January 2019
VISUAL ARTS: A Stitch in Time
This exhibition is made up of a collection of 19 colourful quilts designed and made by 41 children (some as young as seven years old!), as part of Creative Sewing classes with Kildare designer Aideen Cross. The quilts come in all shapes and sizes. Included in this exhibition is an impressive 3D quilt creation entitled Tree of Life, which depicts the life cycle of a tree from a tiny seed. The Free to Dream quilt is a large quilted parasol…
Find out more »VISUAL ARTS: Creative Well – Creating Space
The Creative Well presents Creating Space An exhibition of works from The Open Studio The Creative Well arts and wellbeing project has run Open Studio at the Riverbank Arts Centre for the past five years facilitating an inclusive space for adults interested in visual art. At the weekly sessions, an experienced facilitator has been on hand to support participants to follow their own creative journey and work in whatever experimental ways they wish and attend when their schedule allows. The…
Find out more »CINEMA: A Star is Born
In A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga fuse their considerable talents to depict the raw and passionate tale of Jack and Ally, two artistic souls coming together, on stage and in life. In this new take on the iconic love story, four-time Oscar nominee Cooper (American Sniper, American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook), makes his directorial debut, and also stars alongside multiple award-winning, Oscar-nominated music superstar Gaga in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT: LYSIS
Upstate Theatre Project in association with Droichead Arts Centre present Lysis Lysis definition: (biology) the disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane (medical) the subsidence of one or more symptoms of an acute disease Based on the writings and testimonies of people living with mental health issues, Lysis is a docudrama that traces the experiences of five individuals. This audio-visual installation is a forthright portrait of people side-lined by society through everyday stigma, prejudice and general…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT: LYSIS
Upstate Theatre Project in association with Droichead Arts Centre present Lysis Lysis definition: (biology) the disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane (medical) the subsidence of one or more symptoms of an acute disease Based on the writings and testimonies of people living with mental health issues, Lysis is a docudrama that traces the experiences of five individuals. This audio-visual installation is a forthright portrait of people side-lined by society through everyday stigma, prejudice and general…
Find out more »MUSIC: Jack L
Jack L (Jack Lukeman), one of Ireland’s most respected and best-loved performers, a multiple-award winning songwriter and also a Kildare man, returns to Riverbank Arts Centre to perform his Magic Days show. This new show combines key songs from his most recent album Magic Days, including "The King of Soho", "Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole", and "The Sunset is Blue on Mars", alongside favourites from his back catalogue. Magic Days is an unforgettable live show that lifts the spirits and…
Find out more »CINEMA: A Star is Born
In A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga fuse their considerable talents to depict the raw and passionate tale of Jack and Ally, two artistic souls coming together, on stage and in life. In this new take on the iconic love story, four-time Oscar nominee Cooper (American Sniper, American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook), makes his directorial debut, and also stars alongside multiple award-winning, Oscar-nominated music superstar Gaga in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper…
Find out more »SCHOOL SCREENING: The Chess Player/ El jugador de ajedrez
It is 1934 in Madrid, and champion chess-player Diego falls for a French journalist and starts a family. When the political landscape around them grows more threatening under Franco, the three make for Paris, only to find themselves in the midst of Nazi occupation years later. When Diego becomes falsely imprisoned, he must use chess to earn the trust of his cruel captor. The Chess Player tells the story of an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary circumstances, and offers…
Find out more »CINEMA: Under the Clock
Clery’s clock has been a firm fixture on Dublin’s O’Connell Street since the 1920s and this iconic landmark became so popular that people began to use the phrase; “I’ll meet you under the clock”. In this charming Irish documentary (by the team who brought you Older than Ireland), a cast of colourful characters recount these meetings - the romance of a first date, the joy of meeting loved ones, or the nostalgic reunion of old friends. For young and old…
