cork.
SPOKEN WORD THEATRE is on the rise across the country. Poetry slams, one man performances and panel discussions with literary giants are becoming weekly fixtures in many people’s social calendar.
Here’s a selection of the finest spoken word events taking place across the country this week…
1. Ó Bhéal’s weekly poetry nights in Cork
Source: Facebook/Ó BhéalWhen: Monday 18 June, 8:30pm
Where: The Long Valley Bar, 10 Winthrop St, Cork
Cork's spoken word and poetry collective, Ó Bhéal, has teamed up with The Heritage Council for Make A Connection, a series to mark the European Year of Culture. The inaugural event features readings by poet Nithy Kasa from the National Republic of Congo and Ciara Ní É of Dublin. The Make A Connection programme aims to present a diverse range of themes and imagery throughout the work shared on the night.
More information about this and upcoming events can be found here.
2. Michael Ondaatje in conversation with Anne Enright in Dublin
When: Saturday 16 June, 7pm
Where: Liberty Hall, 1 Eden Quay, Dublin
Get your tickets fast for this special Off The Page discussion featuring Canadian poet, novelist, editor and filmmaker Michael Ondaatje. His most famous work includes The English Patient, the Booker Prize winning novel which was adapted into the Oscar-winning movie starring Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas. The evening will be chaired by esteemed novelist Anne Enright.
Tickets available here.
3. Celebrate Bloomsday in Dublin's Wolfe Tone Square
When: Saturday 16 June, 3pm-6pm
Where: Wolfe Tone Square, Jervis St, Dublin
The capital city is gearing up to celebrate celebrates ninety-six years of Leopold Bloom's day in Dublin. Spoken word performer Peter Murphy will preside over the afternoon's readings and performances. This event is regarded as an essential part of the Bloomsday experience by Joycean veterans.
View the full Bloomsday programme here.
4. Music and poetry from Linda Buckley and Doireann Ní Ghríofa
When: Monday 18 June, 7:30pm
Where: St Peter's, North Main Street, Cork
Cork Midsummer Festival returns for another year showcasing theatre, art and spoken word performances. The bilingual writer Doireann Ní Ghríofa is the festival's artist in residence. The award winning poet frequently engages in cross-disciplinary collaborations, on this occasion she has teamed up with composer Linda Buckley.
Buckley, who has written music for the RTÉ National Orchestra, experiments by merging her classical training with post-punk and ambient electronica tones. Together, they have produced a show comprised of immersive arrangements and poetry to "set the city on fire, each fire burns in a different era."
Tickets are available to buy here.
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