"Blue" - 2nd weekend for Group Exhibition by Bridge House Artist Collective

"Blue", the 1st group show  by the Bridge House Artists was a resounding success with a packed gallery for the opening night last Friday. Due to public demand, the exhibition will be open to the public again on Saturday 15th from 11 to 6 and Sunday 16th December from 2 to 6.

The guests enjoyed a preview of contemporary art in Dungarvan. The response was overwhelmingly positive to this new venture. Paintings, ceramics, installations and sculpture were on display, all interpreting the theme of "blue" and inviting the viewers to engage with this theme. Performance art was interwoven with the show and the guests were treated to blue cocktails.

The artist collective thanked the people who came and supported the show making it a triumphant first night success. Over the weekend people came to view not only the exhibition but also the artist’s studios.

Building on this success the artists are planning another group show in Summer 2013. People will have another opportunity to view the current show this weekend.

Art Exhibitions At Bridge House, Dungarvan During December

After a very successful second edition of Storytelling Southeast it is now time to put the spotlight on Bridge House. During the festival, readings and storytelling sessions took place in the gallery overlooking Dungarvan Harbour. In 2011 - after the 1st Storytelling Southeast festival - a group of artists shared the ambition to find a home. A place where they could work individually while also explore their artistic expression as part of a group. This grass roots movement took residence in Bridge House, which is now the home of this artist collective and hosts 11 artists; Eileen Singleton, Eamon Gray, Manuela Madeira, Eilís O'Toole, Agnieszka Krym, Rayleen Clancy, Helen Rose Hayes, Eveleen Power, Sinéad Violet, Anne-Marie Le Flohic and Anthony Hayes.

Two exhibitions will now take centre stage in December. Both in the spirit of partnership and exploring through visual arts.

"Surface Tension " - An Exhibition of Irish applied arts
Surface Tension, is an exhibition of applied arts in the Bridge House gallery and is a not to be missed opportunity to see the work of ten of Ireland's most exciting artists. With a mixture of ceramics, textiles, wood turning, jewellery  metalwork and sculpture this is a chance to see and acquire, beautiful, collectable pieces by some award winning artists craftsmen. "Surface Tension" is the first exhibition to be hosted in this gallery since the official launch and opening.

A fitting place to show the rich and intriguing, or poignant and domestic works by textile artists Carol O'Sullivan, Sheila Jordan and Amanda Hogan which are in contrast to the very covetable, strong forms and textures of ceramics by Eileen Singleton and Freda Rupp. These are set against the witty or powerful work of sculptors Eithne Ring, Liam Lavery and Justin Laffin and the clean lines and stunning workmanship of wood turner and sculptor Brendon Hog, alongside the contemporary, elegant and eminently wearable and jewellery of Felix Faulkner.

• 29th November, 6.00 to 8.30 pm
• 30th 10.30 am to 7.00 pm
• 1st December 10.30 am to 6.00 pm

" Blue " - Group Exhibition - Bridge House Artist Collective
"Blue" is the first group show by the Bridge House Artists. This group of locally based artists in the Dungarvan area all have a working studio in Bridge House. This is a unique opportunity to view some of the recent work, visit their studios where the art is produced and meet with the artists. The exhibition opens on the Friday 7th December at 7.30pm. There will be further opportunities to see the show and the artists in residence studios on Saturday 8th December and Sunday 9th December. In 2011 - after the 1st Storytelling Southeast festival - a group of artists shared the ambition to find a home. A place where they could work individually while also explore their artistic expression as part of a group. This grass roots movement took residence in Bridge House, which is now the home of this artist collective and hosts 11
artists; Eileen Singleton, Eamon Gray, Manuela Madeira, Eilís O'Toole, Agnieszka Krym, Rayleen Clancy, Helen Rose Hayes, Eveleen Power, Sinéad Violet, Anne-Marie Le Flohic and Anthony Hayes.

On display are a selection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, installations and performance art all unified by the theme "Blue" in its broadest interpretation.

Exhibition and open studios:

• Friday 7th December at 7.30pm
• Saturday 8th December 11am - 6pm
• Sunday 9th December 2 - 6pm

Don't miss - days 1 and 2 of Storytelling Southeast

Wednesday 26 September

John Ennis

5 pm - Bridge House - Gallery - €5

Acclaimed poet will read from Suibhne Geilt

Documentary by Nemeton TV

6 pm - Bridge House - Blue Box Basement - €5

A selection of documentary films produced by award winning production company 

Nemeton TV, showcasing the narrative of non-fiction film.