Find out more »February 2019
COMEDY: DIRTBIRDS – Self Help Tour
If making the school lunches, doing the jaysus homework and dodging the guards because your NCT is out by two years is sending you over the edge, you are not alone. Come and join the Dirtbirds as they navigate the stresses and strains of modern life in their brand new comedy show ‘Dirtbirds’ self-help tour’. This rip roaring two hours of comedy gold is a unique blend of hilarious sketch comedy and stand up. Brand new characters take to the…
Find out more »FAMILY MUSIC: The Speks
The Speks present a lively show of nursery rhymes and sing-along songs set to acoustic Irish music which will have adults and kids jumping in their seats! Their hand-clapping, toe-tapping, hearty-laughing show is all about life on Glasses Island – a magical island off the coast of Co. Clare where everybody wears glasses! The Speks have won a Parents’ Choice music award in the US where their music has been described as “Riverdance for kids” and they encourage everyone to…
Find out more »Information Session: Kildare County Council Arts Service – 2019 Grants, Bursaries & Commission Opportunities
This information session will offer some useful guidance on Arts Grants, Bursary Award and Commission Opportunities available with Kildare County Council Arts Service 2019 for artists, arts collectives and community groups in Co Kildare. All are welcome to this FREE session, but booking directly with Kildare Arts Service through this eventbrite link is recommended. Opportunities include: * Arts Act Grant Scheme * Artist in Schools Residency Bursary Award * Artistic Entrepreneur Bursary Award * Dennis O'Driscoll Literary Bursary Award *…
Find out more »CINEMA: Just to be sure
When Erwin (Francois Damiens), a bomb disposal expert in his mid-forties, accidentally discovers that his father is not his biological father his world is turned upside down. As well as tracing his dad he has to juggle his daughters unplanned pregnancy and his aspiring relationship with the sparky local veterinarian Anna (Cecile De France), whom, it turns out may or may not be his sister! With strong performances from all the cast this is a joyful tale with some moments…
Find out more »THEATRE: THE MATCHMAKER by John B. Keane
THE MATCHMAKER stars Mary McEvoy (best known for her role as Biddie in the long-running RTE series Glenroe) and Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny (part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables). Jon Kenny is also well known for appearing in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted. Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy. The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O'Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn. Using…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Kildare Youth Theatre Presents The Penal Laws and The Radicalisation of Abdelaziz Faragher
These plays are part of a larger work called The Act of Oblivion which explores the colonisation of Ireland through the lens of scenes from the lives of young people today. The Penal Laws looks at the second-level education system, asking what price do we pay to teach conformity and standardisation? The Radicalisation of Abdelaziz Farragher explores rebellion, independence and civil war through the story of one young person who tries and fails to adapt to social systems. The plays…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Kildare Youth Theatre Presents The Penal Laws and The Radicalisation of Abdelaziz Faragher
These plays are part of a larger work called The Act of Oblivion which explores the colonisation of Ireland through the lens of scenes from the lives of young people today. The Penal Laws looks at the second-level education system, asking what price do we pay to teach conformity and standardisation? The Radicalisation of Abdelaziz Farragher explores rebellion, independence and civil war through the story of one young person who tries and fails to adapt to social systems. The plays…
Find out more »SCHOOL SCREENING: The Silent Revolution/ Das Schweigende Klassenzimmer
Based on true events, Silent Revolution is a captivating Cold War-era drama told from the perspective of two East-German high school students. It’s 1956 and during a visit to West Berlin, Theo and Kurt witness dramatic footage of the Budapest uprising. Back at school in Stalinstadt, they spontaneously stage a silent protest in class. Set during the Soviet occupation of East Germany the film highlights the stifling grip that the authorities maintained in the region and the impact on those…
Find out more »CINEMA: Rosie
From the pen of Roddy Doyle and directed by Paddy Breathnach (Viva), Rosie is the story of a family without a home. Rosie (Sarah Greene) a mother of four, alongside her partner John Paul (Moe Dunford), do everything in their power to protect their children and maintain their dignity as the Irish housing crisis threatens their families safety and unity. With grace and tenderness, Rosie balances the care of her four children alongside the increasingly futile and frustrating search for…
