Kilkenny Arts Festival Programme 2022
Kilkenny Arts Festival Programme 2022
Kilkenny Arts Festival Programme 2022
kilkennyarts.ie
Dreams and discoveries in Ireland’s medieval city
01
Welcome to eleven days of artistic adventures in Ireland’s medieval city… Introduction
We’re thrilled to welcome you to an exhilarating set of events and performances in the Marble City. Following two
years of adapted festivals, this summer feels both like a rebirth and a continuation of what lies at the heart of
Kilkenny Arts Festival: a desire to bring you artists that invigorate, intrigue and inspire.
While artists did all of these things and more in 2020 (KAFX) and 2021, live music was unavoidably rare. So it’s a
joy to return to a full programme of music featuring Anne Sofie von Otter, Brooklyn Rider, Irish Chamber Orchestra,
Irish Baroque Orchestra, Chamber Choir Ireland, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Carducci String Quartet, Malcolm
Proud, Ailish Tynan, Tara Erraught, the Rollercoaster Sessions, the Marble City Sessions with co-curator Martin
New commissions come fully into being this year, from Roisín ReImagined with Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and ICO
to Linda Buckley’s new work for Liam Byrne and Crash Ensemble. Deirdre Gribbin’s new song cycle is premiered
by Sharon Carty and ICO, while poet in residence Theo Dorgan and Colm Mac Con Iomaire bring their ambitious
new bilingual work to the Watergate Theatre and Paula Meehan performs her response to Joyce’s Ulysses in the
centenary year of its publication.
Our new production of Handel’s Semele with Opera Collective Ireland, directed by Patrick Mason, comes from
the same creative team that wowed audiences with The Return of Ulysses in 2018; and Rough Magic bring their
special alchemy to the Parklands of Kilkenny Castle for a new production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest directed
Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh or the Church of Canice) offers the visitor one of Ireland’s most memorable architectural ensembles, as a vibrant by Lynne Parker. Eszter Némethi’s Speak Like No One in Particular will challenge audiences to explore the ways
living city still laid out along its ‘medieval mile’ from the castle to the cathedral. Its history stretches back 1,500 years to the arrival of in which we ‘other’ each other, and in Callan we get a peek at the development of The Local, a major new site-
Canice and his fellow monks to found a new monastic settlement on the hill where St Canice’s Cathedral still stands. Few festivals in sensitive play from Asylum Productions, coming in 2023.
the world can boast such atmospheric ancient spaces, echoing their history but ideal for performance and embracing the visitors and
audiences of today. Following their groundbreaking production of Strauss’ Elektra last summer, Irish National Opera return to
Kilkenny to premiere a virtual reality opera, Out of the Ordinary, directed by Jo Mangan; and Luke Murphy/Attic
Projects see the River Nore become the stage for their new work, Slow Tide. Always a hit with Kilkenny audiences,
St Canice’s Cathedral, 13th century Kilkenny Castle, 12th century thrilling aerialists Loosysmokes bring their new show In Rhythms to an atmospheric warehouse in Callan. With
However special our musicians may be, there’s always an This imposing stronghold of the Ormondes and Chief Butlers Butler Gallery we present a set of intriguing retrospective multimedia works from Kevin Atherton, and the Festival
extra shiver down the spine when you hear their music of Ireland provides the Festival with a stunning space Gallery hosts an exhibition by the young artist Stephen Doyle whose work explores queer identity.
reverberate in the magnificent acoustics of the second for talks and conversation in the lofty Parade Tower. Its
Masha Gessen – who has written extensively on Russia, autocracy, LGBTQ+ rights, Vladimir Putin and Donald
longest cathedral nave in Ireland with its glorious timbered magnificent demesne, the Castle Parklands, is an oasis of
Trump, amongst others – delivers the 2022 Hubert Butler Lecture, and the Hubert Butler Essay Prize is presented
ceiling. St Canice’s has been at the heart of the Festival since calm for locals and visitors alike in the heart of the medieval
mid-festival amidst an exciting line-up of talks and readings at the Parade Tower.
our first edition in 1974. city, and also the location for many of our free performances
for all ages. From the castle to the cathedral, Cleere’s Theatre to Callan, the Marble City is the place to be this August.
St Kieran’s College, 19th century See you there!
Established in 1782, St Kieran’s College was the first Catholic St John’s Priory, 13th century
college in Ireland founded after Grattan’s Parliament had To step off busy John Street and into the intimate calm of Olga Barry
relaxed the penal laws. The magnificent neo-Gothic building the Priory (called ‘The Lantern of Ireland’ for its famous Festival Director
was completed in 1836 and its quad provides the perfect stained glass before Cromwell arrived!) creates the perfect
space for outdoor performances. atmosphere to discover music, whether much loved or never
heard before. Festival Team Patron
The Black Abbey, 13th century Festival Director Acting Festival Administrator/ Box Office Manager Publicity Michael D Higgins
Olga Barry Friends Manager Lilian Burke O’Doherty President of Ireland
Founded in the 1220s by a group of Dominican friars, the Rothe House, 16th century Céline Reilly Communications
Black Abbey takes its name from the black ‘cappa’ that friars The last remaining example in Ireland of a renaissance Festival Producer Development Officer
wore over their white habits in the middle ages. Converted to merchant’s townhouse is one of Kilkenny’s ‘must sees’. Marjie Kaley Marketing & Grace Kearney Graphic Design Board of Directors
Development Manager Íde Deloughry Emer Foley (Chair), Michael O’Toole,
a courthouse by James I, it was restored and reopened in the During the Festival it buzzes with energy, and this year Festival Administrator Digital Marketing and
PHOTO JOHN F KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY
#IrelandsAncientEast
COVER IMAGE: THE TEMPEST, ROS KAVANAGH
BACK COVER: IRISH NATIONAL OPERA, OUT OF THE ORDINARY
02 03
For 49 years our funders and partners have played an invaluable role in helping Kilkenny Arts Festival to flourish.