Opening Night with Ryland Teifi & Róisín Clancy, Niall de Búrca, Anna Coogan & Daniele Fiaschi

8 pm - Town Hall Theatre - €16

Festival favourites Ryland & Róisín will bring folk songs and stories followed by the most prolific Irish contemporary storyteller Niall de Búrca.

Closing the opening night event; Anna Coogan - "Coogan's singing style ... that like a log fire on a winter's evening warms the heart of the listener." Maurice Hope - Americana UK - September 2012

Thursday 27 September

Melina Coogan

5 pm - Bridge House - Gallery - €3

"Tales From the Wild" with Melina; blogger - adventurer - storyteller - explorer 

Armand G Ruffo

on Norval Morrisseau 

7 pm - Old Market House - €6

Interactive talk interlaced with poetry on Canada’s most influential visual artist

Norval Morrisseau

"He's a true genius in the art world and left a mark that will forever be remembered."

Paul Robinson - Toronto, Canada

Mark Roper & Eric Sweeney

8 pm - St.Mary’s Church of Ireland - €5

Fascinating artistic collaboration - poetry and church organ

Storytelling by Candle Light

8 pm - The Moorings / An Seanachaí / Bridie Dee's - free

An evening celebrating the traditional folklore and how stories were told.

Experience the age old tradition of the seanachaí in atmospheric pubs.

For our young audiences.... meet your favourite writers.

Sarah Webb

All these events are free.

Next week some of the young audience writers will be at the festival and host readings, workshops and meetings.

Judi Curtin
Thursday 27th September 2012
- 11 am, Tramore Library
- 4 pm, Dungarvan Library
- 6 pm, Eason Dungarvan - ADDITIONAL EVENT
Judi has a delightfully light touch and writes with deceptive simplicity. Best-selling author of the "Alice and Megan" series.
(Note - on one of the pages in the brochure the time for the library in Dungarvan is incorrect - it is 4 pm - come early as it will be crowded)

Maura Byrne
Friday 28th September 2012
- 4 pm, Dungarvan Library
"Bridget in Werewolf Rehab" is an absolute gem. Funny and clever. Maura returns to her home town to meet her readers.

Sarah Webb
Saturday 29th September 2012
- 11 am, Dungarvan Library
Sarah is a true storyteller and connects brilliantly with her audience. Her new book "Ask Amy Green; Dancing Daze" is just out.

Annabel Pitcher
Saturday 29th September 2012
- 2 pm, Dungarvan Library
Award winning author of "My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece" Annabel Pitcher will be visiting some schools on Friday and next host a reading and talk on Saturday. The Guardian referred to the book as "honesty you can cut with a knife".

Storytelling Southeast at the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre

Susan McKeown

4 gigs that surely will become memorable ... The Town Hall Theatre will again be Storytelling Southeast's intimate and atmospheric venue. Showcasing some of the most amazing talent and exploring the stories. Folk music, Americana, Poetry interpreted, Stories ...  This flagship venue offers the comfort of a studio theatre and invites people to immerse themselves in the narrative. "let the music take you"

Opening Night - Wednesday 26th September 2012 at 8 pm - Town Hall Theatre
Ryland Teifi & Róisín Clancy - Niall de Búrca - Anna Coogan & Daniele Fiaschi
"His (Niall de Búrca) ability to evoke a wide range of emotions from his rapt audience enables him to bewitch people with his stories and makes listening to him as well as watching him an unforgettable experience" VIENNA BOOK REVIEW

Celtic Connections - Friday 28th September 2012 at 8.30 pm - Town Hall Theatre
Gilles Servat with special guest Donnchadh Gough
Gilles Servat, singer-songwriter, extraordinary poet, one of the leaders of the Breton folk music movement, author, internationalist, .... Gifted with a rich, resonant, expressive voice, and an equally compelling gift for associating himself with the best in celtic music over the last thirty years... A unique show with Gilles as storyteller accompanied by Donnchadh Gough.

Celtic Connections - Sunday 30th September 2012 at 7 pm - Town Hall Theatre
Cécile Corbel - wonderful harpist and songwriter from Brittany. She wrote the critically acclaimed soundtrack for "Arrietty"

Closing Night - Sunday 30th September 2012 at 9 pm - Town Hall Theatre
Susan McKeown will be performing with Aidan Brennan, Seamie O'Dowd and Trevor Hutchinson.
Grammy Award Winner McKeown will perform songs from "Singing in the Dark" some sample reviews:
"She walks on the wild side of Gaelic melody." - BOSTON GLOBE
"If there’s some dividing line between Celtic traditionalism and eclectic contemporary songwriting, McKeown refuses to acknowledge it. And with a voice as warm, resonant and versatile as hers, why should she?" - THE OREGONIAN
"McKeown grabbed both song and audience by the throat, dragged them through heaven and hell and back again, and left the stage to the loudest applause heard all evening." - ROLLING STONE

Festival Newsletter September 2012

Download: Festival Newsletter September 2012 (.pdf file)

Due to some minor technical problems, this issue has been somewhat delayed.

