What's On

Irish Film Institue in collaboration with Goethe Institut Irland Neukölln Unlimited

Filmed educational screenings for schools

Thursday 9th February | 11.30am | Free

TY / Senior German

Lial, Hassan and Maradona Akkouch are talented street dancers and musicians who live in Berlin’s Neukölln district. Becoming increasingly well known, they also live in fear of deportation to Lebanon as their residency status is still unresolved, although they have lived in Germany for 18 years. Lial and Hassan decide to use their talents to support the family but Maradona gets increasingly in trouble, putting himself even more at risk.

This is a wonderful and hard-hitting documentary about a family’s struggle for the right to stay in their adoptive country.         Study guide available.

Germany ● 2010 ● Documentary ● 96 mins ● cert: 15+

Roscommon Revealed

Produced & Direced by Ronan Carley

Friday 10th February | 8pm | SOLD OUT | Free Screening

All tickets for this event have been allocated. This event has now reached full capacity.

Motivated by a desire to avoid treading the well-worn Irish tourist trails, he opts for the path less travelled by many as he seeks to explore a county, often termed “the undiscovered heart of Ireland ”.  Join him on his interesting and action-packed itinerary as he goes clay-pipe making in Knockcroghery, “Ming”-ling in Castlerea, crawling into historical caves in Rathcroghan, high-rope walking in Boyle, horse-racing in Roscommon, fishing on Lough Key and so much more!  

This documentary-film, produced and directed by Roscommon native Ronan Carley provides a  very unique snapshot of life in the county early in the new millennium and takes you on a journey like no other- to the very heart of the county of Roscommon. Running Time: 98 minutes

Blue Raincoat Theatre Company Rhinoceros

by Eugene Ionesco

Wednesday 15th February | 8pm | €16 / €14 | Special Early Bird (first 50 Tickets Reserved): €10

A searing and bleakly funny study on the human nature, “Rhinoceros” is amongst the most striking and enduring commentaries on social frailty and group hysteria from the 20th century. “Rhinoceros” is the story the citizens of a small town who – bar one tardy and disaffected drop-out - turn into a herd of rampaging rhinoceroses. Can Beranger cling to the scraps of his humanity when the town logician, the grocer, the ubiquitous old lady and even his closest friend Jean, begin sprouting horns and turning a distasteful shade of grey.   

Sligo-based ensemble Blue Raincoat has enjoyed massive popularity throughout Ireland in recent years, with a series of new adaptations on the works of Flann O’Brien, “The Third Policeman” and “At Swim-Two-Birds”, and with two other works by Ionesco “The Chairs” and “The Bald Soprano”. With this new production they continue with their acclaimed catalogue of travels through the realms of the absurd.

Roscommon County Youth Theatre presents The Railway Children

Directed by Catherine Sheridan

Friday 17th - Saturday 18th February | 8pm | €10/€7

With an ensemble cast of 25 Roscommon County Youth Theatre presents The Railway Children adapted to a stage play by Mike Kenny, based on the novel of the same name by novelist E. Nesbit.

The story follows the adventures of the Waterbury children, who are forced to move with their mother from a luxurious Edwardian villa in the London suburbs to "Three Chimneys", a house near the fictional 'Great Northern and Southern Railway' in the Yorkshire, as the father who works at the Foreign office, has been imprisoned as a result of being falsely accused of selling state secrets to the Russians.

The three children, find amusement in watching the trains on the nearby railway line and waving to the passengers. After many adventures, they attempt to discover the reason for his disappearance.

Conal Gallen

Saturday 25th February | 8pm | €25

The King of Comedy akes a welcome return to Roscommon with plenty of promises to brighten up our lives.

A hugely popular performer, Conal returns in spring right off the back of a sold-out show in November. Tickets are already on sale and make the perfect Christmas present for that someone on your life who needs a good ol' belly laugh!

in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute Inside I'm Dancing

Filmed Educational screenings for schools

Wednesday 29th February | 11.30am | Free

Senior English

Rory O’Shea is a rebellious and dynamic young man who motivates Michael, a fellow resident at the nursing home they are both live in, to experience the world outside, despite their disability. With a brilliant performance by James McAvoy (“Atonement”, “The Last King of Scotland”), Damien O’Donnell’s film is an inspiring look at the power of friendship and self-belief. A very popular Leaving Certificate Comparative study title.