We greatly appreciate their continuing support!
Check Out Our Friends!
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Help make Kilkenny Arts Festival one of Europe’s finest artistic For more information you can call the Festival Office on
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of Friend options and benefits available, from complimentary at kilkennyarts.ie/support
tickets and discounts to Festival Club membership and special
events. Friends membership starts at just €150.
PUBLIC FUNDERS
Kilkenny County Council
Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh
SPECIAL
DEALS
FOR THIS
EVENT
See kilkennyarts.ie
PREMIERE
ROUGH MAGIC AND KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL Following acclaimed productions of A Midsummer Night’s Creative Team
IN ASSOCIATION WITH OPW Dream and Much Ado About Nothing, Rough Magic returns Director Lynne Parker
to Kilkenny with this fresh new take on Shakespeare’s lyrical Designer Alan Farquharson
WED THU FRI SAT MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13
8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM 8PM
PREMIERE
OPERA COLLECTIVE IRELAND & KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL
Handel
Semele
with Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
in partnership with Sestina
Artistic Team Four years ago Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses took the Festival by
Director Patrick Mason storm and this year we’re thrilled to welcome its creative team back to
Set/LX Designer Paul Keogan Kilkenny for an unmissable production of Handel’s Semele.
Conductor Christian Curnyn
Costume Designer Catherine Fay Tony award-winning director Patrick Mason, leading conductor
Head of Music Andrew Griffiths Christian Curnyn and world-renowned baroque ensemble Akademie für
Alte Musik Berlin join an exciting cast of young Irish singers, and the
Sestina Director Mark Chambers
dynamic choral ensemble Sestina, to present this tale of adultery and
revenge amongst the gods. With its mix of tragedy and comedy, lyrical
Cast arias and dramatic choruses, Semele is one of the richest and most
Semele Kelli-Ann Masterson compelling of all Handel’s operas, and this unique staging is one of the
Iris Jade Phoenix highlights of this year’s Festival.
Jupiter/Apollo Andrew Gavin
Juno/Ino Dominica Williams Duration 2 hrs 35 minutes approx. (including interval)
Athmas Gerben Van der Werf
Somnus/Cadmus Edward Hawkins
Chorus
Sestina
PHOTO MARSHALL LIGHT STUDIO
LOOSYSMOKES
In Rhythms
Slow Tide
Michelle Thoburn, Emily Kilkenny Roddy, 2018 with an astonishing new piece.
Dean Kavanagh, Angelique Ross
and Anja Mahler In Rhythms is both an explosive acrobatic
with support from spectacle and an expanded cinematic Performed by
Aoife Courtney and Millie Egan. dreamscape exploring the human mind, Hannah Rogerson & Diarmuid Armstrong
where our feral past meets our neon-muddled
Development supported by the present. Prepare to lose your grip on reality Alone while surrounded, confined in open air, two castaway figures explore a sea of
Gate Theatre artist-in-residency and enter a warped time and space where contradictions in Slow Tide. Stepping away from the controlled world of the theatre, Luke
programme, Circus Factory, Cork, gravity’s pull is forgotten. Murphy invites audiences to step into the open as two performers brave the world around
Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre them on the River Nore at the Abbey Quarter. A meditation on emerging, falling and
and Island Connect. Duration 50 mins approx. floating, creating an otherworldly physical poem around themes of time, place, isolation
and perseverance.
FRI SAT SUN WED THU FRI SAT TUE WED THU FRI
THE WAREHOUSE, CALLAN
5 6 7 10 11 12 13 9 10 11 12
12
Schubert’s exquisite lieder of love, death and despair. ADMISSION
WED ST CANICE’S CATHEDRAL ZONE A €35/€33
Duration 80 mins approx. (without interval)
10 ADMISSION 8PM ZONE B €30/€28
ZONE A €35/€33
7.30PM ZONE B €30/€28
12 MUSIC MUSIC 13
LUNCHTIME SPECIAL
PROGRAMME I, SATURDAY 6 AUGUST
String Quartet no. 1
String Quartet no. 2
MUSIC DEALS
FOR THIS
EVENT
Duration 65 mins approx. (without interval)
SERIES
See kilkennyarts.ie
PROGRAMME II, SUNDAY 7 AUGUST
String Quartet no. 3
String Quartet no. 4
Duration 65 mins approx. (without interval)
Carducci String Quartet PROGRAMME III, MONDAY 8 AUGUST
Shostakovich String Quartet no. 5
String Quartet no. 6
String Quartet Cycle Duration 60 mins approx. (without interval)
Since forming in 1997, the Carducci Quartet has Composed between 1938 and 1974, Shostakovich’s 15 string quartets PROGRAMME IV, TUESDAY 9 AUGUST
established itself as one of the world’s most constitute one of the great cycles in the medium. Forced for much of his String Quartet no. 7
String Quartet no. 8
accomplished string quartets, performing an career to celebrate the glories of the Soviet Union, Shostakovich used string
String Quartet no. 9
astonishing diverse repertoire, from Haydn to quartets to explore his most intimate ideas, and they overflow with melody, Duration 75 mins approx. (without interval)
leading contemporary composers, and garnering passion and boundless creativity.
