February 2023
VISUAL ARTS: A Cast of Paintings – an exhibition by Brenda Brady
The most familiar space, the one that has been the stimulus for much artistic enquiry, be it visual or otherwise, has been the domestic. Our earliest and most formative experiences are shaped or re-framed at different times and for different reasons as a kind of ‘visual laboratory’. Brenda Brady A Cast of Paintings features small works on canvas made within a typical domestic atmosphere. The making process is imbued with a contemplative sensibility, looking and finding subtle variations, built up surfaces,…
Find out more »March 2023
VISUAL ART: Kathleen Lonsdale – an exhibition by Maeve Clancy
Artist Maeve Clancy presents the working life of Newbridge-born scientist Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971) through an immersive cut paper installation. The paper is combined with drawings, lighting and animation designed to take the visitor out of their world and into the extraordinary mind of Kathleen Lonsdale. The installation will allow audiences to follow this pioneer’s thought process, discoveries and scientific process, while looking at Lonsdale’s education, working life and achievements in science. Kathleen Lonsdale was an eminent scientist who helped to…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Vanbrugh & Friends
The Vanbrugh and their guests present two of the greats from the extended chamber music repertoire. Beethoven's Op.29 string quintet, nicknamed The Storm, was written in 1801, shortly after his Op.18 string quartets and combines his mastery of quartet writing with the expansive richness of texture offered by the addition of a second viola. Brahms’ magnificent 1890 string quintet Op.111 started life in the composer’s sketches for a fifth symphony and its final form retains an orchestral grandeur, both in…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Wet Felting a Funky Feline with Tamzen Lundy
In this full day course, participants will learn the basics of wet-felting, the world's oldest form of textile making. This is a fabulous introduction to a very sensory craft, suitable for complete beginners and/or intermediate felt-makers who wish to explore 3D felting around a resist template. Tamzen (former chairperson Felt-makers Ireland and textile professional of 20yrs+ experience) will introduce the group to the basics of wet-felting, then move on to felting around a resist to produce a 3D item, you will…
Find out more »THEATRE: GomBean
GomBean is a comedy set in a sleepy town in Sligo. Delivering a lockdown dose of caffeine fuelled fun GomBean opens a lid on Grace O’ Malley’s new coffee van venture. But then a blast from her past, wrestling rival Ruby Stephens, arrives in town decades after making it big. Her arrival literally turns Grace’s world upside down, as she contends to win back her title which she lost at the U18’s Community Games in ’94. Some dreams can’t be…
Find out more »FAMILY: 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 »CINEMA: Mrs Harris Goes to Paris
In 1957 London, Mrs. Ada Harris, (Lesley Manville) a widowed cleaning lady, becomes taken with one client's haute couture Dior dress. Inspired to buy her own, Ada starts to save her pennies to fulfil her dream. After suddenly receiving a back-dated war-widow's pension windfall, she travels to Paris to do so. She stumbles into a showing of Dior's 10th anniversary collection and is befriended by André, the Dior accountant, and Natasha, a Dior model. However, the Dior director, Claudine (Isabelle…
Find out more »THEATRE: Brokentalkers Presents The Examination
‘I’d like the people to know I’m not an animal. Did I cause harm? Yes. Should I be punished? Of course. But do I deserve my human rights? Absolutely I do.’ The Examination is the award-winning production by Brokentalkers exploring mental health and human rights in the prison system. Performed by Brokentalkers’ Gary Keegan and stand-up comedian and former prisoner Willie White. Featuring Brokentalkers’ distinctive blend of biography, socio-political discourse and breath taking theatricality, The Examination draws on…
Find out more »April 2023
NT CONNECTIONS 2023: Straffan Drama Club Presents – Model Behaviour by Jon Brittain
Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to host the National Theatre Connection Festival in 2023 Connections is the National Theatre's annual, UK and Ireland youth theatre festival. The programme has been established for 27 years with a celebrated history of championing the talent of young people from across the UK and Ireland. Every year, NT Connections commission ten new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK's most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. They work…
Find out more »NT CONNECTIONS 2023: Waterford Youth Arts Presents – Is This Good Enough? By Avaes Mohammad