Ireland/UK• 1999 • Drama • 104 mins • Director: Damien O’Donnell

Roscommon Drama Festival 2012

Friday 2nd - Saturday 10th March | 8pm nightly | €14/€12

Roscommon Drama Festival is now a much-anticipated part of the spring programme at the arts centre. Featuring nine nights of the very best in local amateur drama from the length and breadth of the country. Scroll down to see more details on each production throughout this year's festival.

Kilrush Drama Group The Lonesome West

by Martin McDonagh

Friday 2nd March | 8pm | €14/€12

Part of the Leenane Trilogy, "The Lonesome West" tells of the frustration of a young alcoholic priest striving to reconcile two middle aged, feuding brothers. He also has to ward off the romantic advances of the young girleen in a parish he calls the crime capital of Europe. Martin McDonagh’s ability to mix hilarious comedy with violence and dark moods makes him one of today’s most popular playrights.

Nenagh Players Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

by Jeffrey Hatcher

Saturday 3rd March | 8pm | €14/€12

A new version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. On the fog-bound streets of Victorian-era London, Henry Jekyll’s experiments with exotic powders and tinctures have brought forth his other self, Edward Hyde, a sensualist and villain, free to commit the sins Jekyll is too civilized to contemplate. When Hyde meets a woman who stirs his interest, Jekyll fears for her life and decides to end his experiments. But Hyde has other ideas, and so the two sides battle each other in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse to determine who shall be the master and who his slave.

Prosperous Dramatic Society Deadline

by Robert Massey

Sunday 4th March | 8pm | €14/€12

"Deadline" is a hilarious comedy drama set in the cut throat of the Celtic tiger era of big business. It follows the fierce rivalry of two salesmen as they compete to win the biggest incentive the company has ever offered. We see just how low they are prepared go to win!  

“Fantastic, witty & brilliant” - The View, RTE

“Deadline is a very, very funny play” - Sunday Independent

Compantas Lir The Curious Savage

by John Patrick

Monday 5th March | 8pm | €14/€12

A warm-hearted comedy about a woman whose husband recently died and left her ten million dollars. Her step-children feel she is spending the money foolishly and when they cannot get their hands on the money, commit her to a sanatorium with the hope of bringing her to her senses. Inside she meets a group of social misfits who become her friends, and as she is introduced to their world she finds herself reluctant to leave. While the mood is high comedy, this is a heart-warming tale, with bittersweet laughter that draws you in and makes you, like Mrs Savage, reluctant to leave!

Estuary Players Three Days of Rain

by Richard Greenburg

Tuesday 6th March | 8pm | €14/€12

"Three Days of Rain" was short listed for the Pulitzer Prize in 1998.This beautiful play keeps us in suspense until the very end. The three characters play dual roles while they bring this absorbing and truly memorable story to fruition. An intelligent and timeless look into the constant struggle to understand and accept the ways in which the events of the past create the shape of the present.

This is Estuary Players' from Baldoyle, Dublin first visit to Roscommon Drama Festival. They won the All-Ireland in 2008 with "The Price" by Arthur Miller and again in 2009 with Guirgis’ "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot".

The Cripple of Inishmaan

By Martin McDonagh

Wednesday 7th March | 8pm | €14/€12

"The Cripple of Inishmaan" is a strange comic tale in the great tradition of Irish storytelling. This story revolves around a young cripple named Billy Claven who wants to leave the island. A Hollywood film crew shows up on the neighbouring island, and Billy sees his chance to escape. Billy goes with the film crew to the United States only to learn that it is not everything he dreamed it would be. This is a break-your-heart, cruelly funny play.

