IMRAM’s programme this year encompasses multimedia literary projects; musical shows; gala poetry readings and a special hip-hop as Gaeilge night, with artists like Róis, Súil Amháin, Ushmush, Aoibha, Amano, James Shannon and more involved.
Here’s some of the shows of interest happening:
Amhráin na Gealaí/Moon Songs: The Phoebe Bridgers Project
Nov 22nd at Smock Alley
Belfast indie-pop artist Aoibha performs the music of Phoebe Bridgers as Gaeilge alongside her five piece band and vocalist Jessie Dingle. Last year’s equivalent flagship musical show was the Taylor Swift Project, with Kate Bush and Bob Dylan having also been paid homage to previously.
Dán na Caillí: The Hagwitch Project
Nov 18th at the RIA
Dán na Caillí explores the role of the hagwitch – or Cailleach – in Irish mythology, centred on new work by poets Dairena Ni Chinnéide, Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair and Laoighseach Ní Choistealbha; and featuring music and song from Róis, plus on-screen visuals from artist Margaret Lonergan.
Ceolta: An Hip Hap Gaelach
Nov 20th at the Cobblestone
Cutting-edge spoken word poetry from the skillful syllables of rapper Súil Amháin accompanied by music from Ushmush; Amano mixing new and old nós; gáidhlig beats from Hammy Sgìth; the bass of Cork’s Julie Goo; rhythms of Oisín Mac; Tango to Torby; polished poetry with Ciara Ní É and Cúán de Búrca plus alt hip hop with James Shannon.
Turas: pilgrimagetimejourney
November 22nd @ Lexicon Library
A bi-lingual multi-media poetry show that explores Dublin, Dún Laoghaire, Wicklow and the ancient Kingdom of Cuala. Rody Gorman’s poems evoke landscape and memory, and he will read to a live soundtrack by acclaimed composer Seán MacErlaine, and stunning visuals created by Margaret Lonergan.
Ar an gCoigríoch
The Dot Theatre, 23 November
A poetic response to the growth of anti-immigration movements and racism, in which artists Caitríona Ní Mhurchú and Niall Toner Jr create a multi-media piece with live electronic and analogue music with voices, as well as specially created visuals exploring themes of home and absence. Caitríona and Niall will perform live on stage with singer Sharyn Ward.
In Gile na Gile (Smock Alley, 17 November) composer and singer Lorcán Mac Mathúna has set the poems of Aogán Ó Rathaile to stunning new music, which he will sing to accompaniment from musicians Martin Tourish and Éamonn Galldubh.
Other events include:
Cnámha Scoilte/Split Bones (Smock Alley, 19 November), Australian-based poet Julie Breathnach-Banwait will read a series of prose poems that explore landscape and language, from Conamara to Western Australia. Charged with pulsing rhythms, Julie will read to live music from composer and concertina player, Jack Talty, interwoven with sean-nós songs from Síle Denvir, against a visual backdrop from Donegal artist Kim Sharkey.
Bard na Páirce (Smock Alley, 21 November) celebrates the life and work of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Ireland’s most gifted sports commentator. It features specially commissioned poetry and prose from Alan Titley, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh and Colm Mac Gearailt, as well as newly commissioned music from Colm Ó Snodaigh and Brian Hogan.
See more on the programme and book tickets at www.imram.ie
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