The pocket size festival brochure will be available this week. It's the ideal way to get a summary and a full overview. Browse events, plan a visit and share with friends.

Check online for more detailed information and all the background on artists and performers. Our website www.storytellingsoutheast.com has some new features and a lot of additional content.

You can download a schedule from our programme page (pdf version). More details and handy tips will be posted as news items in the coming weeks.

Bridge House is now a vibrant artists community; we have 11 resident artists who have setup studio and are using this as there work place. During the festival studios will be open (at specific times) to the public and a selection of work will be exhibited in the gallery. Of course, Bridge House is also the festival's new home. Our information office opens on Wednesday 5 September. Daily from 10 to 1 and again from 3 to 6. On Saturdays from 1 to 5 and closed on Sunday.
Bo Mandeville, director

Festival Events

Annabel Pitcher will coach teens in a creative writing workshop

Liam Ó'Maonlaí; headline of the new Saturday Music Event by the stunning Lookout

Toireasa Rock will be our "resident coach" and help people to "speak to inspire" in the workshops

Gilles Servat; unique performance with storytelling and some of his best songs.

Judi Curtin will sign books in Eason's on Thursday 27 September at 5.30 pm

Become a Patron of Storytelling Southeast 2012

Are you passionate about supporting the arts and supporting this exciting venture? Talk to us about becoming a patron or friend of the festival.

Our patrons will enjoy a 20% discount on festival tickets, be invited to a unique post-festival celebration and enter the draw for a free crossing to France with Brittany Ferries.

Patrons and friends of the festival will be acknowledged online, on a poster at the key venues and in the regional press.

• Business Patrons: €200
• Individual Patrons: €100
• Friends of the Festival: €50

Storytelling Southeast continues to develop and is becoming a key event on the annual cultural calendar.

This event needs the support of the local business community, of all people who are passionate about the arts and the cultural sector and all who want to promote the Southeast.

Pledge your support by contacting us at info@storytellingsoutheast.com or call into the information office at Bridge House (Mon-Fri: 10 am - 1 pm and 3 pm - 6 pm / Sat: 1 pm - 5 pm)

We expect the 2nd edition to be even more successful than the inaugural event and have started planning for subsequent editions with the view to deliver to the highest artistic and production quality standards.

Radio Interview about Storytelling Southeast's Art Space - Bridge House

Listen: Interview About Our New Art Space (7 mins)

Bo Mandeville - Festival Director of Storytelling Southeast speaks to Ian Noctor of WLRfm about the development of Bridge House as an Arts Space for 10 resident artists. Bo also outlines some of the plans for the 2012 festival.

Message From The Canadian Ambassador To Storytelling Southeast

Storytelling Southeast will include a focus onnew writing from Canada and especially Newfoundland, a region with very close connections with the Southeast. International guests will read poetry and give talks. They include: Mary Dalton, Randall Maggs and Armand Garnet Ruffo.

Critically acclaimed Irish poet John Ennis has been instrumental in making this focus happen. His in-depth knowledge of new writing of Canada and his long standing partnerships with colleges and friendships with writers have made this even more special.

This focus will also be the starting point of an exchange programme to encourage young writing talent and give an opportunity to explore the connections between Newfoundland and County Waterford. Canadian Eva Crocker will be the first writer to avail of this. She has published short stories in "Paragon" - St. John's Memorial University's journal of creative writing - and is considered an emerging talent.

Key events:

• Wednesday 26 September; John Ennis in Bridge House at 5 pm
• Thursday 27 September; Armand G Ruffo on "Norval Morrisseau" in the Old Market House at 7 pm
• Friday 28 September; Mary Dalton in the Old Market House at 7 pm
• Saturday 29 September; Randall Maggs in Bridge House at 5 pm
• Sunday 30 September; samples of new Canadian writing in the Tannery Cookery School at 5 pm (including Irish Tapas and Wine sampling)

The festival's ambition is to continue and further develop the exchanges and the partnerships over the next few years.

Canadian Ambassador Loyola Hearn has expressed his support:

"Wishing you every success with the Storytelling Southeast Festival.  As we know, there are many great stories that exist between the South East of Ireland and the South East of Newfoundland and it would be a great pleasure to hear them presented."

