Wednesday 15 October 2014

Cuisle Limerick City International Poetry Festiva

Cuisle
This year Cuisle Limerick City International Poetry Festival celebrates its twentieth anniversary with a special five day run, October 15 to 19, 2014.

Some of Ireland's best loved and most celebrated poets will join guests from their sister festivals across Europe. A special series of 'Poetry in Public Places' events honours Limerick City of Culture 2014. Cuisle establishes Limerick City as a centre of excellence for poetry locally, nationally, and internationally. Cuisle are delighted to host important figures from the world of contemporary poetry, including Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Macdara Woods, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, and Paddy Bushe. Newer names like Ed O’Dwyer and Caleb Brennan light the way for the next generation. Special guests John Davies and Sam Riviere from the UK join celebrated European poets Iztok Osojnik and Veronika Dintinjana.

The Cuisle Festival includes writing workshops, an open mic night, special tributes to Samuel Beckett, and the launch of the annual Stony Thursday Book, this year edited by Peter Sirr. Additionally, Tim Cunningham will launch his new poetry volume. There is a substantial education programme, including readings and workshops for schools. Poets Geraldine Mitchell, Conor O'Callaghan, Tom French, and Bridget Wallace round out the roster.

The 'Poetry in Public Places' initiative has four components. For "A Door Into The Dark" a dozen artists from Limerick Printmakers responded to the work of poets who have previously read at Cuisle. The resulting work is installed along Patrick Street. "Ghost Sonata" has been specially created by Mark Whelan. It consists of one long poem written on the windows of Roches Street. In cooperation with RTÉ Lyric FM, "Poems on the Air" places recordings both on the airwaves and in various retail spaces. Finally, Shedman will bring his famous travelling shed to Limerick. As he tells us: "My shed is very accessible. Anyone can come in to tell me their shed stories, to bring anecdotes and poems, pictures and photos, recollections and fantasies." A popular favourite!

The poetry of Samuel Beckett is a special feature of Saturday's festival. At 4pm join Cuisle for "Roundelay", a staged reading by the Fourfront Poets, previously featured in both Ireland and the UK. At 7pm Gerry Dukes will talk on Beckett, followed by noted actor Barry McGovern performing Beckett's poetry for stage. Not to be missed!

Lunchtime readings will be scheduled Thursday and Friday at 1pm (Sunday at 3pm) in the intimate surround of the Captain's Room at the Hunt Museum. Evening readings are located at 69 O'Connell St., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm.

All events are ticketed, on the door, at an accessible €5. For the complete schedule and more information, including contributor bios and photos, please visit www.cuisle.org.

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