Oranmore’s drama group Bualadh Bos will perform the one-act play Adrift by George Infini. This dark comedy centres on three men who must put aside their differences after being set adrift after a failed mutiny, and await rescue.
The Culture Night programme also includes readings of poetry and prose by the Oranmore Creative Writing Group, and a choral performance from the Marine Singers Choir.
There will be visual art and sculpture on display, including Bringing Ireland’s Wildlife Back to Life, an exhibition combining art and science to portray pollution and climate change effects on seabirds. Artworks indicating the importance of the ocean to the coastal communities of Ireland and Wales, produced by the EU-funded Project BlueFish, will also be on show.
Experienced street and documentary photographer Steve Scott will also exhibit Lobster Man AKA Frank which showcases the life of Frank Flanagan, a dedicated fisherman from Rinville.
Visitors can also view maritime heritage displays such as the Galway Bay Flat Bottom Boat, commissioned by South-East Galway Bay community group, Cuan Beo. “For centuries, the sea has been a source of inspiration for writers, poets and artists and it still captures our imagination today,” says Dr Rick Officer, chief executive of the Marine Institute. “We are delighted to open the Marine Institute’s headquarters in Galway to the public for a special Culture Night programme on September 20th. I’m thrilled with the response of local community groups who have come together to stage an evening of entertainment which will celebrate our maritime heritage through music, literature, visual arts, and performance.”
The Marine Institute’s headquarters in Rinville, Oranmore (H91 R673 ) will open to the public from 6.45pm on Friday, September 20. Admission is free, and no booking required.
Inside the Marine Institute. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy.