Who is the mysterious and enigmatic Cyroe? On a cold winters night, young people from all over the city converge on the park; the Rudeboys, the Party Girls, the Footballers, the Chess Players, the Skateboarders, the Drug Runners and the Uniformed Schoolkids. Summoned there by Cyroe, no-one one really knows who Cyroe is, or has ever really met him. All they do know is that when Cyroe calls, you answer . . . Directed by Nicholas Kavanagh of Curious State,…
Find out more »NT CONNECTIONS 2023: County Limerick Youth Theatre Presents – Model Behaviour by Jon Brittain
Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to host the National Theatre Connection Festival in 2023 Connections is the National Theatre's annual, UK and Ireland youth theatre festival. The programme has been established for 27 years with a celebrated history of championing the talent of young people from across the UK and Ireland. Every year, NT Connections commission ten new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK's most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. They work…
Find out more »NT CONNECTIONS 2023: Mr. Sands Youth Theatre Presents – The Heights by Lisa McGee
Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to host the National Theatre Connection Festival in 2023 Connections is the National Theatre's annual, UK and Ireland youth theatre festival. The programme has been established for 27 years with a celebrated history of championing the talent of young people from across the UK and Ireland. Every year, NT Connections commission ten new plays for young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK's most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow. They work…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Easter Art Camp with Marta Golubowska
Join us for an adventure with Arts this Easter! In this camp children will have a chance to experience working with artists and art educators from County Kildare. Under the lead of visual artist Marta Golubowska we will get creative with drawing, designing, clay, paper, painting and more. Each day a guest artist will join us to inspire participants to get creative! Marta will be joined by a different artist on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Monday 3 April - Friday…
Find out more »CINEMA: Return to Dust
In the rural Gansu region of China, Ma and Cao are two people who are only seen as inconveniences by their respective families. They are cast off and forced into an arranged marriage. Living a simple but challenging farming life, the couple gradually fall in love. Together, they decide to build their own house. However, a state-ordered demolition process threatens their very way of life. The latest film from director Li Ruijun is a patient, tender story of survival and…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyGROOVE
A chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video created by Anna Newell Theatre Adventures, one of Ireland’s leading theatre-makers for young audiences whose work for early years has been seen on six continents. babyGROOVE is part of the 2023 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Co-production with The Civic. Touring to the Network For Extraordinary Audiences. Funded by Arts Council…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyGROOVE
A chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video created by Anna Newell Theatre Adventures, one of Ireland’s leading theatre-makers for young audiences whose work for early years has been seen on six continents. babyGROOVE is part of the 2023 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Co-production with The Civic. Touring to the Network For Extraordinary Audiences. Funded by Arts Council…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyGROOVE
A chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video created by Anna Newell Theatre Adventures, one of Ireland’s leading theatre-makers for young audiences whose work for early years has been seen on six continents. babyGROOVE is part of the 2023 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Co-production with The Civic. Touring to the Network For Extraordinary Audiences. Funded by Arts Council…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyGROOVE
A chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video created by Anna Newell Theatre Adventures, one of Ireland’s leading theatre-makers for young audiences whose work for early years has been seen on six continents. babyGROOVE is part of the 2023 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Co-production with The Civic. Touring to the Network For Extraordinary Audiences. Funded by Arts Council…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyGROOVE
A chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video created by Anna Newell Theatre Adventures, one of Ireland’s leading theatre-makers for young audiences whose work for early years has been seen on six continents. babyGROOVE is part of the 2023 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Co-production with The Civic. Touring to the Network For Extraordinary Audiences. Funded by Arts Council…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyGROOVE
