Month: September 2013

An unlikely and widely unknown alliance between Welsh miners on strike and a group of London-based gay activists is being brought to life in a new stage play in the Alley Theatre, Strabane on Friday 11^th October.

Pits and Perverts is an uplifting true story about the birth of the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM).  The semi autobiographical play is penned by Derry man Micheál Kerrigan who, at the height of the strikes in the 1980s, was involved in the LGSM group which was set up to support the miners and their families in South Wales.  The group became the largest fundraisers for miners in South Wales raising in excess of £22,000.

Directed and produced by Patricia Byrne for Sole Purpose Productions in association with The Rainbow Project, this touching and funny drama is based on real events that took place during Thatcher’s leadership. Although the events around the miner’s strikes are well documented, this part of history and the struggle by the miners and their families in South Wales is generally unknown.

Pits and Perverts is the first play by Derry-born Micheál Kerrigan, a long standing gay activist who was a member of the LGSM Group in the 1980s and has used his own experiences in writing the script. Micheál was also instrumental in organising the first ever Gay Pride March in Ireland in Dublin in 1973 and the first Gay Pride Festival in Derry in 1993.

Speaking about the staging of the play Micheál commented:

“This is an untold story. Everyone remembers the strikes but few people knew of the gay community’s support for the miners. The play also looks at the parallels of the Northern Ireland situation, the miners strike and the struggle for gay rights. The story is a powerful one which illustrates the path that led to LGBT rights being brought to the forefront of Trade Union equality legislation.”

Pits and Perverts centres on Sean, who leaves Derry in the 1980s at the height of the troubles. He heads to London where he comes out as a gay man. Sean joins the newly established support group and invites two miners from South Wales to stay with him and his partner. When realising that they are staying with a gay couple, the miners are torn between their own prejudices and their need for support. The events that unfold impact on all their lives and on the unions for years to come.  The title comes from the Pits and Perverts Ball which was held in 1984 to raise funds for the miners. A national newspaper had described the connection between the miners and the gay community as an ‘unholy alliance of Pits and Perverts’. The group then took the name as an act of defiance.

The production’s five-strong cast includes four actors from Northern Ireland alongside Jason Davies, who is from South Wales and whose father was a miner during the time in which the play is set.

Producer and Director Patricia Byrne commented:

“The research phase of the production has been fascinating. We have been able to access archive video footage of the group and the miners, photos, minutes from meetings, and have spoken to some of the people who were involved to get their take on what happened. We have also received letters of support from Sian James MP for Swansea East, Dr Hywel Francis MP for Aberavon and have been working closely with Mike Jackson who set up the group with Mark Ashton (RIP) in 1984.”

Mike Jackson added:

“Pits and Perverts is wonderful, embracing so much important detail, so much historical truth, the pain and the joys. A masterpiece expression of all that LGSM was about.”

Sole Purpose Productions was founded in 1997 and exists to use the discourse of imagination to investigate and illuminate social and public issues. The Rainbow Project is a health organisation that works to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBT people in Northern Ireland.

Pits and Perverts was developed with assistance from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Joint Sectoral Dramaturgy Project, administered by Tinderbox Theatre Company. This production is supported by UK City of Culture, Culture for All, Community Foundation NI and the Derry Trades Union Council. Sole Purpose is core funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Fund.

Recommended age 16+, contains some strong language.  Tickets are £10 and available from the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online www.alley-theatre.com

Learn to create your own family heirloom patchwork quilt – free with Valerie Eames.

Patchwork quilting goes far beyond the best way to upcycle old clothes past their best. It’s a craft that requires precision, skill and flair, a social and community pastime, passed down through the generations, from grandmother to mother. As well as being colourful and keeping families warm in the depths of winter, some quilts tell stories, others are a kaleidoscopic celebration of colour and design. With names like Flying Geese, Log Cabin, Pieced Start and Dutchman’s Puzzle, each one is a triumph of the craft and the product of both exceptional skill and people working together.

A founder member of the Quilters’ Guild of Ireland, Valerie Eames is passionate about patchwork and passing on those skills as still enjoyable and relevant in today’s world. Valerie’s patchwork workshops are engaging and will inspire you to create some family heirlooms of your own.

Beginning with a guided tour of Valerie’s work, which includes incredible examples of American Civil War, Traditional and Contemporary quilts, you’ll then be shown how to embark on your own quilting project.

You’ll find Valarie Eames and Piece by Piece, at the Presbyterian Hall, Queen Elizabeth Road, Enniskillen, from Thursday 3^rd to Saturday 5^th October, from 10am to 5pm each day.

Everyone welcome! Find out more at fFLve.org.uk, like us on facebook.com/FermanaghLive or follow us on Twitter – @FermanaghLive #Flive2013

see image at: http://www.flive.org.uk/FREE_Piece_by_Piece_-_Valerie_Eames

Beavers’ Feathered Star Quilt

This quilt was inspired by a family heirloom – the maker and date unknown. It probably originated in North Carolina during the American Civil War. The name Feathered Star comes from the small dark and light bias cut squares that edge each star. The lighter coloured fabric has been tea dyed to give it a more aged appearance.

Broadcaster Gerry Kelly will interview some of Northern Ireland’s most loved household names in two one-off ‘An Audience with’ events at The Courtyard Theatre.

