The Way at Westport Film Club
Westport Film Club will show The Way on Wednesday September 7 at 8.45pm in the Westport Cineplex. After the sudden death of his globe-trekking son Daniel (Emilio Estevez ), Tom (Martin Sheen ) flies to the Pyrenees to collect his body. But he spontaneously decides to complete Daniel’s journey, scattering his son’s ashes along the 800km Way of St James, a pilgrims’ path which becomes a life-changing experience. En route he attracts a band of inescapable companions, each with a tale to tell, including an exuberant, wining and dining, dope-smoking Dutchman (Yorick Van Wageningen ), a bitter Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger ) and a talkative Irish author (James Nesbitt ) with writer’s block. And although it is sedately paced (it is a long walk, after all ), Sheen’s subtle performance — surly, uptight, cautiously poignant — builds in emotional impact, prompting one’s own reflections on the journey of life. Gentle, likable, and profoundly touching, it makes you want to dig out the hiking boots and make the same journey.
Fight Night at the Linenhall
The gripping story of a boxing comeback is brought vividly to life in the dynamic Fight Night, a one-man play featuring a remarkable performance by Aonghus Óg McAnally, at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday September 8 at 8pm.
Fight Night is a gripping journey charting the comeback of Dan Coyle jr, a failed amateur boxer from a long line of accomplished fighters. Living in the twin shadows of his overbearing father and his brother’s Olympic success, Dan lets his training slip in favour of girls and booze. Then an incident with his father, minutes before a crucial bout, splinters the family and exiles Dan from the ring. It is not until the birth of his own son years later that his competitive fire is reignited, and he takes the first tentative steps on his road to redemption. Written by Gavin Kostick and directed by Bryan Burroughs, this fast-paced and engaging solo performance by Aonghus Óg McAnally combines intense physicality with a classic Dublin wit in a storytelling experience that will leave audiences exhausted and exhilarated.
New Ian Wieczorek exhibition at the Linenhall
Citizens of the State of Mediacy, an exciting new show of portrait-based paintings by Mayo-based artist Ian Wieczorek, opens at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Friday September 2. The show explores the visual currency of digital media in the contemporary context.
Road bowling demonstration this Sunday at the Museum of Country Life
Road bowling (bál fada ) is one of the country's oldest games. Join the Mayo Road Bowlers Association as they demonstrate the game and you can even try your hand at road bowling. This event will take place from 2.30pm to 4pm at the museum and is open to all this Sunday August 28.
Knitting circle next Friday at the Museum
Update your style for the autumn months. Knitting is for everyone. Starter kits for childern are available. Join the circle for fun, chat, and learn a skill for life at the knitting circle in the National Museum of Country Life on Friday September 2, between 11am and 1pm.
New exhibitions to open at the Custom House
Exhibitions opening on Thursday next September 1 include new sculpture by Dublin artist Kathlyn O'Brien in an exhibition entitled Missing Feather, and an exhibition of new paintings by Westport artist Irma van Baalen.
Kathlyn O'Brien's exhibition has been made over two years. The essence of her work continues to be informed by an obsessional preoccupation with cracks, the silent seepage of encrusted crevices created by the constant weathering of contradictions and life’s dichotomies.
Irma van Baleen’s paintings focus on personal and social dimensions. The personal dimension in art allows the artist to express herself. Irma’s work has developed from going back to her roots through the history of her grandmother. Time is an important element, ideas of time and space become visualised in images of trees, objects, and things dilapidated by time.