Find out more »COMEDY: David O’Doherty – You Have To Laugh
++EXTRA DATE ADDED due to popular demand++ Unhook your mindbras. David O’Doherty is back in… with a brand-new show made up of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986. As seen on BBC2’s Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. “A beautiful mix of acute observation and startling invention” – The Irish Times “He’s funny, wretched and clever enough to spawn an army of imitators.” – The Age, Melbourne “Can…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Baby Jam
BABY JAM is an early introduction to music for babies and toddlers. Carrie Haskins, a singer, songwriter and musician from Kildare, uses music to encourage learning such as movement, to explore different textures and sounds, and to introduce different musical instruments. BABY JAM will be a fun interactive session for young children (and their accompanying adults!). Friday, 18 January – Rock ‘n’ Roll (11am & 12:15pm) Friday, 15 February – Classical & Opera (11am & 12:15pm) Friday, 15 March –…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Baby Jam
BABY JAM is an early introduction to music for babies and toddlers. Carrie Haskins, a singer, songwriter and musician from Kildare, uses music to encourage learning such as movement, to explore different textures and sounds, and to introduce different musical instruments. BABY JAM will be a fun interactive session for young children (and their accompanying adults!). Friday, 18 January – Rock ‘n’ Roll (11am & 12:15pm) Friday, 15 February – Classical & Opera (11am & 12:15pm) Friday, 15 March –…
Find out more »COMEDY: David O’Doherty – You Have To Laugh
Unhook your mindbras. David O’Doherty is back in… with a brand-new show made up of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986. As seen on BBC2’s Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. “A beautiful mix of acute observation and startling invention” – The Irish Times “He’s funny, wretched and clever enough to spawn an army of imitators.” – The Age, Melbourne “Can there be anything more evil than someone…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Patchwork Magic – workshop with Aideen Cross
This workshop will give children an opportunity to work with fabrics (new & recycled) to make bunting that’s creative, colourful and fun. Designer Aideen Cross, based in Rathangan, is renowned for her dress design and also her creative sewing classes for young people. In this workshop, Aideen will encourage children to explore the lifeskill of sewing (hand and machine) and use their imagination to create fabulous festive bunting. This Patchwork Magic sewing workshop is connected to the quilt exhibition running…
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: Early Man
Set at the dawn of time, when dinosaurs and woolly mammoths roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of how one plucky caveman unites his tribe against a mighty enemy and saves the day! Early Man is the new prehistoric comedy adventure from four-time Academy Award winning director Nick Park, the creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth, Early Man tells the story of courageous…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Artzone Mid-Term Camp
An Artzone camp is a great way for your child to spend their school break-working on cool art projects, developing their core artistic skills, exercising their creative side in a fun, dynamic environment..with plenty of time for fun and games. Artzone camps are planned and delivered by qualified and experienced art teachers. Monday 18th - Friday 22nd February 10am-2pm. Ages 5-7/8-12 Please bring a packed lunch.
Find out more »CINEMA: Mug (Twarz)
Jacek is a free-spirited young Polish man with a passion for heavy metal, his girlfriend Dagmara and his dog. When he and Dagmara take to the dancefloor, everyone runs for cover. Janek enjoys his existance as a cool misfit in an otherwise stuffy environment, and keeps his muscles toned working on a building site close to the Polish-German border where the world’s largest statue of Jesus is being constructed. But his life is thrown badly off course by a terrible…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Teens Writing Camp with Oisín McGann
This course is suitable for teenagers aged 14-17 and will provide an introduction to the basics of storytelling. Led by writer Oisín McGann, this workshop will explore how to develop characters, create settings and structure plots, how to pace your story, create suspense and work with different themes. There will be short exercises, with a view to writing a full story towards the end. This course is suitable for any young people who have an enthusiasm for writing, even those…
