So much going on in library on Mallin Street
THERE’S plenty going on at Wexford Library on Mallin Street during this year’s festival, including unmissable lectures and talks. Admission is free to all the events but booking is advised on telephone 053 9196760.
‘House of Names’
Colm Tóibín, pictured right, speaks about his latest novel, house of Names, which is a retelling of the Oresteia through the voices of its principal characters – Clytemnestra and her children, Orestes and Electra – but gives us so much more that isn’t in the original dramatic trilogy. About the novel, Alex Preston of the Guardian said: ‘ Tóibín is like a great actor, taking the framework provided by the events of the play and providing psychology, motivation, nuance and humanity. Tuesday, October 24, 7pm.
Emmanuel Macron: Hope and Change à la Francaise, with Lara Marlowe
In May 2017, a 38-year-old upstart who had never been elected to political office won twothirds of the vote in the French presidential election. Six months later, how are he – and France – faring? Lara Marlowe is France correspondent for the Irish Times newspaper. She has observed French politics at close range for more than 20 years, and has also worked extensively in the US and Middle East. Tuesday, October 31, at 7pm.
Tolstoy: A Simple Life, An Extraordinary Art with Dr Richard Hayes, Waterford Institute of Technology.
An introduction to Leo Tolstoy’s strange life – his early career as a soldier, his unusual marriage, his writing habits, his various eccentricities, and his final years and death. Thursday, October 19, 7pm.
The Wexford Dresser Project: Exhibition opening and talk by Michael Fortune
This looks at the kitchen dresser and the home from an Irish context featuring talks, screenings, tunes and songs. Friday, October 20, 11 a.m.
‘Medea’: an exploration of character and representation
Dr Una Kealy and Kate McCarthy ( Waterford Institute of Technology) will discuss aspects of Greek theatre and how the character of Medea, as interpreted by Euripides, challenged traditional gender roles in Greek society. It will also consider how Medea continues to present a challenge to actors and audiences. No prior knowledge of Medea, Greek theatre or theatre studies in general required. Saturday, October 21, 3pm to 4.30pm.
The Ros Tapestry: the Siege of Wexford with Eithne Scallan.
A fascinating account of the concept, origin and design of the Ros Tapestry, one of the largest tapestries in Europe. Eithne will give a detailed background and explanation of the Siege of Wexford tapestry panel on display and talk about the embroidery volunteers who stitched the tapestry. Eithne Scallan is a local historian, embroiderer and author of ‘A Tale told in Thread – The Stitchers’ Story’. Thursday, November 2, 7pm.
Library Exhibitions.
The Wexford Dresser Project by Michael Fortune, commissioned by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council. October 20 to December 31.
Ros Tapestry Panels – ‘ The siege of Wexford’ and ‘Arrogant Trespass’, October 19 to November 4.
Musical Performances
Jazz with Kevin Lawlor and Alex O’Keeffe. Well-known model county jazz drummer Kevin Lawlor will be joined by fellow local Alex O’Keeffe on guitar to perfom some great guitar trio tunes as well as some originals by Lawlor. Saturday, October 21, 1pm to 2.30pm.
Singing performance with Aideen Ní Riada and her Confidence in Singing Group of ‘secret singers’ who choose their songs based on what appeals to them. Thursday, October 26, 6.30pm.