Entertaining Sligo
THE FIRST PROTESTANT
When playwright and actor Gerry Farrell thought about writing a play he did what many playwrights do, drew from his own personal experience. A psychotherapist for the last 41 years, he also holds a deep love of the arts. Passionate too about history he is often found head down devouring historical biographies. It was here he was to renew an acquaintance with the formidable and some might say controversial historical figure, Martin Luther, resulting in the birth of “The First Protestant”. Luther made a stand against the Christian church of the time, an overwhelmingly powerful institution, which forced the split we see today.
The play, which opens in Coolera on September 22nd develops the story of Luther through a psychological dual between the pious monk Martin Luther and the atheist “Analyst” who is loosely based on Freud. Luther’s life both the man and the psychoanalytical process, and some may say its willingness to label is up for inspection. Luther had rebelled before against his father who wished him to marry, turning his back instead to become a monk. Had he a “father” and later maybe a ‘martyr ‘complex? There is humour and much of that comes from the contrasting styles and banter between the two men. So too there is a development of the characters throughout the play and their power differential. “That’s the stuff of drama!” laughs Farrell.
The First Protestant stars Michael Roper and Gerry Farrell, directed by Prin Duignan and will play Sep 22nd Kilmacowen hall, Coolera, October 5 th, Glens Centre Manorhamilton, and Oct 12 th Roscommon before taking to Dublin in early 2019.
KEVIN BURKE
The legend that is Kevin Burke returns to the Hawk’s Well Theatre on Saturday the 29 th of September.
For nearly four decades, Kevin has been at the forefront of Irish traditional music, performing and recording with seminal groups The Bothy Band, Patrick Street, and The Celtic Fiddle Festival. Named by TG4 as the 2016 Gradam Ceoil (Musician of the Year) in their traditional-music awards, Sligo welcomes Kevin back the Hawk’s Well stage. Whether solo or accompanied, on record or in concert, Burke is an immensely engaging performer.
This will be an unmissable event for all fans of superb musicianship – a night of exceptional fiddle-playing by one of the maestros of our time.
Tickets for this event are €16 with a special half price rate of €8 for those u18. All tickets will have a €1 Renovation Fee surcharge. Further information on all events is available from the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on 071 916 1518 or www.hawkswell.com.
LUMINANCE
An exhibition of recent paintings from father and daughter, Brian and Lisa Ballard has opened at The Hamilton Gallery.
Lisa’s work furthers her exploration of colour and light through landscape painting. Often looking beyond the landscape itself, creating powerful images that reflect the temporal and fleeting nature of her experience in that place.
Brian is a rich colourist and is interested in the contrasting colours and textures in simple subjects. With vigorous brushstrokes, he uses bold slashes of rich colour across the canvas, solid and heavily laden with fluid paint.
Lisa’s landscapes will be shown with Brian’s three genres of painting, Still life, Landscape and Life, brought together with their expressive and strong use of colour.
FRANKIE’S GUYS
Zac Global Promotions owner Wayne Whelan, brings Frankie’s Guys to the Hawk’s Well Theatre on Sunday, October 7 th.
Following a sold-out run at the Tivoli Theatre in Dublin, this fast-paced, energetic production paying tribute to the legendary music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons returns for a nationwide tour. Putting their charismatic stamp on timeless classics such as ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘Sherry’, and ‘Oh What A Night’ the boys take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane and remind you exactly why The Four Seasons sold over 100 million records and earned themselves a place in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
With slick choreography, charm, charisma, brilliant audience participation, and amazing live vocals, it’s clear to see why Frankie’s Guys are receiving standing ovations up and down the country.