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THEATRE: Port Authority by Conor McPherson
A young boy leaves home for the first time, a man begins a job for which he is not qualified, a pensioner receives a mysterious package. As each man confronts the significance of these events, they are forced to take stock of themselves, their feelings, and of the decisions they have made. Painting a vivid picture of life in contemporary Dublin, award-winning playwright Conor McPherson (Seafarer, The Weir and Shining City) weaves together a moving and funny tale of loves…
Find out more »FAMILY MUSIC: Sing to Me with Kyle Riley
Following on from the success of Little Folk - On Tour, Kyle Riley is back with a brand new show, Sing to Me - an hour of folk and rock music, sure to get you moving! Featuring music from his new album with the same title, songs include the fast-paced 'Astronaut' (a whirlwind tour of our Solar System) and the ballad 'Do you Ever Feel Sad About the Dinosaurs?' (about asteroids and changes). There's even a song about Irish wallabies…
Find out more »CINEMA: First Man
The Academy Award® winning team of director Damien Chazelle and star Ryan Gosling (La La Land) reunites for this biopic of Neil Armstrong, from his entry into NASA's astronaut program in 1961 to his epoch-making walk on the moon eight years later. Based on the book by James R. Hansen, First Man is a visceral and intimate account told from Armstrong’s (Gosling) perspective of the training and frequent setbacks. Armstrong’s extraordinary perseverance is often at odds with his family life…
Find out more »THEATRE: Remember To Breathe
In a pool in post-earthquake New Zealand, recent emigrant Maeve is learning to swim. Self-professed ‘swimaholic’ coach Doreen eggs her on. But as she struggles to stay afloat, Maeve must do battle with the water and an unresolved dilemma with her much-loved father back home. Mixing serious themes with warm humour, Remember to Breathe is a deeply moving play about moving home and moving on. Written and Directed by Orla Murphy Cast: Liz Fitzgibbon, Raymond Keane, Julie Sharkey. “A multi-layered…
Find out more »March 2019
SCHOOL SHOW: Ceol Connected presents: Return of Spring
Every year in Whistleberry Forest, the creatures of the forest look forward to the end of the frosty Winter, and to the beginning of Spring. This year was a little different however, as Springtime had arrived much earlier than usual. All the hibernating animals, except for Huggy the hedgehog, were still curled up fast asleep. Huggy must go on an adventurous musical quest in search of evidence of Spring if he is to convince his friends that it is time…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: Ceol Connected presents: Return of Spring
Every year in Whistleberry Forest, the creatures of the forest look forward to the end of the frosty Winter, and to the beginning of Spring. This year was a little different however, as Springtime had arrived much earlier than usual. All the hibernating animals, except for Huggy the hedgehog, were still curled up fast asleep. Huggy must go on an adventurous musical quest in search of evidence of Spring if he is to convince his friends that it is time…
Find out more »VISUAL ARTS: SEE HOW WE VIEW THE WORLD – exploring animal and human vision
This exhibition provides opportunities for exploring children’s creative and imaginative potential in Visual Art with a particular emphasis on Visual Art and Science education (STEAM). Four interactive prototype helmets are on display as part of this exhibition, which are a combination of students and children’s ideas coming together to solve a particular problem, in this case how to construct an optical device exploring the art of perception. Come and try on these helmets to see how a bee, a jumping…
Find out more »FAMILY SHOW: Ceol Connected presents: Return of Spring
Every year in Whistleberry Forest, the creatures of the forest look forward to the end of the frosty Winter, and to the beginning of Spring. This year was a little different however, as Springtime had arrived much earlier than usual. All the hibernating animals, except for Huggy the hedgehog, were still curled up fast asleep. Huggy must go on an adventurous musical quest in search of evidence of Spring if he is to convince his friends that it is time…
Find out more »FAMILY SHOW: Ceol Connected presents: Return of Spring
Every year in Whistleberry Forest, the creatures of the forest look forward to the end of the frosty Winter, and to the beginning of Spring. This year was a little different however, as Springtime had arrived much earlier than usual. All the hibernating animals, except for Huggy the hedgehog, were still curled up fast asleep. Huggy must go on an adventurous musical quest in search of evidence of Spring if he is to convince his friends that it is time…
