A marvel to behold
Ma rch is when we ta ke a moment to remember the great women in our world, from our mothers (mark your diaries: Mother’s Day is March 31) to the heroes of our past, present and future. How great, then, that so many of this month’s arts highlights celebrate the strength, talent and influence of women across the planet... CAPTAIN MARVEL (1) Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of the Marvel Universe films, this is one you won’t want to miss, for the franchise is finally introducing audiences to the be all and end all of superheroes: Captain Marvel (played by the ever-cool Brie Larson). One of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel Universe, she’s a pilot and soldier by day when she’s Carol Danvers, while her alter ego has almost Hulk-level superhuman strength, the power of invulnerability (she cannot be harmed) and the ability to fly. My only advice? Watch Avengers: Infinity War first (you’ll understand why once you do). Out aptly on International Women’s Day, March 8. GIRL (2) Inspired by a true story, this film follows the daily struggle of Lara (played by Victor Polster, pictured on the far left), a 15-year-old transgender girl who wants nothing more than to become a ballerina. Out March 15. MOUNTAINS TO SEA (3) This year’s Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival, March 28-31, features a host of Irish and international greats, including journalist and author Sinéad Gleeson (pictured), who’ll be
March is a month dedicated to women, so what better way to pay
tribute than via a host of female-led arts happenings...
joined by singer-songwriter Maria Doyle Kennedy and comedian Maeve Higgins for a closing event on March 31 at the Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire ahead of the release of her forthcoming collection of essays, Constellations; plus Sebastian Barry, John Boyne, Emilie Pine, Ian Maleney, Sarah Davis-Goff, Anne Griffin, Emma Donoghue, Sally Rooney, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Ruth Fitzmaurice, and countless others, mountainstosea.ie. BOLD MOVES As part of Ballet Ireland’s 20th anniversary, this contemporary double-bill features works by renowned choreographers Ohad Naharin ( Minus 16 ) and Ludovic Ondiviela ( Lost) at the O’Reilly Theatre in Belvedere College, Dublin, from March 22-30. Tickets from €28 at takeyourseats.ie.
THERE ARE GIRLS LIKE LIONS: POEMS ABOUT BEING A WOMAN (4) Illustrated by Karolin Schnoor, with a foreword by Cole Swensen, this beautiful tome (Chronicle Books, approx €14) hits stores March 5, just in time for Women’s Day, and should make a lovely gift for mum on March 31. ROSE McGOWAN (5) The latest name to join the National Concert Hall’s Words + Ideas series comes to Dublin April 27, so get booking, nch.ie. AN ENGINEER IMAGINES This Irish documentary traces the life of Irish engineer Peter Rice, who worked on the Sydney Opera House and the Inverted Pyramid at the Louvre. One of the most important engineers of the 20th century, Rice was awarded the RIBA Royal Gold Medal shortly before his untimely death in 1992. Out March 1. ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL The theme of this year’s festival, March 14-18, is Storytelling, with an exhibition of Eamonn Doyle’s work at the RHA one of the highlights, stpatricksfestival.ie.
SURFACE MATTERS This exhibition, hosted by the OPW in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, held at the Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle February 21 to May 19, will feature the work of 24 designer-makers to accompany the publication PORTFOLIO: Critical Selection 2019-2020, dublincastle.ie.