Teens Book Club - Bookworms Assemble

The members of our summer teens book-club have picked a name: 'Bookworms Assemble'. The club meets in Bridge House every week. During the first meeting they discussed 'My Sister lives on the Mantelpiece' by Annabel Pitcher. The club will meet Annabel during the festival.

In addition to discussing the book at length, they have written reviews, which will be published on the festival's site shortly, and designed a bookmark for the club.

Next the club will discuss poetry by Pat Boran and Grace Wells. They are very excited to meet so many well-known authors and poets during the festival.

The club provides a great opportunity to voice our opinions. This is very interesting as the opinions are always so varied!

The club always welcomes new members and we are excited to hear from any potential new members.

Launch Of Storytelling Southeast's New Home

Artist Manuela Madeira In The Bridge House Arts Space

On Thursday August 2nd - Storytelling Southeast opened the doors of its brand new Arts Space in 'Bridge House' in Dungarvan in County Waterford.

Bridge House will become the home of the Storytelling Festival, which takes place in the county from September 26 to 30, 2012.

The historic house is also a collection of studios where ten artists have taken residence. It offers them a collection of spaces including a gallery and events room. Events will be curated and managed by the director of Storytelling Southeast, Bo Mandeville.

The ten artists are diverse in their work and include Irish artists Eveleen Power, Rayleen Clancy, Eilis O'Toole, Eileen Singleton, Eamon Gray, Anthony Hayes, Sinéad Violet, Manuela Madeira, Helen-Rose Hayes and Anne-Marie Le Flohic. Commenting at the launch Festival Director Bo Mandeville said, "Storytelling Southeast is eager to establish permanence in the region and this is a logical next step but also very key to the growth of the festival. It allows us to invite artists, organise exchanges, produce events all year around and promote the festival and the destination. We are welcoming other cultural organisations and communities to partner with us or to simply use the infrastructure. In the near future all of this will - hopefully - culminate in a vibrant arts community, a place where artists and audiences can explore creativity and where everybody feels encouraged to participate."

Officially opening the Bridge House Arts Space Mayor of Dungarvan Micheál Cosgrove commented, "I am delighted to officially open this new arts space in Dungarvan, it is wonderful to see this beautiful architecturally designed building coming to life and housing not only 10 art studios but also becoming the home of the fantastic Storytelling Southeast festival which I am very much looking forward to enjoying next month. I would like to wish all of the artists well and the festival the very best of luck for their future growth and progress."

Bridge House will open as the Storytelling Southeast box office from August 24 and before the festival it will host workshops, a teen book club and ongoing performances and installations. During the festival the space will be open for festivalgoers to visit the Art space and enjoy some festival events.

Photo By David Clynch

Summer Book Club For Teens

Storytelling Southeast is launching a Summer book-club for teens - the authors of the books featured over the summer will be here at the festival in September. Members of the book-club will have an opportunity to meet the authors during the festival.

Annabel Pitcher's critically acclaimed book "My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece" will be the 1st book to explore. As she will read at the festival, Annabel will be available to answer questions, meet with the book-club members etc.

The first book-club meeting will be on Saturday 11th August 2012, at 3 pm, in Bridge House.

• Age group; suitable for 12+
• Limited capacity; up to 15 members
• 2 meetings in August and 2 in September, on Saturdays from 3 to 4 pm
• Location; Bridge House, Davitt's Quay (on roundabout)
• Facilitator; Katie Court - Teacher and Education Officer with Storytelling Southeast

A full programme and the line-up for this year’s festival will be available on 24 August. Expect some sensational new additions. On Saturday 29 September; a music event at the Lookout, street painting and young audience and workshops. On Sunday 30 September a family day in Walton Park ...

Storytelling Southeast promotes cultural dialogue and events, artistic expression and exchanges throughout the year, culminating in a 5 day multi-disciplinary festival.

To confirm interest, please e-mail at info@storytellingsoutheast.com

Authors Annabel Pitcher & Judi Curtin Appearing At Storytelling Southeast

Annabel Pitcher

Download: June Newsletter (.pdf file)

The lineup for the 2nd edition of Storytelling Southeast is an exciting and almost complete listing. Expect 70 events over the 5 days with a very international contingent of high profile guests; ranging from artists from France, Canada, USA, England, Scotland and Wales ...

We're also bringing the festival out to the community with many outdoor events on Saturday and Sunday taking place in the heart of the town. Those include a Brittany market, painting a street, workshops and a family Sunday. Saturday sees an outdoor music stage placed by The Lookout with an exciting list of acts lined up to entertain the masses.

Keep an eye on our news items; we've launched our very own book club for teens. Over the summer months teens are invited to read books by authors who will attend the festival in September.

