April 2023
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…
Find out more »MUSIC: Inni-K
“One of the most acclaimed voices in the extraordinary revival of traditional and folk music we have witnessed in recent years.” RTÉ Radio 1, Arena Inni-K’s music draws on her extensive background in folk and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories. Her original song-writing (The Hare & the Line 2019 and The King has Two Horse’s Ears 2015), combines ethereal vocals with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics and a unique approach to song-writing. Inni-K’s highly celebrated…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Fighting Words Creative Writing Workshop – Secondary School
Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge is the Kildare Partner of Fighting Words. We present creative writing workshops for primary and secondary schools. Fighting Words workshops are always free of charge to the participants. Upcoming Fighting Words Workshops for Secondary School: Monday 8th May, 10:30am Monday 22nd May, 10:30am These workshops will be conducted in our venue by an experienced Fighting Words tutor, Pierina Campbell, and supported by 2-3 volunteers from Riverbank’s Fighting Words team. The workshop will last 2 hours and…
Find out more »CINEMA: Armageddon Time
New York City, 1980. Paul is a middle-class Jewish-American boy who dreams of being an artist, much to the disapproval of his strict parents Esther and Irving. As a new school year starts, Paul befriends Johnny - the only Black student in his class. Their friendship solidifies as they repeatedly find themselves getting into trouble at school. However, both boys learn difficult lessons about inequality and privilege when social workers come searching for Johnny. James Gray’s (The Lost City of…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Music & Sensory Play with Catherine Harnett
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 »THEATRE: Country and Irish by Patrick McCabe
Peter Gowen takes the lead in Patrick McCabe’s Beckett-esque one-man show. Meet Donie Burris who overcomes his troubles (which include his treacherous girlfriend, his overbearing Mum and the Midford Mafia) by imagining himself as “The star of his own gangster movie”. Country and Irish is essentially the story of a man at the end of his tether who sets out to tell a story like no other; none you’ve ever heard before. Directed by Conor Hanratty, McCabe’s triumphant theatrical display has…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Maeve Clancy Artist Talk
Join artist Maeve Clancy for this illustrated talk to learn about how she created her exhibition about the life and work of Newbridge-born crystallographer Kathleen Lonsdale and the accompanying graphic novel. Suitable for 5th & 6th Class Duration: 60 minutes The accompanying exhibition Kathleen Lonsdale runs in our Children’s Gallery until Saturday 1st July, admission free. Guided tours are available and can be booked via the Box Office. For more information about the exhibition please click here. To find out…
Find out more »PANEL DISCUSSION: Finding Form – Selected Works from Kildare’s Municipal Art Collection
A municipal art collection is a body that is in the process of becoming and so, is not easily defined. The works chosen from the collection for the Finding Form’ exhibition echo this feeling of flux, of taking form, the momentary becoming monumental through time, context and medium. This panel will discuss what it means for artists to be part of a municipal collection and what the responsibilities a local authority has regarding purchasing art, display and interpretation of works.…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: StrongWomen Science
StrongWomen Science is a circus science show for children and families starring two women scientists turned circus performers. Aoife Raleigh is an engineer, Maria Corcoran an environmental scientist. Ever wanted to know how you balance a chair on your chin, if you can juggle liquid, or how circus performers eat fire? StrongWomen Aoife and Maria reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks. In a fun, lively and fast-paced family circus performance, find out how jugglers, acrobats and hula hoop…
Find out more »MUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS: Liz Knowles, Niwel Tsumbu & Niall Vallely
Three musicians, multiple traditions and an abundance of talent would be one way to describe the specially curated powerhouse ensemble of Knowles, Tsumbu and Vallely. Liz Knowles - fiddle/hardanger fiddle Niwel Tsumbu - guitar/vocals Niall Vallely - concertina Genre-bending and label-defying would be another, and this trio will immerse listeners in the striking melodies, beautiful harmonies, and deep rhythmic grooves that result from their collaborative onstage joie de vivre. Bringing together stellar hardingfele and fiddle player Liz Knowles from Kentucky, masterfully elegant Congolese…
Find out more »FAMILY: StrongWomen Science
StrongWomen Science is a circus science show for children and families starring two women scientists turned circus performers. Aoife Raleigh is an engineer, Maria Corcoran an environmental scientist. Ever wanted to know how you balance a chair on your chin, if you can juggle liquid, or how circus performers eat fire? StrongWomen Aoife and Maria reveal the scientific secrets behind their astounding tricks. In a fun, lively and fast-paced family circus performance, find out how jugglers, acrobats and hula hoop…
Find out more »COMEDY: Deirdre O’Kane – Demented
Deirdre O'Kane returns to Riverbank Arts Centre with her sell-out show Demented! There’s a point beyond burnout where all you can do is laugh, and funny woman Deirdre O’Kane has well and truly reached it. "Unique star quality." – The Guardian
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Fighting Words Creative Writing Workshop – Primary School
Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge is the Kildare Partner of Fighting Words. We present creative writing workshops for primary and secondary schools. Fighting Words workshops are always free of charge to the participants. Upcoming Fighting Words Workshops for Primary School: Monday 15th May, 10:30am These workshops will be conducted in our venue by an experienced Fighting Words tutor, Pierina Campbell, and supported by 2-3 volunteers from Riverbank’s Fighting Words team. The workshop will last 2 hours and we request that the…
Find out more »CINEMA: The Beasts
French couple Antoine and Olga have fulfilled their lifelong dream of moving to the Galician countryside to set up their own small farm. Their refusal to sell their land to developers has created tensions with their neighbours, local brothers Xan and Loren, who want the development money for a chance at a new life in the city. Tensions boil over after an act of sabotage leads to increasingly tense and violent confrontations between the neighbours. Rodrigo Sorogoyen’s engrossing thriller is…
Find out more »IFI SCHOOL SCREENING: The Path / Der Pfad
Based on the novel by Rüdiger Bertram and inspired by true events, Der Pfad follows 12-year old Rolf, as he flees Nazi terror alongside his father and dog in 1940. Assisted by young Núria, their route to freedom is the Pyrenees Mountain Range across France and Spain. What follows is a gripping yet heartwarming tale that speaks on ever-relevant issues of fleeing war and persecution, as two young people learn to support and rely on one another for help. Junior…
Find out more »Filmore! Interactive Installation
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL EARLY 2024 Filmore! is a transmedia experience consisting of an interactive installation, live performance and online spaces both apparent and otherwise. It tells the story of fictional school Safety Patrol officer Maximus C. Filmore. As to what that story is about it's up to you to decide. You’ll be asked to revisit a past that never really existed as you try to uncover what happened to Filmore and why? It’s a murder mystery…
Find out more »MUSIC: Max Zanga presents Filmore! – Live Music Performance
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL EARLY 2024 Max Zanga of Tebi Rex is back with his alter ego Filmore! and he's coming for your sanity. High energy and experimental punk music that’s sporadic in nature but brings with it a cathartic release. Filmore! is the moniker of Irish singer, songwriter, rapper and visual artist Max Zanga, leaning into the absurdity of the world today with a strong focus on power and violence using immersive storytelling throughout his music.…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Fighting Words Creative Writing Workshop – Secondary School
Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge is the Kildare Partner of Fighting Words. We present creative writing workshops for primary and secondary schools. Fighting Words workshops are always free of charge to the participants. Upcoming Fighting Words Workshops for Secondary School: Monday 8th May, 10:30am Monday 22nd May, 10:30am These workshops will be conducted in our venue by an experienced Fighting Words tutor, Pierina Campbell, and supported by 2-3 volunteers from Riverbank’s Fighting Words team. The workshop will last 2 hours and…
Find out more »CINEMA: Till
Till tells the heart-breaking true story of the historic lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till —for whistling at a white woman in Money, Mississippi in 1955 —through the eyes of his mother Mamie Till-Mobley. Till-Mobley becomes a revolutionary by insisting that the world witness the horror of her brutally maimed son’s body in an open casket viewing as an act of defiance against oppression and hate. Told from her perspective and experience Till is a compelling drama exploring a mother’s audacity…
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: Far East Sounds
Far East Sounds is an interactive and immersive performance featuring works that meld the distinctly different musical languages and cultures of east and west, especially the sound world of the Balinese Gamelan. An interactive video installation projects the richness and biodiverse sounds from the natural landscape of South East Asia, enveloping the performance space. This installation plays an equal role with the performers on stage, prompting musical dialogues, and draws the audience into a realm filled with wild resonances. Performed by…
Find out more »Bealtaine Concert: With a Little Help From My Friends
Past Times Community Choir and Voices of Spring will combine forces for this celebration of friendship and song to mark Bealtaine Festival 2023. Join the choirs as they take you on a musical journey from the 1800’s right up to the 1960’s, presenting the work of Burt Bacharach, The Beatles, Perry Como and lots more along the way. Supported by Kildare County Council Arts Service. Based in Naas and Celbridge respectively, Past Times and Voices of Spring are two large…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Finding Form Workshop with Vera McEvoy
We invite you for an evening of investigation and creative play with artist Vera McEvoy. Inspired by the exhibition Finding Form - Selected Works from Kildare's Municipal Art Collection, this workshop will explore the concept of ‘finding form’ in a fun, engaging way. Vera will lead participants in creating tactile forms with clay, fabric, sticks and mixed media. Reflecting on how meaning is given to materials through human interaction. This workshop is aimed at adults with a sense of curiosity, and…
Find out more »MUSIC: Lisa Lambe – NightVisiting