Glenamaddy Players The Odd Couple

by Neil Simon

Thursday 8th March | 8pm | €14/€12

First produced in New York in 1965, Neil Simon’s "The Odd Couple" has had many successful theatre runs internationally, garnered Tony awards among others, and spawned a much loved film and TV series. This is a revised version of the play, written in 1985, by Simon for a female cast. Best friends and polar opposites Olive Madison and Florence Unger are the mismatched roommates. The guys of the original are now the girls and the weekly poker game has been swapped for an evening of Trivial Pursuits. Comedy ensues when homemaker, clean-freak and health conscious Flo moves in with the lackadaisical, devil-may-care Olive. Enter into the fray the uproarious Costazuela brothers and Friday night friends, Vera, Renee, Sylvie and Mickey and what ensues is a laugh-a-minute evening’s entertainment!

Kilmeen Drama Group The Weir

by Conor McPherson

Friday 9th March | 8pm | €14/€12

"The Weir" depicts an evening at a small bar, located on a farm in rural Ireland, where the proprietor, three other local men, and a woman new to the area meet, drink and tell stories. The banter consists of friendly local talk and gossip that is uneventful in itself, but overall reveals the characters’ isolation and the figurative ghosts that haunt them.

Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group By The Bog of Cats

by Marina Carr

Saturday 10th March | 8pm | €14/€12

Set in rural Ireland, "By the Bog of Cats" is an uncompromising tale of abandonment and shocking self-sacrifice. Hester Swane is a woman born of gypsies and tied to the bleak landscape where she has lived her whole life. Her lover, Carthage Kilbride, with whom she has a young daughter, is about to be married to another woman who will bring him land, wealth and respect. Discarded and ignored, Hester sets out with a reckless fervour to reclaim the life that she had.

in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute Catfish

Filmed Educational screenings for schools

Wednesday 14th March | 11.30am | Free

Transition Year

Filmmakers Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost sense a story unfolding as they begin to film the life of Ariel’s brother, Nev. They have no idea that their project will lead to the most exhilarating and unsettling months of their lives as they unravel an intriguing Facebook mystery.A reality thriller that is a shocking product of our times, Catfish is a riveting story of love, deception and grace within a labyrinth of online intrigue.

USA/ 2010/Documentary /84 mins / Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman / Cert: 12

in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute Tomboy

Filmed Educational screenings for schools

Wednesday 28th March | 11.30am | Free

Senior French

Tomboy is a brave coming of age story that explores the period between childhood and adolescent.  It takes a tender and intelligent look at issues of adolescent sexuality and gender identity and acceptance.

Macra na Feirme Amateur Drama National Semi Finals

Saturday 31st March - Sunday 1st April | 8pm | €10 | Two Night Value Ticket:€15

The 2012 Regional Finals of the Macra Na Feirme Amateur Drama finals are hosted this year by Roscommon County Executive. Six clubs from the North West and Midlands will compete for two places in the National Finals.

Roscommon Macra Clubs have a strong presence in this competition with National success from Tarmonbarry and Knockcroghery in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Tarmonbarry were also National Runner-up's from 2008-10. Two excellent night's of entertainment are in store, with the results announced on Sunday night.

Frankie Gavin & De Dannan

Friday 13th April | 8pm | €20 / €18

Frankie Gavin & De Dannan' are currently in the middle of a 32 county tour of Ireland which will see the band perform in a variety of venues and locations which would not ordinarily play host to such a well known band or in some cases events of this type. In a move which Frankie Gavin states is largely motivated by the bands wish to "lift the hearts of the Irish people during this extraordinary economic climate in Ireland" the band will for the most part bring its music to local communities throughout Ireland.

Frankie Gavin is one of the genuine legends of Irish music and in September he entered the Guinness World Records as the fastest fiddle player in the world. 'De Dannan' has been responsible over many years for bringing some of Ireland's immensely talented traditional performers to the world stage and in the word's of Rob Fraboni, Producer of 'The Last Waltz'; 'the current line up tops them all'.