Judi Curtin

A New Home For Storytelling Southeast
Some fantastic news ... We're moving into Bridge House in July. Artists have already set-up their studios there and are part of our visual arts programme. We will launch it officially in the first week of August.

Guests include:

Annabel Pitcher Author of  "My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece"

Judi Curtin Author of the "Alice" series and "The Time Spell"

Storytelling Southeast Launches Teen Book Club

The Storytelling Southeast festival which is due to take place in Dungarvan from 26 to 30 September 2012 has launched it's very own "Teen Book Club".

In anticipation of the upcoming literature events, the festival will have its very own Teen Book Club running over the summer season.The festival is inviting teens interested in joining the book club to contact them. Over the summer months two books will be introduced and discussed and during the festival the authors of both books will be in Dungarvan. Offering the members of the Teens Book Club the opportunity to meet the writers and chat about the work.

Interested teens (from 12 to 15) can contact the festival at info@storytellingsoutheast.com details of an initial club meeting - due to take place in mid-July - will be announced shortly.

Storytelling Southeast remains committed to bringing the festival experience to young audiences in the wider community. Over the last weekend of September there will be an abundance of activities and events. Many of those free of charge. Full details will be announced the 2nd week of August. Stay tuned....

Letter to Principals and Teachers

Mindful of the importance of storytelling as an educational tool, the festival has tailored a programme and wide range of performances for pupils in both primary and secondary schools. Stay tuned for a full list.

SNEAK PREVIEW

Performances for primary schools
Niall de Búrca, Wobbly Circus, Alan Murphy
and many more ...

Film screenings for secondary schools
Inside I’m Dancing, Cinema Paradiso
and much more ...

Meet the writers
Judi Curtin, Annabel Pitcher
and many more ...

Coming to a theatre near you
or straight into your class rooms
and much more ...

Booking instructions, contact details and e-mail address will be included in the follow-up form we will send to schools the last week of August. Bookings will be on a first come first serve basis. Capacity and age group for each event will be indicated. These events are strictly for schools only and cannot be booked by the general public. The events will be non-ticketed. Some of the artists, writers, performers will take part in other events during the festival. Full details will be available mid August.

Storytelling Southeast remains committed to bringing the festival experience to young audiences in the wider community. Over the last weekend of September there will be an abundance of activities and events. Many of those free of charge.

But now it’s time for a summer break. So this is merely a sneak preview. Expect more info and a booking form in the post late August.

Meanwhile enjoy your well deserved break.

Download our sneak preview in Adobe pdf format

Waterford Festival of Food in partnership with Storytelling Southeast present: Food & wine sampling & opera

Waterford Festival of Food in partnership with Storytelling Southeast present:

"If Music be the Food of Love" - Food & wine sampling and opera

Time & Date: Thursday 12th April, 7 pm
Venue: Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan

An invitation to sample not just the mouth-watering food which Dungarvan has to offer but to be entertained by the beautiful voices of Fiona O'Reilly (Soprano) & Christina O'Flynn (Mezzo Soprano), joined by one of Ireland's foremost accompanists, Annabel Adams - this concert event, to be held in the Town Hall Theatre, offers delightful gems from Opera, Musical Theatre and much more. Extracts from the Barber of Seville, Carmen, Porgy and Bess and many more.

Arguably, the greatest of the creative arts, music offers the senses a subliminal experience. We have always expressed the story of our lives through music. Allow yourself to eat, drink and make merry on this unique occasion.

Storytelling Southeast presents Clancy Brothers Songs & Ann Scott

Time & Date: Saturday 14th April, 8 pm,
Venue: Park Hotel, Dungarvan
Tickets: €10 (single) / €15 (pair) Food sampling included.
Ticket pre-sales: the Wine Buff, Dungarvan - Park Hotel's reception and at the door on the evening

Stories are food for thought. The balanced organic nutrition for our creative being.

Storytelling Southeast proudly presents in association with the Park Hotel and evening of song and poetry.  A double bill to celebrate diversity and creativity.

A fitting tribute to the Clancy Brothers with Róisín Clancy and Colm Power. A poetic evocation and fitting tribute. With lots of the favourites from the Clancy Brothers repertoire, brought to you by two of the family members who continue in this folk tradition.

Next a special performance with Meteor Award nominee Ann Scott. Blending unusual melodies and subtle poetic imagery, Scott writes over a range of left-field guitars, vintage synths and percussion. For this show she will be joined by long-term collaborator and producer, Karl Odlum.

A sophisticated and atmospheric evening of free culinary discovery and quality entertainment.