Film Club: The Black Balloon
Ballina Film Club brings down the curtain on its spring programme with the Australian drama The Black Balloon. This sensitive drama examines the trials of 16-year-old Thomas (Rhys Wakefield ) as he struggles to cope with a new school while caring for his autistic older brother while his mother (Toni Collette ) remains confined to bed in the last months of pregnancy. Thomas’ resentment of his helpless older brother, a selfish but very human reaction, is handled with great skill and empathy, thanks to a sensitive script and great performances by Rhys Wakefield and Toni Collette. The film will be shown in Ballina Arts Centre on Tuesday May 18.
Overlap: Majella Clancy exhibition in the Ballina Arts Centre
Ballina Arts Centre is currently hosting an exhibition by Leitrim born artist Majella Clancy which combines paint and digital photography. Working from an archive of photographic imagery of her own native county and a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, the artist has digitally manipulated the images and applied paint to blur the perception of reality and allow ambiguity to enter between the painted and photographic elements. The result is visually stunning and dynamic. Her use of colour is thoughtful and considered, while the shifting sense of focus and perspective is dependent on the viewer’s physical and figurative point of view. This exhibition, which runs until the end of the month, is not to be missed.
Trad trio for Ballina Arts Centre
Traditional Irish music makes a welcome return to the Ballina Arts Centre with an exciting concert featuring music from the southeast of the country. David Power (uilleann pipes ), Ciaran Somers (flute ), and Fionn Mac Giolla Chuda (fiddle ) combine to bring a powerhouse performance to Ballina on Thursday May 27 as part of their extensive nationwide tour. Do Bhíosa Lá i bPortlairge (I spent a day in Waterford ) is the title of the tour and features the music of the Co Waterford Gaeltacht and surrounding region. Tickets cost from €10 to €12 and booking is advised.
Ballina Arts Centre is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. For further information, contact Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina Civic Offices, Arran Place, Ballina, phone 096 73593; e-mail: [email protected], www.ballinaartscentre.com