countless awards. In this mouthwatering series PROGRAMME V, WEDNESDAY 10 AUGUST
of concerts they perform the complete cycle of The Carducci Quartet won a Royal Philharmonic Society Award in 2016 for String Quartet no.10
Shostakovich string quartets. their performances of the cycle, and we’re excited to welcome them to String Quartet no. 11
Kilkenny to present these great works in full. String Quartet no.12
Duration 70 mins approx. (without interval)
the Carducci players displayed a deep
and almost familial sense of unity in SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU PROGRAMME VI, THURSDAY 11 AUGUST
ST JOHN’S PRIORY String Quartet no. 13
Laoise O’Brien
everything they played… full of life and
vitality...extravagantly beautiful 6 7 8 9 10 11
1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM 1PM
ADMISSION €20/€18
FOR EACH CONCERT
String Quartet no. 14
String Quartet no. 15
The Washington Post Duration 90 mins approx. (including short interval)
For the Record
Professional recorder player Laoise O’Brien has spent 20 years championing
an instrument often unfairly perceived as an instrument of torture. The
particular sonority of small plastic recorders has left an unfortunate legacy
for an instrument once known as the ‘sweet flute’.
SPECIAL
DEALS
Malcolm Proud PROGRAMME I, FRIDAY 12 AUGUST
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Preludes and Fugues nos 1-12,
BWV 846-857
Join Laoise as she embarks on a journey to tell the story of the recorder and
FOR THIS
EVENT
See kilkennyarts.ie
JS Bach Duration 60 mins approx. (without interval)
its development through the ages. Part historical account, part personal The Well-Tempered Clavier, PROGRAMME II, SATURDAY 13 AUGUST
voyage, For the Record introduces the sizes and styles of recorder, the vast
repertoire spanning nine centuries, and explores the many different uses Book I The Well-Tempered Clavier, Preludes and Fugues nos 13-24,
BWV 858-869
to which the instrument was put, from dances on the village green to music Duration 60 mins approx. (without interval)
composed by kings.
It was an idea only Bach could have conceived: to compose a collection of
This interactive performance includes audio and visual elements, delivered preludes and fugues for keyboard, circling through all 24 major and minor keys
in Laoise’s inimitable style and suitable for all ages. in turn. He envisioned the book as a teaching aid ‘for the use and profit of the
musical youth’, but since then it has become one of the most influential works in
Duration 60 mins approx. (without interval) the history of Western classical music. For this year’s Festival, world-renowned
something of a musical visionary organist and Festival stalwart Malcolm Proud performs these masterworks over
FRI SAT ST JOHN’S PRIORY
The Irish Times two unmissable concerts in St John’s.
WED 12 13 ADMISSION €20/€18
FOR EACH CONCERT Malcolm Proud discusses Bach’s masterpiece in St John’s
10 PARADE TOWER 1PM 1PM
on Friday 12 August at 3pm. See page 32 for details.
ADMISSION €14/€12
5PM
16 MUSIC MUSIC 17
Best known for his romantic symphonies and ballets, Tchaikovsky was not devoutly religious, but he had a
The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin is one of the world’s leading chamber PROGRAMME deep interest in the music of the Russian Orthodox Church and brought all his emotional frankness and talent
orchestras, celebrated for its authentic performances of baroque and Thomas Arne for expressiveness to sacred text, producing some of his most personal and moving music in his setting of the
classical music. In 2018 the orchestra’s programme Monteverdi’s Italy: Overture from The Judgment of Paris Liturgy of St John Chrysostom.
the Rise of Instrumental Music was among the highlights of the Festival, George Frideric Handel
and we’re thrilled to welcome them back this year for An Evening with Suite from the opera Ariodante, HWV 33 ‘As you can see, I am still bound to the Church by strong ties,’ he wrote, ‘but on the other hand I have long ceased
Handel and Friends, another unique programme exploring the vibrant George Frideric Handel to believe in the dogma … this constant inner struggle would be enough to drive me out of my mind were it not
musical scene in 18th-century London. Concerto Grosso in B-flat major, op. 3, no. 2, HWV 313 for music, that great comforter, the most exquisite gift Heaven has bestowed on a mankind living in darkness.’
