Heads up at ICO and Belltable
TWO leading lights in the Limerick art scene depart from their roles. Anthony Marwood, artistic director of the Irish Chamber Orchestra is conducting his last programme for the ICO in his present role on Thursday April 14 at the concert hall. His tenure of five years was an extension to the original contract of three.
With over 30 violin recordings made, his own festival, performances with the Florestan Trio and worldwide collaborations, the music fraternity is his oyster. Expect a June announcement re his successor at the ICO’s fab quarters in Plassey.
Boris Hunka of Music of the Glen, the orchestra’s former marketing manager, also parted company.
At Belltable Arts Centre, artistic director Joanna Beirne tendered her resignation some time ago but continued with her responsibilities into March. Her position is now advertised for the municipal centre which has enjoyed a multimillion makeover.
Beirne oversaw the prolonged move to Red Cross Hall and initiated the Hub by which Belltable acted as producer for four new plays written and developed in Limerick. She was also artistic director for unFringed 2011, through which the arts centre was co-producer for several multi-media works.
“Pint-sized” play series
HIT for Loft Venue at The Locke Bar this Thursday 7 at 8pm for news of a the new 10 Minute Play concept. Taking place with the monthly literary On The Nail readings, Limerick writers are invited to write and perform a 10 Minute Play as part of the open-microphone wing of the monthly evenings. The prescription is a a ‘pint-sized’ play that can be performed in a theatre or pub or any venue; translate that to read a work that does not require the luxury of lighting effects, scenery or theatre accessories.
“For the play to work, the actors must engage the audience and invite them to their world”, says the organising force, Limerick Writers’ Centre. “Ideally it rests on the playwright to supply the actors except for a one-man play where the playwright may act out his own play”.
You can contact Derry on 087-7740047 or come along to Loft Venue, George’s Quay at 8pm tonight, Thursday 7.
The return of Little Gem
HAVING wowed at Corpus Christi NS and at Belltable last year, Little Gem returns to Limerick for two nights at Friar’s Gate in Kilmallock. Little Gem is the most popular and the successful Irish theatre production of the last decade.
Produced by Guna Nua and Civic Theatre and directed by Limerick’s Paul Meade, it sold out the premiere run in 2008 with its rueful, raw mix of comedy and Dublin family life. Since then Little Gem has sold out at the Edinburgh Festival, The Peacock theatre, in London, in Paris, in New York as well as Australia’s Sydney, Hobart and Canberra.
Check out this winning show, written by Elaine Murphy, at 8pm, Friar’s Gate on Wednesday April 13 and Thursday 14. The actors for this tour are Birdy Beaman, Neili Conroy and Anne Kent.