A chilled out 70’s-inspired adventure for babies under 12 months, full of gorgeous harmony singing and immersive video created by Anna Newell Theatre Adventures, one of Ireland’s leading theatre-makers for young audiences whose work for early years has been seen on six continents. babyGROOVE is part of the 2023 programme from The Network For Extraordinary Audiences and is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. Co-production with The Civic. Touring to the Network For Extraordinary Audiences. Funded by Arts Council…
Find out more »COMEDY: Neil Delamere – Delamerium
Neil Delamere is back with a brand new show, Delamerium. Expect the usual hilarious stories, wry observations and quick-witted improvisation as our comedy hero tries to makes sense of the world around him. "No TV camera could accurately measure the lightning speed of Delamere's wit"- The Irish Times
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: Cinderella
Disney's classic film Cinderella tells the story of a young girl whose cruel stepmother and stepsisters prevent her from attending the Royal Ball. With help from the lovable mice Gus and Jaq, her Fairy Godmother (and a little bit of magic!) she makes it to the Royal Ball where she wins the heart of the Prince. Directed by Clyde Geronimi & Wilfred Jackson | 74 mins | Cert G Images Courtesy of Park Circus/Walt Disney Studios
Find out more »MUSIC: The Celtic Tenors
Over 20 years together, The Celtic Tenors are marking their return to Riverbank Arts Centre with this ever-popular show featuring snippets from their 9th studio album, An Irish Songbook. Their show will present a selection of some of the best of Irish songs with Rocky Road to Dublin, Red is the Rose and Sweet Sixteen and a healthy dose of the tenor classics like Nessun Dorma and La Donna e Mobile. The Celtic Tenors are delighted to be back doing…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Digi-Creators Camp
Welcome to a world of storytelling using technology! During this 4 day Digi-Creators Camp you will get lots of hands-on experience making your own movies, podcasts and stop motion animations. Create stories, build worlds and tell them in different ways. VIDEO: Lights, camera, action!. Think of an idea, build a story and script a short film. Learn how to film, create & edit footage on mobile devices, add credits & music and how to share & showcase their film. PODCAST:…
Find out more »Run of the Mill Presents – An Evening of Song and Samba
Celebrating their return to live performance, Run of the Mill's Community Group invites you to share in an evening of song and dance - carefully curated and performed by participants following a residency with musician Kasia Eliasz. Expect an eclectic mix of our favourite tunes, live music from the Ta Tum Tum! samba ensemble, and some of the 'Greatest Showman-ship' in Kildare; as our weekly community group come together in a celebration of what performance and music means to them.www.runofthemill.ie Co-created and performed…
Find out more »TALK: Michael Harding – All the Things Left Unsaid
An Evening with Michael Harding For almost fifty years, Michael Harding has been crafting words in a bid to express himself, and to explore truths about the human condition. But even still he found himself unable to say certain things he really wanted to. Then, while in recovery from surgery, he travelled to a cottage on the Atlantic coast and thought again about life and the people who had profoundly affected him over the years: mentors, loves and old friends.…
Find out more »TALK: Michael Harding – All the Things Left Unsaid
An Evening with Michael Harding For almost fifty years, Michael Harding has been crafting words in a bid to express himself, and to explore truths about the human condition. But even still he found himself unable to say certain things he really wanted to. Then, while in recovery from surgery, he travelled to a cottage on the Atlantic coast and thought again about life and the people who had profoundly affected him over the years: mentors, loves and old friends.…
Find out more »MUSIC: Karan Casey
Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey celebrates the release of her new album Nine Apples of Gold. The album is an ode to the natural world featuring the songbirds of Portglenone, the moon, conversations from the grave, returning to the wild, listening for the cuckoo as she sleeps. Joined by Sean Óg Graham and Niamh Dunne she will be singing songs from the new album as well as from her extensive back catalogue. Singing songs charged with a sense of social responsibility…
Find out more »CINEMA: Vengeance