William Hayes
Concerto for Strings & Basso continuo
Nowhere else in Europe did concert life flourish in the 18th century as George Frideric Handel With this work Tchaikovsky led the way in dismantling the Imperial Chapel’s censorship over the creation of
it did in London. Concerti grossi, the latest fashion from Italy, thrilled Concerto Grosso in G major, op. 3, no. 3, HWV 314 sacred music in Russia, with far-reaching implications for a generation of composers including Arkhangelsky,
audiences, and while Handel was quick to embrace the new taste, William Boyce Chesnokov, Gretchaninov, Ippolitov-Ivanov, and Rachmaninov, who would emulate not just the subject matter but
writing wonderful concerti and bringing Italian opera to the stage, Symphony in C major, op. 2, no. 3 his style and structure too.
his contemporaries like Thomas Arne and William Hayes made equally Francesco Geminiani
masterful use of the new forms. Concerto Grosso in D minor, no. 12, ‘La Follia’ (after Corelli) Duration 60 mins approx. (without interval)
Duration 80 mins approx. Debris is an astonishing debut, not just for the
power of the songs, but for the journey they trace
FRI Uncut
Duration 70 mins approx. O’Hagan has never been less than busy. After forming Duration 70 mins
approx. FRI
Microdisney with the late Cathal Coughlan in the early 1980s, CLEERE’S THEATRE
the singer, songwriter, muti-instrumentalist and arranger
founded High Llamas, releasing a string of acclaimed albums
12
8.30PM
ADMISSION €20
STANDING
Dave Maija Sofia while playing keyboards for Stereolab and collaborating with
other leading musicians like Super Furry Animals and Paul
Holland In 2019 Maija Sofia’s debut LP Bath Time announced Weller. In 2019 his second solo album Radum Calls, Radum
Wicked Little the arrival of a supremely talented songwriter whose Calls drew all of O’Hagan’s disparate influences together,
deft lyricism and storytelling prowess set her apart. conjuring a delightful fantasy world filled with easy West
Atoms at the Coast sounds, quirky string arrangements and digital bleeps.
Infused with an atmosphere of nocturnal intimacy,
Edge of an Echo these timeless songs juxtaposed stories of real women For this gig in the Set, O’Hagan is joined by singer-songwriter
PREMIERE – from Bridget Cleary to Edie Sedgwick – with tales of Eileen Gogan, another recent collaborator and ‘one of
blossoming romance and sexual violence. Bath Time Ireland’s most underrated artists’ (The Irish Times).
Commissioned
garnered widespread praise and a nomination for Album
by Kilkenny of the Year at the Choice Music Awards. Sofia’s sound is
Duration 70 mins approx.
THU SET THEATRE
Arts Festival constantly evolving, invoking comparisons with Cate Le
11 ADMISSION €25 a thoughtful guy, who won’t press you into
Cormac McCarthy,
Ye Vagabonds Brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac Gloinn have
been a staple of the live music scene in Ireland Nell Ní Chróinín,
for a decade, forging a distinctive blend of Irish
traditional music, Appalachian singing and the
1960s folk revival, all wrapped in rich harmonies.
Aoife Ní Bhriain
But it was their second album, The Hare’s Lament,
that catapulted them to fame, sweeping the
& Kate Ellis
boards at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. Since then Kilkenny audiences have long been wowed by fiddle player Aoife Ní
they’ve gone from strength to strength, earning Bhriain, cellist Kate Ellis and singer Nell Ní Chronín, three musicians
rave reviews for their new album, Nine Waves, and who defy categorisation and who seem to grow with every
playing sold-out shows all over Europe, and we’re performance. For this eagerly awaited concert they join another
delighted to welcome them to Kilkenny for this musical chameleon – pianist and composer Cormac McCarthy – for
much-anticipated gig, backed by an all-star band an evening of music specially composed and arranged for them by
featuring Kate Ellis (cello), Caimin Gilmore (double McCarthy himself. At the heart of this concert is Macalla an Amhráin
bass) and Alain McFadden (harmonium). (‘echo of song’), a long-form piece that weaves instrumental music
and four sean nós melodies together into a breathtaking new work.
Duration 80 mins approx.
Duration 70 mins approx. Macalla an Amhráin was originally
commissioned by Islander for Quiet Lights 2021.
SUN
9 ST CANICE’S CATHEDRAL
ADMISSION €20/€18
7.30PM
MON
SET THEATRE
the Marble City Sessions to an exhilarating close.
13
8PM
ADMISSION
ZONE A €35/€33
ZONE B €30/€28
8
Duration 1 hr 40 mins approx. (including interval)
ADMISSION €25
8PM SEATED
24 MUSIC MUSIC 25
PREMIERE
A Strange Beauty
venturers in the post-punk slipstream, weaving folk, improv, art pop and contemporary
The Music of Linda Buckley
classical into new material that is soft on the ear but tough as leather with Crash Ensemble, Liam Byrne & Fiona Kelleher
The Irish Times
PERFORMANCE
PREMIERE
In this eagerly anticipated collaboration, specially commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival, Musicians
poet in residence Theo Dorgan joins forces with composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire for a Colm Mac Con Iomaire violin
thrilling new work that transforms the story of how poetry in Ireland began. Dorgan’s Catherine Fitzgerald piano/keys
poem, Ériu and Amergín, explores the mythical encounter between Amergín Glúingel, a bard Alannah Thornborough harp
who took part in the Milesian conquest of Ireland, and Ériu, a Tuatha Dé Danann princess. Lorcan Byrne drums
Dorgan’s words, written in English and Irish and spoken by actors Aaron Monaghan and Ian Doyle guitar
Bríd Ní Neachtain, are set to an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, performed live by Colm Quearney guitar/bouzouki
SAT TUE FRI SUN WED SAT
the composer himself and a six-piece ensemble. Filled with contemporary resonances, Ériu Fionn Ó hAlmhain uilleann pipes
and Amergín is a lyrical exploration of identity, heritage and migration, and the ambiguous 6 9 12 KILKENNY CASTLE ROSE GARDEN
ADMISSION FREE 7 10 13 BUTLER GALLERY
ADMISSION FREE
encounter between the foreign and the native. THU FRI 4PM 4PM 4PM 3PM 3PM 3PM
This project received a commission award from the Arts Council of Ireland.