Find out more »CINEMA: The Merger
The Merger is an Australian comedy based on comedian Damian Callinan's critically acclaimed solo show of the same name. Bodgy Creek is a struggling town. The drought won’t let up, jobs are scarce after the mill was shut down, and the Aussie Rules footy team looks like it will have to merge with another club or fold. Former football star turned ‘Town Killer’ Troy Carrington (Callinan), is coaxed into rescuing the team after striking up an unlikely friendship with young…
Find out more »CINEMA: The Guilty
Demoted to deskwork and awaiting a disciplinary hearing, Agent Asger is working the night shift in an emergency call room. When he receives a call from a woman who has been abducted his resolve and arrogance are tested, and it becomes a race against time to locate her. Taking place in real time and in a single location nothing is quite as it seems in this claustrophobic thriller. Using sound as the primary storytelling tool and featuring a powerful central…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Barren Rock Productions presents: An Evening with Oscar Wilde
Join actor Richard Lynch and share the triumph and tragedy of one of the greatest writers of English Literature, Oscar Wilde. Wilde’s timeless comedy of manners The Importance of Being Earnest made him the toast of London Society. His gripping account of the condemned man’s final days before execution, resonate to this day in his riveting poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Interspersed throughout is a lightly sketched commentary on Wilde’s life. From his early childhood, Oxford University, the pinnacle…
Find out more »SPECIAL SCREENING: The Silver Branch
The Silver Branch is a philosophical exploration of the life of farmer/poet Patrick McCormack, descendant of generations of farmers who have lived off the wild landscape of the Burren. We are immersed in the exquisite texture of the natural world, bringing us a rare glimpse of a disappearing way of life with all its richness and roguery, and leading to a deep connection with the Earth and our ancestral wild spirit. Patrick and his rural community are drawn into a…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: The Science of Seeing- Science-art workshops with Future Makers Collective
Join the Future Makers Collective for a STEAM science – art workshop exploring perception. We will experiment with optical sciences and explore vision as we craft an environment and tools to help us look at the world from the perspectives of your favourite animals. This workshop will run on the 9th March 2019 for two groups: 10:30-12:00 (7-9 year olds) 1:00-3:00 (10-13 year olds)
Find out more »SCHOOL SCREENING: Cartoon Saloon Present- Anam an Amhráin
Award winning singer Iarla Ó Lionáird takes a trip to meet friends and to bring us a lively rearrangement of some of the Irish songs that we all know - including An Gréasaí Bróg, Tá Dhá Ghabhairín Bhuí Agam and Óro Sé do Bheatha Abhaile. Each performance will be enhanced by specially created animations visualising the story of each of the featured popular songs,artists such as Tomm Moore, Adrien Merigeau, Nora Twomey, Lily Bernard, Fabian Erlinghauser, Ross Stewart and many…
Find out more »CINEMA: Shoplifters
Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2018, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s new film Shoplifters is a subtle and moving drama about the forces holding a struggling family together. Osamu (Lily Franky), his wife Nobuyu (Sakura Andô) and grandma Hatsue (Kirin Kiki) head the Shibatas, a family living just above the poverty line. When Osamu and his son Shota (Kairi Jyo) take in what appear to be an abandoned little girl, Yuri (Miyu Sasaki), the seams of this brittle and unconventional family…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: Manny Man Does the History of Ireland on Stage
An Grianán Theatre Productions present: Manny Man Does the History of Ireland on Stage Based on John D Ruddy’s hit series of books and YouTube videos, An Grianán Theatre brings Manny Man’s History of Ireland to the stage. Watch as Syn (John D Ruddy) and Oppy (Louise Conaghan) romp through thousands of years of Irish history, from the Big Bang to the present day, with the help of illustrated cut-outs and comedy. Smart and entertaining, Manny Man Does the History…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Baby Jam
BABY JAM is an early introduction to music for babies and toddlers. Carrie Haskins, a singer, songwriter and musician from Kildare, uses music to encourage learning such as movement, to explore different textures and sounds, and to introduce different musical instruments. BABY JAM will be a fun interactive session for young children (and their accompanying adults!). Friday, 18 January – Rock ‘n’ Roll (11am & 12:15pm) Friday, 15 February – Classical & Opera (11am & 12:15pm) Friday, 15 March –…
Find out more »