Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare will play host to a wonderful array of free events aimed specifically at those aged over 60 to celebrate creativity in older age during the Bealtaine Festival 2011.
Bealtaine is the Irish Arts festival celebrating creativity in older age.
With a weeklong programme of workshops in dance, poetry, storytelling, a special cinema screening of Meryl Streep’s Julie and Julia, theatre performance of Fruitcake with Mary McEvoy and music with the outstanding singer songwriter Ger Wolfe, this promises to be a fun-filled week of entertainment. And best of all, all of the events taking place during this week are free to those aged over 60
Just some of the highlights include a morning dance workshop with expandance on Tuesday 17th, where participants will join Alicia Christofi-Walshe to learn dance sequences, gentle dance exercises and more, while Kildare storyteller Julie Duane will lead a beginners workshop in poetry writing on Wednesday 18th and the storytelling continues on Thursday 19th with Stringing Beads and Telling Stories focusing on participants own life stories.
Also on Wednesday 18th at 12pm and 8pm, Riverbank Arts Centre will host a screening of Julie and Julia, the touching, warm and funny story of the famous cookbook author Julia Child. Starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, the film tells the story of Julia Child and Julie Powell - both of whom wrote memoirs - who find their lives intertwined. Though separated by time and space, both women are at loose ends, until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible.
On Thursday May 19th, music fans are in for a very special treat with Cork singer-songwriter Ger Wolfe. Join the man who brought us ‘The Curra Road’, for an unforgettable musical adventure, touching on his myriad influences from folk to blues, country and pop. With gems such as ‘The Lark of Mayfield’ and ‘No Bird Sang’, and exciting new songs inspired by his time as writer in residence listening to the stories of the older members of the Múscraí Gaeltacht in Cork. “When I hear him play live he carries me up and away” said Christy Moore of songwriter Ger Wolfe who is on the road again, celebrating his new C.D. release ‘Fréamh-Root’. In the company of a new line-up of top class players Edel Sullivan (violin), Paul Frost (double bass) and Richard Lucey (button accordion) this will be a superb night of music. Again, tickets are free for those over 60, the general ticket price is €15/€13.
Finally on Friday 20th May, Mary McEvoy (well known for her role as Biddy in Glenroe) will perform Fruitcake. Starting off as a cookery demonstration, Fruitcake is in fact an account of one woman’s life and how each ingredient reminds her of past memories and decisions made which ultimately changed the course of her life. Even though some lessons came late she now lives a fruitful, productive life because of this.
With such an array of free, high quality events, you’d need a very good excuse not to celebrate Bealtaine 2011. For bookings and enquires contact Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on 045 448327.
Bealtaine Festival 2011 at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge:
Tuesday 17th May 11am-1.30pm Over 60s Dance Morning with expandance
Wednesday 18th May 11am-12pm Poetry Sharing, Poetry Listening and Poetry Making Workshop with Julie Duane
Wednesday 18 May 2pm and 8pmpm Film Screenings of ‘Julie & Julia’ starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams
Thursday 19th May 11am Storytelling Workshop with Susie Minto
Thursday 19 May 8pm An evening of Song with singer-songwriter Ger Wolfe
Friday 20th May 3pm- 4pm ‘Fruitcake’ A play starring Mary McEvoy
Please note places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Call Riverbank Arts Centre Box Office on 045 448327.