Duration 60 mins approx.
11 12
7PM 7PM
WATERGATE THEATRE
ADMISSION €25/€22
Hosted by renowned actor Stephen Rea, and featuring leading poets Emily Cullen and Gabriel
MON
Rosenstock, together with acclaimed Irish traditional musicians Louise Mulcahy, Michelle
Mulcahy and Neil Martin, Saíocht explores the fascinating artistic relationship between the
Irish literary tradition and Irish traditional music. Works by Kilkenny poets Emily Murtagh
8
8PM
ST JOHN’S PRIORY
ADMISSION €20
and Robert McLoughlin will also be performed during the show by Stephen Rea.
Full proceeds from tickets will go to Kilkenny Civil Defence Ukraine Appeal. MON THU SUN MOUNT JULIET
Duration 60 mins approx. Kilkenny County Council
Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh 4PM
8 4PM
11 HERITAGE COUNCIL GARDEN
ADMISSION FREE 14 ADMISSION FREE
SPECIAL EXTENDED SGM
3PM
28 SPOKEN WORD/ LITERATURE & TALKS 29
THEATRE
ASYLUM PRODUCTIONS IN ASSOCIATION There’s 50p on the pool table, Sinead is ripping up the Pope, Feile’s going
WITH ONCE OFF PRODUCTIONS SUN The Hubert Butler Annual Lecture was established by the
AND KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL
to get messy and Ireland is on the brink of cataclysmic social change…
Set in August 1992 and co-written by Medb Lambert, Clare Monnelly and
7 ST CANICE’S CATHEDRAL
ADMISSION €17/€15
Festival in 2007 to honour the Kilkenny writer, historian and
broadcaster whose remarkable consistency of vision and clarity
The Local Emma O’Grady, The Local is an exploration of the pub in Irish culture.
5PM
of mind made him unique among 20th-century essayists.
By Medb Lambert, Clare Monnelly Asylum Productions continue to develop their unique style with this
immersive site-sensitive project, bringing local actors, community groups
& Emma O’Grady and professional performers and artists together.
KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL IN ASSOCIATION WITH HEART PRESENTS
This work-in-progress offers a glimpse of what’s in store for audiences
when the full production hits an empty pub near you in 2023. The Hubert Butler Essay Prize 2022
Duration 50 mins approx. Organised by HEART London, the Hubert Butler Essay Prize
encourages the art of essay-writing across Europe. This year,
the Festival is delighted to be able to host the prize-giving
FRI THE STEPPES BAR, CALLAN SAT CLEERE’S THEATRE, KILKENNY ceremony in person for the first time. Join us in the Parade TUE PARADE TOWER
12
5PM
ADMISSION
FREE BUT TICKETED
13 ADMISSION
12PM FREE BUT TICKETED
Tower to discover the winners of this year’s competition,
who responded to the question: ‘In dark times, what can be 9
5PM
ADMISSION
FREE BUT TICKETED
done to resist the abuse of political power?’
30 POETRY LITERATURE & TALKS 31
Critical Voices
Theo Dorgan To mark its seventieth year, the Arts Council has commissioned Critical Voices 2022, a collection
of essays reflecting on the Arts Council’s history, the value of the arts, and the impact of 70
Poet in Residence years of public investment. This special bilingual event, produced in collaboration with Kilkenny
Arts Festival, brings together three of the essayists – visual artist Rita Duffy, poet Ailbhe Ní
Introduced by Liz Kelly Ghearbhuigh and artist and activist Sandy Fitzgerald – to read from and discuss their work,
offering their unique perspectives on the role of the arts in Ireland’s past, present and future.
Theo Dorgan is one of Ireland’s most accomplished poets. Over Topics for discussion include the relationship between various governments and the arts since
the course of a glittering career he has won numerous awards – the 1950s; arts and culture as common languages across the world; diversity and the role played
including the Listowel Prize, The O’Shaughnessy Award for Irish by the arts in celebrating contemporary Ireland; creativity as a positive force in the world;
Poetry and the Irish Times/Poetry Now Award – and translated ról agus tiomantas na Comhairle Ealaíon don Ghaeilge a mheasiú agus an ról is féidir leis na
the work of other poets, including Federico García Lorca. His healaíona a imirt chun forbairt na Ghaeilge mar theanga bheo labhartha a chinntiú.
Jason and the Argonauts was set to music by Howard Goodall as
a commission for the Royal Albert Hall, while Amergín and the Duration 60 mins approx.
