Published: Wednesday, 25th August, 2010 5:00pm

Henry James to be honoured in Bailieborough Centre

Noel Monahan, who's play will be premiered in Bailieborough Arts And Cultural Centre as part of the Henry James Festival.

Hot on the heels of Bailieborough Development Association's Henry James lecture by The Master author, Colm Toibin, a further event celebrating Henry James as part of the Bailieborough 400 commemorations is to take place.

The life and works of Henry James will be remembered at the first ever Henry James Literary Festival which will take place on September 3 & 4 in the Bailieborough Arts And Cultural Centre at the wesleyan chapel.

Henry James, an American novelist, came from a family that emigrated from Bailieborough in the late 18th Century and whose works are world renowned for their literary excellence.

On Friday, September 3, there will be the premiere of Noel Monahan's play, Lovely Husbands, which is based on the life and works of Henry James set in the modern era. This wonderful drama stars local actresses Hannah McCabe, Olivia Sheanon and Gemma O'Reilly.

Also on Friday night, there will be a guest lecture by Dr. Paddy Fitzgerald of the Centre of Migration Studies in Omagh. Dr. Fitzgerald will present a lecture on the Plantation of Ulster, the Welsh Connection and the James Migration Story. Proceedings kick off at 8pm sharp in the Wesleyan Chapel.

On Saturday, September 4, there will be another performance of Lovely Husbands. Prof. Naoyuki Mizuno from the Kyoto University in Japan will also deliver a lecture on the life and works of Henry James where his literary works will be extolled and celebrated.

The presentation of the Leinster School of Speech And Drama certificates to the pupils of the Bailieborough Arts And Cultural Centre will also take place. Over 30 students successfully completed their grade exams this year.

• For further information or bookings, contact Niamh Smyth on 042-9666666 or 087-9982222.