Vengeance, the directorial debut from writer and star B.J. Novak (The Office), is a darkly comic thriller about Ben Manalowitz, a journalist and podcaster who travels from New York City to West Texas to investigate the death of a girl he was hooking up with. With an ensemble cast that includes Issa Rae, Ashton Kutcher, Boyd Holbrook, J. Smith-Cameron and Dove Cameron. Directed by B.J. Novak | 107 mins | Cert 15A https://youtu.be/hRZE9W7zWIs
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Music & Sensory Play with Catherine Hartnett
Music and sensory play class for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years and parents in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Toddlers will be given the opportunity to learn through music, movement and play, and explore different textures and sounds. This class, led by music teacher Catherine Hartnett promotes adult-child interaction as well as interactions between children. Dance, sing, listen, learn and play with musical instruments, scarves, mirrors, parachutes and more! Duration 60 mins Catherine Hartnett is a music teacher with…
Find out more »VISUAL ART: Taking Care – Kildare Municipal Art Collection
Come along and explore artwork from Kildare’s Municipal Art Collection (MAC). The collection normally displayed in public buildings across the county, has been revisited, and a selection of work has been especially curated for this exhibition. A series of accompanying talks are planned to offer insights into the artworks and their makers, as together we investigate our county’s Municipal Art Collection. Kildare’s MAC was established through the Architects Department in the 1970s. Since that time, the Arts Service have continued…
Find out more »THEATRE: The Wrens by Dan Colley
An odd collection of tricksters live in the gorse bushes at the edge of the town. They’re best left alone, the townsfolk say. We’ve nothing to do with them. What they don’t say is; except the odd healing spell, love cure, hair-cut, or to burn them out of their nests once a year. This magic-realist piece for audiences aged 8+ is a poignant, funny, and wildly speculative interpretation of history and myths. A new piece from Dan Colley (A Very…
Find out more »CINEMA: The Rose Maker
Eve was once a champion rose grower, but after years without a big success her business is on the verge of collapse. She reluctantly starts to consider selling to a successful competitor. In a last-ditch effort to save their livelihoods, Eve’s secretary Rosa brings on three inexperienced workers to help out. Despite her initial hostility to the idea, the new arrivals soon inspire Eve to give rose-designing one last shot… A charming and witty comedy-drama, The Rose Maker is a…
Find out more »IFI SCHOOL SCREENING: Mediterraneo: The Law of the Sea / Mediterráneo
As he learns of the growing humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Mediterranean Sea, Spanish lifeguard Òscar Camps decides to head to the Greek island of Lesbos along with his reluctant colleague Gerard. Once on the island, they’re faced with the enormity of the situation. With limited resources, the pair struggle to do what they can to help the continued stream of people arriving, working against determined people smugglers and inert local coastguards. Contains dramatised scenes of rescue from refugee crisis…
Find out more »MUSIC: The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh
The Illegals return to Riverbank with their ever-popular, classic-rock revue. Every year, The Illegals delve deeper into the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac back-catalogues to keep their dynamic live show fresh but familiar to packed venues throughout Ireland. This year sees Niamh and the band belting out a superb set from the Big Two and ‘connected’ others from the West Coast sound. Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on a…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Design Manga Characters with Amy Louise O’ Callaghan
Seen in Pokémon, Studio Ghibli films and much more, Japanese manga and anime is well-known for its particular style, including big, expressive eyes, creative hairstyles and playful character design. In this introductory workshop, participants will be shown how to draw “anime” style, including heads and faces, different expressions and colouring tips. In the end, they will be able to draw themselves as an anime character. Duration: 60 minutes, suitable for 7-9 years
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Manga Comic Book Workshop with Amy Louise O’Callaghan
Comics and manga are a fun and creative way to tell a story, exercising your skills in both drawing and writing. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to the world of comics, including character design, idea generation and storytelling, as well as how to use panels, sound effects and other useful tips for telling your story, with the aim to create a simple 1-2-page comic. Duration: 90 mins, suitable for 10-12 years.