Tuath Princess, his latest collaboration with musician Colm Mac SAT PARADE TOWER
Con Iomaire, has its premiere at this year’s Festival (see page
26). Also a novelist, prose writer, documentary screenwriter, 6
3PM
ADMISSION
FREE BUT TICKETED
broadcaster, editor and librettist, Dorgan’s list of achievements
is impressively diverse, and we’re delighted to welcome him to
Kilkenny to read from and reflect on his work.
VISUAL ART
Malcolm Proud Conjuring Form
Marcus de la Poer Beresford
Following the first of his two lunchtime recitals
Sir Denis Pack & the War Against Napoleon exploring Book I of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier
‘When the potter throws a lump of clay, when the silversmith hammers a sheet of silver, when
the basket maker and weaver prepare reeds and threads, they are conjuring forms from their
Denis Pack (whose father was (see page 15), Malcolm Proud returns to St John’s to mind and slowly allowing them to grow in their hands until the moment they come into being. The
the Dean of Ossory at St Canice’s talk about Bach’s seminal work and his approach to ultimate skill of the craftsman is knowing when the form has been reached. Knowing when to stop,
Cathedral) joined the British army performing the monumental cycle. Illustrating his talk when the work is done. The challenge for the maker is this marriage of mind and hand. Mastering
at 16 and was court-martialled with the instrument to hand, Proud offers a fascinating a craft means learning the steps, developing and refining the technique and then subverting it to
within two years. Despite this glimpse of the way in which one ‘musical visionary’ create something unique. To know the rules in order to break them.’ Alice Stori Liechtenstein
inauspicious beginning, Pack might approach the work of another.
Conjuring Form is an exhibition of work by makers in Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s PORTFOLIO
went on to become one of Duration 60 mins approx. Critical Selection programme 2021/22. The makers in PORTFOLIO have reached their high standard
Britain’s most decorated officers,
of practice through years of refinement. All of the designer makers in this exhibition typify the
leading a brigade at Waterloo
best in contemporary Irish practice, with deep understanding of their chosen materials and
and seeing action on three
techniques, and mastery to conjure form. Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s PORTFOLIO Critical
continents. Marcus de la Poer
Selection is a biennial publication and exhibition of leading Irish contemporary design and craft,
Beresford, whose meticulously
with makers selected for achieving excellence by comparative international standards.
researched biography of this
neglected figure, Peninsular and Conjuring Form is curated by Alice Stori Liechtenstein.
Waterloo General, was published
WED FRI
to great acclaim this year,
10 PARADE TOWER
ADMISSION €14/€12 explores Peck’s remarkable story. 12 ST JOHN’S PRIORY
ADMISSION €12/€10
OPENING
SAT NATIONAL DESIGN & CRAFT GALLERY, CASTLE YARD
11AM
Duration 60 mins approx. 3PM 6 MON-SAT 10AM-5.30PM, SUN 11AM-5.30PM
34 VISUAL ART VISUAL ART 35
BUTLER GALLERY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL
The Butler Gallery, in partnership with Kilkenny Arts Festival, is pleased to present Kevin Atherton: The Return. Atherton
is an artist who works with performance and new media in sculptural contexts. His is a time-based practice with an
ongoing interest in the relationship between the real and the imagined.
This exhibition consists of three video installations, along with additional object-based work, all of which involve
revisiting an older, pre-existing work. In recent years Atherton has become known for this aspect of his practice where he
‘re-enters’ his previous works and, through his interventions, adds to or alters their meaning. In this exhibition the gap
between the ‘first work’ and the ‘second work’ will vary from 43 years – as in the video/film projection Boxing Re-Match
(1972-2015) – to a few minutes, as in the 3D print Signature Piece (2018). In addition, a continuous 60-minute programme
of short film/video works spanning a 50-year period will be screened in the Digital Gallery. These works tackle issues
such as identity and use humour to question the notion of the artist’s documentary whilst simultaneously challenging
television codes and practices.
Since the 1980s Atherton has created many large-scale public sculptural commissions. Well known as an art educator,
he taught at National College of Art and Design (NCAD) from 2000 to 2014 where he influenced a generation of young
artists. As a previous resident of Inistioge he is very happy to be returning to Kilkenny.
Kevin Atherton will be in conversation with artist Sonia Shiel in the Parade Tower on Sunday 7 August at 3pm.
See page 31 for details.
Wingform
Crash Ensemble commissioned video artist and filmmaker Jack Phelan to create an
installation responding to Irish composer Barry O’Halpin’s Wingform – a groundbreaking
four-movement work for solo guitar and ensemble.
Barry O’Halpin Using a simple set of shapes, materials and layout, the installation evokes the essence
& Jack Phelan of the ensemble. Empty chairs highlight the absence of the musicians but offer the
audience an opportunity to sit and experience the work. Wooden light-boxes, video
panels and speakers form the ‘instruments’, while the video artwork – made specifically
An installation of music for Wingform and inspired by the composer’s themes – evolves as the piece progresses.
and light commissioned by
Continous loop (each cycle approx. 60 mins)
Crash Ensemble
Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle is a Cork-based artist working from Backwater Studios. The artist
is exploring issues of queer identity through the relationship between figuration
and the politics of representation. Doyle makes figurative depictions of LGBTQIA+
Matriarch Kilkenny Arts Office presents Matriarch, a celebration of older female artists in sites
of historic prominence and power in Kilkenny. To book go to kilkennyartsoffice.ie
Curated by Sinéad Keogh
Self Identity: people, and often includes objects in the paintings, a gesture of ‘othering’ the art
that mirrors the subject matter it investigates.
