Take note of them; engaged in merrymaking and perhaps, healing; standing in the brilliant illumination of various stages, intent on embarking on new journeys, reminiscing, and forging ahead. ‘The establishment has evolved, there are no more traditional Fridays and Mondays,’ say the restaurateurs as they fight for existence. The 2 Johnnies, reminiscent of a late-night Tayto sandwich-fed version of Ant and Dec, are now teasing us. ‘See! They are frolicking again. They are fluttering back into the limelight on different platforms. Begining anew. Remembering.’ This paragraph from Scottish Gaelic poet Pàdraig Mac Aoidh’s poem Colmcille, embodies the essence of the IMRAM Irish-Language Literature festival, portraying the artistic and theatric journeys at the heart of our schedule.
Pádraig will be reciting excerpts from his oeuvre at Gloine na Mara; a multi-media poetic presentation exhibiting the top Scottish Gaelic contemporary poetry. His work effectively illustrates detailed imageries of individuals in an array of settings, ranging from monks navigating turbulent waters to a gas cylinder delivery man in a Barcelona apartment block. He will be accompanied by Deborah Moffat, whose verse delves into fables and folklore from South America, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland; Meg Bateman, whose work subtly highlights personal affection and grief against the ominous surroundings of the Scottish Isles; and Marcas Mac an Tuairnear, whose anthology Polaris was lauded by The Scotsman for its ‘astounding polyphony’ and for ‘recounting a history that gives prominence to peripheral and neglected narratives, including the poignant tale of the Jewish community in Scotland’.
These poets will recite their unique Scottish Gaelic poems, with Simon Ó Faoláin presenting translations into Irish carried out by himself and Paddy Bush, to a musical score written and performed by Colm Ó Snodaigh. The presentation will also showcase visual elements from Margaret Lonergan on-screen, featuring the works of photograph Cailean MacGill-Ean from the Outer Hebrides.
The celebrated historical novel, “Flaitheas,” by Donegal-based author Proinsias Mac an Bhaird, is a deep dive into the heart of Ireland 1,500 years ago, accurately capturing its essence, praised by Cathal Póirtéir in his Books Ireland review. A literary celebration of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions, Ó Ghleann go Gleann, features Proinsias amongst a trio of orators. Another reader, Jackie Mac Donncha hails from Connemara and has written a novel, “Oiread na Fríde,” a poignant story of love and guilt amid the Covid-19 crisis. The other featured reader is Catherine Foley, who in her work, “Cúisle an Chósta,” encapsulates the lore and landscapes of the Ring Gaeltacht. Joining them is singer Emma Ní Fhíoruisce from Donegal’s Gaoth Dobhair, whose music reflects traditional local influences interspersed with elements of soul and pop.
Moving on, IMRAM presents its most noteworthy musical initiative of the year, “Sreang Dofheicthe/Invisible String”. The project captivates with the beautiful autumn-winter scenery of Taylor Swift’s albums, “folklore” and “evermore,” both crafted during the 2020 pandemic. The albums stand out for their evocative lyrics and imagery, like the poignant smell of a cardigan or childhood memories of a tree swing in the woods. Swift’s work also speaks to blurred lines between fantasy and reality, with tales morphing into folklore, setting the scene of small-town American life and love. This initiative gives Swift’s work an Irish perspective, with poet Gabriel Rosenstock and Connemara singer Róisín Seoighe translating and performing the songs, with musical group IMLÉ, at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire.
Eithne Ní Ghallchobhair, an esteemed writer hailing from the Donegal Gaeltacht and celebrated for her compelling live storytelling, holds a significant place in Irish language literature largely enriched by folklore. Among her critical successes is the poetic narration of An Craiceann agus a Luach; a mythological tale of a mermaid who ties the knot with a human, after he cunningly pilfers and conceals her magical cloak that is crucial for her return to the aquatic realm. IMRAM is thrilled to bring this book to life through a performance involving Ní Ghallchobhair’s enchanting reading, set against music orchestrated by the highly skilled guitar maestro Steve Cooney, a band comprising the likes of Cormac Breatnach, Billy MagFhloinn, Robbie Perry, Dermot Byrne, and Odhrán Ó Casaide.
Equally important in the canon of modern Irish language literature from the Donegal Gaeltacht is Seosamh Mac Grianna, a master wordsmith. He won immense acclaim for his Irish rendition of Joseph Conrad’s renowned English novel Alymayer’s Folly, which he translated and constructed as Díth Céille Almayer. Mac Grianna’s creative roots are deeply embedded in exploring the solitary human journey into profound darkness. This theme is evident in his peculiar odyssey, Mo Bhealach Féin, of a lone man navigating through the grim, storm-struck mining villages in Wales. His unfinished literary piece Dá mBíodh Ruball ar an Éan (If the Bird Had a Tail) holds immense potential of being the best modern novel comprehensively portraying urban Ireland, were it completed. As it stands, the book intriguingly blends political and ethical mysteries, sketching a world tainted by corruption, budding fascism, deceit, immoral artists, and thoroughly shaded corners of 1930s Dublin. Mac Grianna, during that era, resided in Dublin, continually shifting homes, and made his ends meet by working in journalism and translation. In a special IMRAM lecture at the Teachers Club titled, Léarscail Litríochta, Gearóidín Uí Laighléis will lead us down to Mac Grianna’s Dublin, providing a fresh perspective on Mac Grianna as an individual as well as an author.
The IMRAM festival this year honours the incredible accomplishments of Clíodhna Cussen – a significant personality in the world of Irish cultural arts, known for her exceptional skills in sculpting, painting, writing and poetry. A series of poems, recounting their shared experiences, will be presented by her husband Pádraig Ó Snodaigh from their collaboration, Clochdánta/The poetry of stone. Their sons, Rossa and Colm who are members of the band Kíla, will be providing some musical entertainment. Extracts from Clíodhna’s prose and verse will be recited by Biddy Jenkinson. Other artists and writers featured in this year’s diverse line-up include the flamboyant singer Sexy Tadhg, famous for dramatic live performances; and poets – Rita Kelly, Louis de Paor and Julie Goo. We guarantee an exhilarating journey into the heart of current Irish literature.
Overseeing the IMRAM is Director Liam Carson and it is scheduled to take place from the 7th to 16th of November. For further programme specifics, visit imram.ie.