Songs and stories from the hearth with Lisa Lambe Based on her work with the National Folklore Collection and her recent M.A in Irish Folklore, internationally acclaimed Irish folk singer Lisa Lambe brings us her new project NightVisiting, first commissioned by The National Famine Museum in Strokestown, County Roscommon. NightVisiting reconnects us to the social role that night time social house visits once played in our oral traditions and folklore, and in the preservation of our songs and stories from tender love…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: 4-Panel Comic Workshop with Kate Escolin
There are hidden storytellers among us! But many kids have the same dilemma that professional writers face when confronted by a blank sheet of paper- “I don’t know what to write!” Encouraging kids to write is no easy feat. What makes comics a great fit for young storytellers is that they require only a few simple things to get started: a pencil, paper, and a basic understanding of important comic elements. A four panel comic strip is like a fun…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Zines are Cool! with Kate Escolin
A whizz-bang introduction into zines, the little booklets that could. In this 90 minute workshop you’ll be learning to make your own 8 page folded zine, bringing your own idea to life. Discover the world of zine making. Zine (like magazine) is a handmade publication or mini book that you make yourself with a focus on being low cost to make, produce and can be about almost anything. If you know about it, you can make a zine about it.…
Find out more »THEATRE: John B. Keane’s The Matchmaker – POSTPONED
***POSTPONED*** Our Box Office staff will be contact with all bookers. One of Ireland's leading dramatic actresses Norma Sheahan joins Jon Kenny (who was part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt) for John B. Keane's The Matchmaker. 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 his inimitable way with words and his sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Newbridge Drama Group Presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Newbridge Drama Group are delighted to return to Riverbank Arts Centre to present Oscar Wilde's best loved play this Summer - filled as it is with sparkling comedy, both in words and situation. The language, which is sometimes drily acidic and at other times startlingly apt, combined with absurd and hilarious situations make this play an unforgettable and heart-warming experience. The director is blessed with a superb cast for this wonderful play and all involved are looking forward to doing…
Find out more »June 2023
LOCAL ARTS: Newbridge Drama Group Presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Newbridge Drama Group are delighted to return to Riverbank Arts Centre to present Oscar Wilde's best loved play this Summer - filled as it is with sparkling comedy, both in words and situation. The language, which is sometimes drily acidic and at other times startlingly apt, combined with absurd and hilarious situations make this play an unforgettable and heart-warming experience. The director is blessed with a superb cast for this wonderful play and all involved are looking forward to doing…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Newbridge Drama Group Presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Newbridge Drama Group are delighted to return to Riverbank Arts Centre to present Oscar Wilde's best loved play this Summer - filled as it is with sparkling comedy, both in words and situation. The language, which is sometimes drily acidic and at other times startlingly apt, combined with absurd and hilarious situations make this play an unforgettable and heart-warming experience. The director is blessed with a superb cast for this wonderful play and all involved are looking forward to doing…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Newbridge Drama Group Presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Newbridge Drama Group are delighted to return to Riverbank Arts Centre to present Oscar Wilde's best loved play this Summer - filled as it is with sparkling comedy, both in words and situation. The language, which is sometimes drily acidic and at other times startlingly apt, combined with absurd and hilarious situations make this play an unforgettable and heart-warming experience. The director is blessed with a superb cast for this wonderful play and all involved are looking forward to doing…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: June Fest Presents – A Parlour Evening with Friends
All funds raised on the night will go to Newbridge Day Care Centre & Meals on Wheels. Let our local artists entertain you with an evening of music, drama, poetry & song. Featuring local artists Eimear Dempsey, Nicky Keogh, Aoise Dempsey & Stephen Connelly, Frankie Lane, Pud Barrett, Con Cummins, Conor Mahony & Alan Fitzgerald, Roisín McAlinden, Maria McDonald, Mary Linehan and Martin Connelly. Photo credit - Martin Connelly
Find out more »CPD Day with Maeve Clancy
Join artist Maeve Clancy as she hosts a CPD day at Riverbank Arts Centre and Newbridge Library where participants will learn how to make a mini-comic, receive an introduction to biographical comics and make their own. Partnering with Kildare County Libraries, this training looks to use techniques from the Kathleen Lonsdale exhibition & book and apply them to any school subject. Participants will research & write their own A3 bio-comic from scratch, using the library services to assist the research.…
Find out more »YOUTH THEATRE: The Indigo Collective by Kildare Youth Theatre
The Indigo Collective is a group of young people from Kildare who made theatre about LGBTQI+ identity. They met weekly since January, exploring issues that concern them, and using narrative and theatre-making forms developed by artists Peter Hussey and Casey Hallahan. The performance forms part of an international project called Prism created by Crooked House Theatre. All week young people from around Europe are meeting to make theatre and explore how to be in solidarity with other young people from…
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