In the brilliance of the night

Programme for Culture Night 2020 revealed

It has been a tough few months for all in the arts and entertainment sector so it’s no surprise the 2020 Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is an exuberant outpouring of artistic glee.

This year’s offering is a distillation of the creative brilliance of the county and, anyone lucky enough to gain access to the few tickets on offer for the events, are sure to enjoy a unique experience. For the rest of us there are many online opportunities.

Friday September 18 will be a blended experience of physical and virtual cultural offering from the talented artists and communities in the County.

On the theatre front ‘The Barber of Belcoo’ is a special commission for Culture Night piece from award winning playwright John McManus. The play has its premiere at Cavan Burren Park. Bríd Ní Neachtain is the ‘Barber’ in this site-specific work directly by Padraic McIntyre. This is a real treat if you are lucky enough to get one of the very limited tickets. An online recording of the play will be available for a short period.

Tara Maria Lovett, playwright is responding to the Women of Influence exhibition with her play ‘The Whispering Chair’, which receives a rehearsed reading at Cavan County Museum with Clare Monnelly and Aenghus Óg McNally as the warring couple. This is a story of intrigue for love and hatred. There are a limited number of tickets available. An online recording of the play will also be available for a limited period.

‘Submerged’ is a short film by collaborators Jessie Keenan, dancer and Kim McCafferty, circus and spectacle artist. The duo have spent time on Lough Oughter Castle and the waterways that weave through the land. The film is part of a research and response work and in collaboration with film maker Padraig Conaty. Submerged is available at Cavan County Museum and for a limited period on YouTube.

For those who appreciate visual art Bailieborough Library hosts the Breffni Camera Club exhibition of works from the talented and popular local members. Fiona Burke, librarian, opens the library events space with an exhibition from the Camera Club who continue to capture the still beauty of County Cavan in all its moods.

Cootehill Library presents the work of local painting groups The Painting Circle and the Painting Class. Both groups meet at the space throughout the year and this is their opportunity to exhibit that work for the pleasure and enjoyment of library patrons and local arts enthusiasts. This exhibition will continue after Culture Night.

Cavan County Library rolls out the welcome mat to Blúiríní Béaloidis, the podcast from the National Folklore Collection, University College Dublin. In this introductory episode, hosts Jonny Dillon and Claire Doohan delve into definitions of folklore to dispel some common misconceptions surrounding this area of interest, as well as tracing the cultural and political context of the interest in folk-tradition, which saw it arise as an expression of romantic nationalist thought across Ireland and Europe of the 19th century.

Fidel Walsh Hogan and Julie Corcoran collaborated during the lockdown by sharing their words and imagery. They were so inspired during this period that they decided to make a book of their joint efforts. ‘Time’ a collection of poetry and photography will be launched virtually from the Bailieborough Courthouse on Culture Night.

‘Reflections on Isolation’ is a reflection through poetry by award winning poet and playwright Noel Monahan. The work focuses on themes of isolation and creativity: “Creativity by its very nature requires you to find your place of isolation and remain there for quite a while sifting through the art form, its mysteries and magical nature. Self-belief and discovery to hear your own voice and shut the outside world are necessary,” the poet said of the work. Music for the event is by Kavan Donohoe and it can be viewed via the Creative Cavan Monaghan YouTube channel.

Poet, Heather Brett and the piper Daniel Brady perform at the historic Drumlane Abbey a newly commissioned poem ‘Reunion’ accompanied by a rendition of Port Na bPúcai on the Uilleann Pipes. The deep resonance of the pipes and the magic of the poetry will create a very special experience.

PROJECT Belturbet host an evening of stories and music on Turbet Island Dreamscape Trail. An intriguing look at some of Jackie O’Neill’s permanent artwork and stories, on this outdoor trail. With local musicians and singers entertaining us at this very historic landmark in Belturbet Co. Cavan. It’s all here music, arts, history, heritage and the outdoors. This is an online event, to be streamed via Facebook and YouTube.

Sinead Mullally will take her audience on a journey of hope at Bear Essentials, with an evening of traditional ballads and folk songs, in association with Cavan Heritage. This very special event has limited availability. Call Anke for a booking on 087-7610537.

Sensory Songs: Under the Wishing Tree is a musical adventure created especially for children with autism. Whistleberry Forest is a beautiful forest full of leafy trees and curious creatures. In this multi-sensory musical workshop, an invited group of children from an ASD Unit in Monaghan take on a journey through Whistleberry Forest. The music and songs from this workshop will be recorded and shared with another group of children in Cavan so that they can also join the sensory adventure. The workshop is led by Dr Thomas Johnston, artistic director of Ceol Connected, along with Orla Kelly, director of Early Childhood Creativity.

‘Songs of Love and Joy’ is a musical wandering from the salons of Paris to the hills of Cavan and a stop off in New York. Featuring works from composers and writers such as Fauré, Offenbach and Percy French.

Musician Educators Claire Crehan (piano) and Niamh McCormack (voice) from Music Generation Cavan / Monaghan host a special virtual performance from Kilmore Cathedral. Tune in to the Cavan Monaghan Creative YouTube Channel to watch this beautiful concert.’

Impact Promotions have a treat in store for all their followers with a special performance via video of Strings and Things from the lakes of Killeshandra. This tribute to the town and the Jetty Jams will be special treat for Culture Night.

Family group at Killeshandra Comhaltas will perform online to lift the spirits with lively tunes from the multi-talented members of the group.

You can subscribe to Cavan Arts on YouTube and Cavan Monaghan Creative Channel on YouTube or log on to: www.culturenight.ie for more details.