Stage shows, arty films and tunes to relish at Mayo arts centre
THERE is a hearty suite of entertainment offerings in store at the Linenhall in Castlebar this February.
In 2024 two comedians-turned-real-life-friends decided to go to the largest performing arts festival in the world with a comedy show about their vastly different lived experiences with religion. As a result, theatrical comedy show 50 Ways Jesus (Almost) Ruined My Life debuted at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
A hilarious yet poignant show, Sharon VS traces the root of all her mid-life crises to divine self radicalisation in her teens and Mari Volar questions if God is really a bad guy or just made-up.
Mayo audiences can decide whether to believe or not to believe on Thursday, February 12.
LISDOON NIRVANA
Lisdoon Nirvana is written and performed by Frankie McCafferty. A monologue with live music on Friday, February 20, it follows Macker, who is 17 and heading off on the biggest adventure of his young life - a trip to the Irish Glastonbury, Lisdoonvarna.
Directed by Charlie Bonner, the show is based on the last music festival at Lisdoonvarna in July 1983, as Macker and his friends make the Odyssean trip from Donegal to Clare.
Travelling on the pillion of his friend’s two-stroke motorbike, they encounter '80s Ireland and young people from all over making the same pilgrimage…..looking to find Nirvana.
ART AND FILM
Art and film are championed by the Linenhall in their Exhibition on Screen series, and in a dramatic cinematic biography, Caravaggio, on Saturday, February 14, mystery, intrigue, beauty, passion and murder combine.
Caravaggio’s masterpieces are some of art’s most instantly recognisable, with no one else using his signature blend of dramatic light, intense naturalism and bold, striking figures. However the intriguing self-depictions within his works - sometimes disguised, sometimes in plain sight - offer a rare window into his psyche and personal struggles.
Witness the unravelling of one of history’s most brilliant, complex and controversial figures at this special screening.
MUSIC AND MORE
Music Network marks its 40th year of touring with an exceptional quartet, some of the remarkable traditional music artists that have helped them make “high quality live music accessible to communities throughout Ireland” since the 1980s.
On Friday, February 27, accordion supremo Dermot Byrne and iconic fiddle player Kevin Burke, superstars of the traditional music world for decades, are paired with The Whileaways’ Noriana Kennedy, with her arresting vocals, and the sublime guitar playing of creative alchemist Jim Murray. A stunning evening of performance beckons.
This month, a multitude of additional events are happening, including A Tribute to the Music of John Denver, a duo of workshops, and Linenhall Film Club screenings.
Full details of What’s On are available at thelinenhall.com. Alternatively, contact the box office on (094) 9023733 with queries.