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: Belle
Suzu is a 17-year-old high school student living in a rural village with her father. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. One day, she enters “U,” a virtual world of 5 billion members on the internet. There, she is not Suzu anymore but Belle, a world-famous singer. She soon meets with a mysterious creature. Together, they embark on a journey of adventures, challenges and love, in their quest of becoming who they truly are. Directed by Mamoru…
Find out more »May 2023
SCHOOLS: KYT Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Featuring a cast of young people from Kildare schools who are studying the play. They are joined by young volunteers from abroad, making it a truly multicultural production. Kildare Youth Theatre is a project of Crooked House Theatre Company. Each May we stage a play by Shakespeare, usually the text that is prescribed for current 5th years for their Leaving Certificate. This production emphasises the zealous nature of Hamlet’s quest to be the ‘scourge and minister’ of the age. He is…
Find out more »YOUTH THEATRE: Kildare Youth Theatre Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Featuring a cast of young people from Kildare schools who are studying the play. They are joined by young volunteers from abroad, making it a truly multicultural production. Kildare Youth Theatre is a project of Crooked House Theatre Company. Each May we stage a play by Shakespeare, usually the text that is prescribed for current 5th years for their Leaving Certificate. This production emphasises the zealous nature of Hamlet’s quest to be the ‘scourge and minister’ of the age. He is…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: KYT Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Featuring a cast of young people from Kildare schools who are studying the play. They are joined by young volunteers from abroad, making it a truly multicultural production. Kildare Youth Theatre is a project of Crooked House Theatre Company. Each May we stage a play by Shakespeare, usually the text that is prescribed for current 5th years for their Leaving Certificate. This production emphasises the zealous nature of Hamlet’s quest to be the ‘scourge and minister’ of the age. He is…
Find out more »YOUTH THEATRE: Kildare Youth Theatre Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Featuring a cast of young people from Kildare schools who are studying the play. They are joined by young volunteers from abroad, making it a truly multicultural production. Kildare Youth Theatre is a project of Crooked House Theatre Company. Each May we stage a play by Shakespeare, usually the text that is prescribed for current 5th years for their Leaving Certificate. This production emphasises the zealous nature of Hamlet’s quest to be the ‘scourge and minister’ of the age. He is…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: KYT Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Featuring a cast of young people from Kildare schools who are studying the play. They are joined by young volunteers from abroad, making it a truly multicultural production. Kildare Youth Theatre is a project of Crooked House Theatre Company. Each May we stage a play by Shakespeare, usually the text that is prescribed for current 5th years for their Leaving Certificate. This production emphasises the zealous nature of Hamlet’s quest to be the ‘scourge and minister’ of the age. He is…
Find out more »YOUTH THEATRE: Kildare Youth Theatre Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Featuring a cast of young people from Kildare schools who are studying the play. They are joined by young volunteers from abroad, making it a truly multicultural production. Kildare Youth Theatre is a project of Crooked House Theatre Company. Each May we stage a play by Shakespeare, usually the text that is prescribed for current 5th years for their Leaving Certificate. This production emphasises the zealous nature of Hamlet’s quest to be the ‘scourge and minister’ of the age. He is…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Sean-Nós Workshop with Inni-K
Join Eithne Ní Chatháin (Inni-K) for this interactive, fun 1.5 hour workshop in sean-nós and traditional singing, where Eithne will teach two songs - one in Irish and one in English in her characteristic informal, welcoming and informative manner. No previous experience required. Lyrics will be provided. Fáilte roimh gach éinne / Everyone welcome. Note: Ní gá Gaeilge líofa a bheith agat le páirt a ghlacadh, ach suim a bheith agat sa teanga agus in amhrán a fhoghlaim / Fluency in Irish…
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