By Eoghan O’sullivan,Irishexaminer.com
Copyright irishexaminer
Pop-up gigs and mystery performances are promised across Guitar Town aka Clonakilty this weekend. The long-running CIAF will see gigs take place in premises such as butcher’s shops, framemakers, and of course De Barra’s. Acts to watch include Cork/Portugal five-piece Pot-Pot, Bog Jazz Duo, the Choice Prize-nominated Silverbacks, and former Mary Wallopers member Seán McKenna, who’s now striking out solo.
Cinema: Steve
General release, Friday, September 19
Adapted by Max Porter from his 2023 novella Shy, Cillian Murphy, fresh from pagan raves and DJ sets at Sounds from a Safe Harbour, reunited with Small Things Like These director Tim Mielants for Steve. He plays the titular headteacher battling for his reform college’s survival while managing his mental health. Concurrently, troubled student Shy navigates his violent tendencies and fragility, torn between his past and future prospects. Steve is in select cinemas before popping up on Netflix on October 3.
Theatre Festival: Dublin Theatre Festival
Various venues, Thursday, September 25
The first programme compiled by artistic director Róise Goan seeks to encourage patrons to ask ‘is it theatre?’ and start up a conversation with the person sitting next to them. Among the early highlights are Hamlet (O’Reilly Theatre), staged by group of actors with Down syndrome who share their desires and frustrations through the production; and The Making of Pinocchio (Samuel Beckett Theatre), which promises a true tale of love and transition.
Streaming: House of Guinness
Netflix, Thursday, September 25
From Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, comes this eight-episode origin story about the black stuff. It follows the aftermath of the death of brewery mogul Sir Benjamin Guinness and the great impact of his will on the fate of his four adult children: Arthur, Edward, Anne, Ben, and other Dubliners affected by the expanding Guinness empire.
Culture Night
Friday, September 19
The 20th edition of the annual all-Ireland event takes place on Friday. Over 100 venues across Cork city will be open from 4pm. Conversations, trad music, a Chinese cultural experience, and a walking tour are on offer around UCC; MTU Crawford College of Art & Design alumni stage a multi-venue exhibition of works; while Cork City Library hosts exhibitions, live music, theatre, readings, children’s storytelling, and creative workshops. Just a taster of what’s on offer this Culture Night. See culturenight.ie.