Artists
Na Cailleacha (Catherine Marshall, Helen Comerford, Therry Rudin, Patricia Hurl,
An Exploration For Kilkenny Arts Festival, Doyle will be exhibiting a carefully curated selection of
Gerda Teljuer, Barbara Freeman, Carole Nelson and Rachel Parry), Pauline Cummins,
Sara R Phillips and Lorna Corrigan
work which will showcase the artist’s investigations over the course of their career.
Some topics within the show examine ‘The hyper-masculine and its relevance in Sara R Phillips Na Cailleacha Lorna Corrigan Pauline Cummins
contemporary culture’, ‘Gender expression in portraiture outside of binary terms’, quiescent Spellbound Artwork Clonmel Bare Bones
and ‘Drag Culture’, to name a few. Given these artworks have not been presented 4 AUGUST 3PM-4PM 5 AUGUST 1PM-2PM
Billboard 11 AUGUST 6-7PM
together in one space, it will allow for a greater insight into the beginnings of the ALICE KYTELER’S INN ROTHE HOUSE 4-17 AUGUST MEDIEVAL ROOM,
artist and their trajectory into contemporary art in Ireland. COLLEGE ROAD, KILKENNY CASTLE
A reading of Sara’s A magical talk with JUNCTION OF
works exploring this powerhouse CIRCULAR ROAD
A fine art
Doyle is the recipient of multiple national and international art prizes. They have performance
the similarities collective.
been granted the Visual Art Bursary Award (2020) by the Arts Council of Ireland, A billboard of dealing with
between Alice
OPENING
added to the National Collection of Ireland (2021), included in the Art History syllabus Corrigan’s work Irish society’s
Kyteler, witchcraft,
SAT KAF GALLERY for the Leaving Cert and added to the peer panel for the Arts Council of Ireland. Clonmel. hidden past.
infamy, rebellion
6 ST KIERAN’S COLLEGE, VIA NEW ST
SUN 7-SUN 14 AUGUST 10.30AM-5.30PM Stephen Doyle will discuss his work in the Parade Tower
Kilkenny County Council
Comhairle Chontae Chill Chainnigh and trans women.
2PM-5PM
on Sunday 7 August at 12pm. See page 31 for details.
featuring
Viviane Hagner
Alina Ibragimova
Jonian Kadesha
Mairéad Hickey
Lilit Grigorian
Claudio Bohorquez
Vashti Hunter
Cédric Tiberghien
Nicholas Rimmer
Deirdre Brenner
Quatuor Ardeo
RTÉ supports more than WEST CORK Albion Quartet
To secure your €10 ticket, log in to your Festival account FOLLOW US SPECIAL TICKET DEALS
or create a new account, add your date of birth, and the #KAF22 For details go to kilkennyarts.ie
special €10 price will automatically be applied to your
ticket order. Please note that ID may be checked at the
door. If all €10 tickets for an event have already been
sold, the discount will not apply.
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Kilkenny Arts Festival 2022 Schedule 45
Thursday 4 Friday 5 Saturday 6 Sunday 7 Monday 8 Tuesday 9 Wednesday 10 Thursday 11 Friday 12 Saturday 13 Sunday 14
St Canice’s Bell X1 & Dowry Strings ICO/Shostakovich, Gribbin Hubert Butler Lecture: MCS: Cormac McCarthy, Roisín ReImagined: ICO & ICO - Mozart/Ailish Tynan Anne Sofie von Otter & MCS: Martin Hayes & the
Cathedral 8pm, p.19 5pm, p.12 Masha Gessen Nell Ní Chróinín, Kate Ellis Mureann Nic Amhlaoibh 8 7.30pm, p.13 Brooklyn Rider Common Ground Ensemble
AKAMUS: An Evening with 5pm,
p.29 & Aoife Ní Bhriain 7.30pm, p.10 8pm, p.11 8pm, p.23
Handel & Friends IBO & Tara Erraught 7.30pm, p.23
8.30pm, p.16 8pm, p.12
Kilkenny Castle The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest The Tempest
Parklands Previews 3rd & 4th, 8pm, p.04 Opening night, 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04 8pm, p.04
Black Abbey Johnny Gandelsman Chamber Choir Ireland
9pm, p.18 9.30pm, p.17
St John’s Priory Carducci String Quartet: Carducci String Quartet: Carducci String Quartet: Carducci String Quartet: Carducci String Quartet: Carducci String Quartet: Malcolm Proud: Malcolm Proud:
Complete Shostakovich I Complete Shostakovich II Complete Shostakovich III Complete Shostakovich IV Complete Shostakovich V Complete Shostakovich VI Well-Tempered Clavier I Well-Tempered Clavier II
1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15 1pm, p.15
Saíocht Malcolm Proud
8pm, p.26 3pm, p.32
Watergate Semele Semele Semele Ériu and Amergín Ériu and Amergín