The current 'De Dannan' ensemble is led by Frankie Gavin on fiddle, flutes & whistles with Barry Brady on accordian, Eric Cunningham on percussion, flutes & whistles, Mike Galvin on bouzouki & guitars and Michelle Lally on vocals. A new album featuring the most recent 'De Dannan' line up, entitled 'Jigs, Reels & Rock 'n' Roll', which includes a guest appearance by Ronnie Wood of the 'Rolling Stones' was released on September 23rd 2010 and currently features on the Irish album charts. 

in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute Brendan and the Secret of Kells

Filmed Educational screenings for schools

Tuesday 17th April | 11.30am | Free

Primary

A wonderful animation in which adventure, action and danger await 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. Overcoming his deepest fears, he must embark on a secret quest that takes him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. With the terrifying Viking Hordes closing in, will Brendan succeed in his quest to illuminate the darkness and prove that enlightenment is the best fortification against barbarians?

Belgium/Ireland/France • 2009 • Animation • 75 mins • Director: Tomm Moore • PG

Catherine Donnelly presents Monster Dance Off

Saturday 28th April | 3pm | €3

Check out the 'Workshops and Classes' page for more details on the "Monster Mash Up" series.

Roscommon branch of Peelo School of Dance presents Dance Fusion

Monday 30th April - Tuesday 1st May | 7pm (please note earlier start time. No Latercomers admitted) | €12

Performed by the pupils of the Roscommon branch of The Peelo School of Dance, “Dance Fusion” is a wonderful show incorporating all forms of dance offered by the Peelo School including ballet, hip hop, musical theatre and tap.

The Crossing | Gabhann Dunne

Friday 20th January - Friday 9th March | viewing during centre opening hours | access to the gallery is free

"Things separate from their stories have no meaning. They are only shapes.” (Taken from “The Crossing” by Cormac MacCarthy, Picador, 1994).

 “The Crossing” illustrates Gabhann Dunne’s capacity to tell a captivating story through the medium of paint. Cerulean tones enchant, bidding the viewer to explore the underlying tale that this artist delicately treads through his work.  Exploring the tradition of the romantic landscape Dunne considers marginalisation as it occurs in the animal world and it’s reflection on humanity.   

Gabhann Dunne studied fine art in the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and recently completed a Master of Fine Art at The National College of Art and Design (NCAD).  He is the 2011 RDS Taylor Art Award winner and has in the past won the Craig Hennessey Scholarship award and the Whytes Award for his entry to the 2009 Royal Hibernian Academy’s Annual Show.  

This is a touring exhibition curated by VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art, Carlow.

Illustrations to "The Stories of Red Hanrahan"

Friday 16th March - Thursday 26th April | viewing during centre opening hours | access to the gallery is free

This small exhibition of McGuinness’ illustrations to William Butler Yeats’ “The Stories of Red Hanrahan and the Secret Rose” (1905) will mark just the second time that these works have been exhibited publicly in many years. Born in Derry in 1903, Norah McGuinness studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, and later in Paris under the Cubist, André Lhote (1885 – 1962). A student when she first met W.B. Yeats in 1920s Dublin, she was just 22 when she designed a production of his play “The Only Jealousy of Emer”. Yeats was so impressed with Norah’s work that he later invited her to illustrate his version of “The Stories of Red Hanrahan and the Secret Rose” (1905).

Overall, McGuinness’ collaboration with Yeats was a success, showing us how image and text relationships, particularly during the Irish Cultural Revival, became transformed into one mode of Irish modernism. By obtaining this commission, McGuinness had not only proven that her modernist drawing style was suitable for Ireland’s most esteemed poet, but she was also guaranteed that the publication would be widely distributed. The suite of drawings has recently undergone some moderate conservation work, a project which was made possible under the Heritage Council Grants Programme.

This exhibition is presented in collaboration with The Model, Sligo.

for schools and visual arts interest groups Visual Art Tour and Workshop Programme

throughout the spring season | Workshops must be pre-booked through the arts centre box office | Free

The very popular series of gallery tours and workshops continue in spring with Boyle-based artist Linda Shevlin. Open to all visual art interest groups, school groups, active retirement groups, groups of friends and just about anyone else young or old, who are interested in learning more about the work on show in our gallery. The free informal tours of the exhibitions aim to create opportunities for people to learn and engage with the work in an informal, relaxed and fun setting.

