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Few sectors have been as badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic as the arts, with theatres remaining closed, actors and performers out of work, and the prospect of large scale live productions indoor being a hope and a dream for now.
That said, Kilkenny Arts Festival director Olga Barry recently unveiled a series of events which, Government protocols allowing, will this year be presented under a new title, Kilkenny Arts Festival X.
The festival offers a wide variety of art forms, for which the original festival itself is renowned, including concerts, exhibitions, talks, theatre, film, opera and dance. It will do so in a number of innovative ways.
While digital content is a key part of this year’s programme, Barry is keen to tap into both the audience’s and the artist’s passion for live experiences and the programme this month offers an opportunity to bring the public back into the performance space with the artist.
Live event tickets have been released on the current restrictions and more may be released if public health guidelines allow. Audience and artist safety remains paramount. The festival runs from 11-16 August.
Among the live performances will be the world theatre premiere of Solar Bones, performed by Stanley Townsend and directed by Lynne Parker. This is a stage adaptation of Mike McCormack’s award-winning 2016 novel about Marcus Conway, a middle-aged engineer who ponders life from his kitchen in Mayo. Eight Seasons is the title given to two live concerts performed by the Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) and these will take place in the wonderful St Canice’s Cathedral. Families can also look forward to a series of 20-minute performances by members of the ICO and Crash Ensemble. Finally, there is a new installation performance, Clouds and Boulders: Mapping Terrain, from choreographer and dancer Luke Murphy and tickets for this are free.
There is a range of exhibitions to savour too. Eagerly anticipated is The Bloods, by acclaimed photographer Amelia Stein, featuring members of the defence forces.
This is on show at James Stephens Barracks. Appealing to all ages will be the film Grey Area by Niall O’Byrne and Sam Curtin, which captures skateboarding to a spectacular soundtrack recorded by Crash Ensemble.
Cocooning artist Helen Comerford presents, A Covid-19 April Diary. Each day during lockdown she began a new canvas, drawing on the day’s statistics and using a grid system that reflected the sense of confinement and protection that came from cocooning.
For those more comfortable staying outdoors, there is a sculpture trail, Connected. Beginning at the Castle Yard, it will lead you through the city’s cultural and historic sites accompanied by self-directed workshops and activities for all ages.
A new musical offering will be released online each day of the festival, while there is a chance to see a filmed performance of the first ever staging in Ireland of Monteverdi’s operatic masterpiece The Return of Ulysses. This is online now. Live on social media, artist Blaise Smith embarks on a project to paint portraits of the people of his home village. Finally, Fintan O’Toole will be in conversation with journalist Masha Gessen, while Olivia O’Leary sits down to talk with Samantha Power.
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