Theatre 7pm, p.06 7pm, p.06 3pm, p.06 7pm, p.26 7pm, p.26
Set Theatre MCS: Ye Vagabonds Maya Youssef Rollercoaster: Rollercoaster: TOUCAN A Strange Beauty
8pm, p.22 8pm, p.22 Keeley Forsyth Seán O’Hagan 10pm, p.24 8pm, p.25
9.30pm, p.19 9.30pm, p.21
Parade Tower Critical Voices Stephen Doyle Martin Hayes in conversation Music in the World that Marcus de la Poer Beresford Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet Theo Dorgan Paula Meehan Paula Meehan
3pm, p.31 in conversation with Brían Mac Gloinn Stalin Built 11am, p.32 4pm, p.30 4pm, p.30 with David Power with David Power
12pm, p.31 3pm, p.32 11am, p.32 Laoise O’Brien 5pm, p.33 2pm, p.33
Hubert Butler Essay Prize 5pm, p.14
Kevin Atherton in
5pm, p.29
conversation with Sonia Sheil
3pm, p.31
The Warehouse, In Rhythms In Rhythms In Rhythms In Rhythms In Rhythms In Rhythms In Rhythms
Callan 8pm, p.08 7pm & 9pm, p.08 8pm, p.08 8pm, p.08 8pm, p.08 7pm & 9pm, p.08 7pm & 9pm, p.08
Cleere’s Theatre Clang Sayne Rollercoaster: Rollercoaster: Dave Holland Rollercoaster: Dave Holland Rollercoaster: Maija Sofia Rollercoaster: Howe Gelb The Local
9.30pm, p.24 Myles O’Reilly Installation: 5pm-9.30pm Installation: 5pm-9.30pm 8pm, p.20 8.30pm, p.21 12pm, p.28
9.30pm, p.20 Installation & Performance: Installation & Performance:
Rollercoaster: Bas Jan
10pm-10.45pm, p.20 10pm-10.45pm, p.20
9.30pm, p.21
Butler Gallery (incl. Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton: The Return Kevin Atherton:
Digital Gallery) 10am-5pm, Opening 5pm, p.34 11am-5pm, p.34 10am-5pm, p.34 10am-5pm, p.34 10am-8pm, p.34 10am-5pm, p.34 10am-5pm, p.34 The Return 11am-5pm, p.34
The Learning Centre Crash Ensemble: Wingform Crash Ensemble: Wingform Crash Ensemble: Wingform Crash Ensemble: Wingform Crash Ensemble: Wingform Crash Ensemble:
@ Butler Gallery 10am-5pm, p.37 10am-5pm, p.37 10am-8pm, p.37 10am-5pm, p.37 10am-5pm, p.37 Wingform 11am-5pm, p.37
Festival Gallery @ Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle Stephen Doyle
St Kieran’s College Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity: An Exploration Self Identity:
2pm-5.30pm, 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36 An Exploration
Opening 2pm, p.36 10.30am-5.30pm, p.36
Study Hall @ Speak Like No One in Speak Like No One in Speak Like No One in Speak Like No One in
St Kieran’s College Particular 8pm, p.28 Particular 8pm, p.28 Particular 8pm, p.28 Particular 4pm & 8pm, p.28
Location to be Out of the Ordinary Out of the Ordinary Out of the Ordinary Out of the Ordinary Out of the Ordinary Out of the Ordinary
announced 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 4pm,
5pm, 6pm, p.18 5pm, 6pm, p.18 5pm, 6pm, p.18 5pm, 6pm, p.18 5pm, 6pm, p.18 5pm, 6pm, p.18
National Design Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form Conjuring Form
& Craft Gallery 10am-5.30pm, p.33 11am-5.30pm, p.33 10am-5.30pm, p.33 10am-5.30pm, p.33 10am-5.30pm, p.33 10am-5.30pm, p.33 10am-5.30pm, p.33 10am-5.30pm, p.33 11am-5.30pm, p.33
The River Nore, Slow Tide Slow Tide Slow Tide Slow Tide
Abbey Quarter 2.30pm & 4pm, p.09 2.30pm & 4pm, p.09 2.30pm & 4pm, p.09 2.30pm & 4pm, p.09
Street & Gardens Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music Secret Garden Music
Gazebo, Butler House Garden Butler Gallery Stone Circle, Butler House Gazebo, Butler House Garden Butler Gallery Stone Circle, Butler House Gazebo, Butler House Garden Butler Gallery Mount Juliet
3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27 3pm, p.27
Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden Rothe House Garden Heritage Council Garden Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden Rothe House Garden Heritage Council Garden Kilkenny Castle Rose Garden Rothe House Garden
4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27 4pm, p.27
THEATRE & DANCE MUSIC & OPERA MUSIC: MARBLE CITY SESSIONS LITERATURE & SPOKEN WORD VISUAL ART & DESIGN SECRET GARDEN MUSIC See p.37 for details of sites where to see Kilkenny Arts Office’s Matriarch The Local The Steppes Bar, Callan Fri 12 August at 5pm, p.28
04-14 August 2022
kilkennyarts.ie