Tours are followed by a free workshop, where you have a chance to get creative and form your very own artwork, using some of the methods and inspirations similar to those used by the artist in the exhibition. Experiment, engage and explore using easily accessible materials to develop your own individual/group artwork.  The free tour and workshop programme is suitable for all ages and experiences. Each tour and workshop runs for approximately 1½ hours. Limited spaces are available and groups must pre-book through the box office. Early booking is strongly advised. 

Thursday 2nd February  |  11am & 1pm               

Thursday 23rd February  |  11am & 1pm

Tour and workshop focuses on the work of artist Gabhann Dunne  

Thursday 22nd March  | 11am & 1pm                

Image: Alice Maher, Beautiful Mouth, 2006, Cast Bronze Sculpture

Roscommon County Youth Theatre

Sundays | 2.30pm

Roscommon County Youth Theatre is currently taking a break for the summer holidays and will return in autumn to meet every Sunday afternoon at the arts centre. If you are 14 or over and wish to take part in weekly workshops in improvisation, dance, percussion, characterisation, physical theatre, set design, street theatre and much much more, then why not sign up today.

Contact Catherine Simon, Director, Roscommon Youth Theatre on 086 8747024 or Roscommon County Arts Office 090 6637285.

with Kristy Verenga Yoga

Tuesdays | 6.45pm | €75/term

Kristy Verenga's yoga class continue in autumn 2011. Early booking through the box office is strongly advised as places tend to fill up quickly.

The ancient practise of yoga is a complete approach to a healthy system, restoring vitality to the body, mind and spirit. In these classes learn how yoga poses and breathing exercises benefit the circulatory system, remove stiffness and inertia from the body and assist in slowing down and reversing the aging process. Yoga is not just for women: worldwide 3.5 million men work out with yoga and you should too! Kristy Verenga is a certified instructor of Integral yoga with over 25 years of experience. Early booking is strongly advised as classes tend to fill quickly.

Term 1: Tue 17th January - 20th March      

Term 2: Tue 27th March - 29th May

€75/Term

John Wynne Tin Whistle & Flute Classes

for children & teenagers

Tuesdays from 5.30pm

Talented musician and tutor John Wynne specialises in the north Connaught flute style and has won All-Ireland titles at various grades on both flute and tin whistle. He is a regular tutor of groups and individuals of all ages and he teaches at workshops, music schools and festivals home and abroad. John’s classes at the arts centre for ages 7+, which have proven very popular since beginning a few years ago, are specifically designed to be small enough to ensure that each individual gets individual attention. All newcomers in both tin whistle and flute will be catered for.

with Catherine Donnelly Elderberries Dance Ensemble

Wednesdays | 11am | €6 / class

Dance your cares away with another season of the ever-popular Elderberries dance class for over 50s. These sessions of gentle movement and dance are designed to be fun, creative and accessible and include techniques aimed at improving strength, flexibility and balance.  Open to both ladies and gentlemen, Catherine looks forward to welcoming previous students back to pick up some new moves, and explore and develop more of your own.  Class finishes as usual with complimentary tea, biscuits and a chat. Wear comfortable footwear and get ready to have some fun!

Interested in a beginners class? Please contact the box office with your details. A beginners class can be arranged, suject to demand.

Wednesdays 22nd February - 25th April*                

Catherine Donnelly presents Monster Mash Up

Wednesdays until 25th April (no class on 4th & 11th April) | from 2pm | €30

We’re looking for 32 enthusiastic transition year dancers to participate in “Monster Mash Up” an open informal presentation and sharing of choreography created by the participants themselves and inspired by a yet-to-be confirmed music video.  

Split into two groups, the students will work over a 6-week period with dancer and choreographer Catherine Donnelly, to create a dance inspired by pop culture. No previous dance experience is necessary, or even matters, as we want to see people who would love to dance but have never got the chance to do so … before now! This course must be pre-booked by your school in advance.

Maximum 16 students per group and weekly attendance is required. Limited space available so early booking is recommended. 

Wednesday March 7th – 25th April*  

Group 1: 2pm – 3pm 

Group 2: 3pm - 4pm     

*(note: no class on 4th & 11th April)