Celebrated poet Paula lined up for Gap Arts Festival
CELEBRATED Irish poet Paula Meehan will deliver a much-anticipated workshop and a reading at this year’s Gap Arts Festival.
The idea of inviting the former Ireland Professor of Poetry to the Gap was first suggested at last year’s festival by local playwright Sylvia Cullen.
Paula Meehan has written poetry for film, contemporary dance companies, and for collaborations with visual artists, and some of her poems have been put to music.
Recognised with national and international awards, her work has been translated into French, German, Galician, Italian, Japanese, Estonian, Spanish, Greek, Chinese and Irish. Her plays have been produced by the Abbey Theatre, Rough Magic and RTÉ Radio.
‘When she suggested it, Sylvia didn’t know that Paula and I are old friends,’ said festival director Garrett Keogh. ‘We were in college together. And we were part and parcel of the founding of the Children’s T Company – a chaotic collective that devised and presented children’s plays and events in schools, theatres, on the streets, on beaches, playgrounds, and in the Dublin mountains.’
That group also included future film directors Jim Sheridan and Neil Jordan, writer and director Peter Sheridan, TV producer Dave McKenna, and actors Ruth McCabe and Vinnie McCabe.
When Garrett called Paula, he was delighted when she said she’d come to the Gap. She will give two workshops, after which, local poets will read with her.
Supported by Wexford County Council Arts Department under the Creative Ireland Grants Scheme, Paula Meehan will facilitate workshops for poets as part of the Gap Arts Festival on Friday evening and Saturday morning, August 11 and 12. A public reading will take place in Ballythomas School on Saturday, August 12, at 5.30 p.m.
‘There has already been strong interest from local poets and writers’ groups,’ Keogh said. ‘But it is only for poetry, not short stories or plays. And places are strictly limited. So if you’d like to participate in this unique opportunity, get in touch immediately.’
The cost of the workshop is €50, including lunch. Further information and booking on gapartsfest@gmail.com and gapartsfestival.com.