On Monday 7 October Gerry Kelly, himself one of our most popular and long standing presenters, interviews Queen of Comedy May McFettridge and the man behind her, John Linehan as part of the theatre’s ‘Distinguished Lecture Series’. Come along for an evening of quick wit and infectious comedy to see one of the busiest entertainers in Ireland.

Then on Monday 11 November, Gerry interviews Northern Ireland’s Olympic golden girl, Dame Mary Peters. The athletics legend converted her raw talent into an international career. Come and hear her inspirational story in her own words.

Tickets, for both events only £10, can be booked via Box Office on 028 9034 0202 or online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

Starting out as a press photographer covering the closing stages of the conflict here in Northern Ireland, before moving on to more in-depth, social documentary work around the world, Andrew McConnell has developed an incredible reputation as an intrepid photojournalist, creating a powerful body of work that is both provocative and emotive.

In this free exhibition at the Belmore Court Hotel, Andrew presents a selection of his work spanning an award-winning career and including pieces that he’s also exhibited in London, New York, Seville and Dubai. Andrew’s work has also previously appeared in publications such as National Geographic Magazine, Newsweek, Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Guardian, FT Magazine, Vanity Fair, the Sunday Times Magazine, Der Spiegel, L’espresso, and Internazionale. Most recently, Andrew picked up 1^st places in both World Press Photo, Portrait Story and Arts & Entertainment, and NPPA Best of Photojournalism, Best of Show, as well as a gold and a silver at the China International Press Photo Contest.

Andrew’s photojournalism is both social documentation and dramatic insight onto the world at large, from the people working the salt mines of Uganda, to those misplaced by floods in Pakistan and those misplaced by the war in Syria, to the rubbish dumps of Accra, Ghana, where children survive by gathering anything of value from the West’s technological waste. His eye for a human story is incredible, told through the camera lens in a deeply personal way, with great empathy and humanity – this exhibition is simply unmissable.

Andrew McConnell, Photojournalist, Exhibition is at the Belmore Court & Motel from Thursday 3^rd to Sunday 6^th October, running all day.

You can see more and get a flavour of Andrew’s work at andrewmcconnell.com/

Find out more at FLive.org.uk, like us on facebook.com/FermanaghLive or follow us on Twitter – @FermanaghLive #Flive2013

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (September 30 – October 6).

• Peek-a-Book! Children’s Literature Festival, Waterside Theatre and Arts Centre, Co. Londonderry, October 1 – 5.  Peek-a-Book! is a festival for everyone featuring a host of stimulating children’s events which will bring fantastic children’s characters to life in a fun and exciting experience not to be missed!

• Othello, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, October 2.  Othello’s world will be brought vividly to life as a live string quartet and stunning ensemble cast combine with some of literature’s most vibrant language and characters.  A dangerous tale of ambition, jealousy and love will unfurl as Shakespeare’s classic tale of deception hurtles to its dramatic and poignant conclusion.

• American Wrestling Roadshow, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, October 4.  Wrestling superstars are taking a break from their tours of America, Europe, Japan and Mexico to take part in this giant one-off extravaganza and fans will get the chance to get up close and personal with their favourite stars.

• Wireless Mystery Theatre presents The Third Policeman, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, October 4.  A murder thriller, a hilarious comic satire about a village police force, a surrealistic vision of eternity, the story of a tender brief unrequited love affair between a man and his bicycle, and a chilling fable of unending guilt.

• The Big Bass Swing Band, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, October 4.  Follow the journey of Irish and Scottish folk songs across the Atlantic as they meet African rhythms and watch as they develop into Blues and Swing, with a big Elvis finale.

• Poetry Month, Waterside Theatre, Co. Londonderry, October 5.  Carol Ann Duffy, critically acclaimed UK Poet Laureate, will be welcomed into the city to perform as part of Poetry Month. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to be inspired by one of the most significant names in contemporary British poetry.
• Autumn Plant Fair, Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield, Co. Down, October 5.  A favourite event for gardeners and non gardeners. Browse through the many specialist plant stalls and buy a plant grown in Rowallane’s world famous garden. 

• Craft Beer and Cider Tasting, the MAC, Belfast, October 5.  Come along and enjoy many craft beers and cider with some well matched food bites.  A night of fun and knowledge.

• Mr Hullabaloo’s Enchanted Tea Party, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, October 6.  Dress up as a princess or knight and join Mr Hullabaloo for an interactive afternoon tea party unlike any other.  There will be lots of fun activities, a live dinner show and afternoon tea in china cups.
• Titanic Violin Exhibition, Titanic Belfast, until October 13.  The violin played by bandmaster Wallace Hartley during Titanic’s tragic maiden voyage will go on display at Titanic Belfast this month. The violin will reside in the replica second-class accommodation suite in Titanic Belfast’s Fit-Out Gallery before going to auction.

Down

Bring your picnic and settle down with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of jazz on the lawns of Mountstewart this Sunday from 2pm to 4.30pm courtesy of The Jazztets Band.

For all our Down events listings click HERE

Tyrone

Join the Alley Theatre on Thursday evening, 26th September, to celebrate Strabane Surestarts Antenatal Information Evening full of fun, fashion and freebies as well as talks and information by qualified experts on all aspects of pregnancy including guest speaker Kieran Downey – Director of Social Work and Director of Women and Children’s Services. This is a must see for all mums to be! Come along and view the stalls and catch up with all the latest information about antenatal services available locally and enjoy the evening.

For all our Tyrone events listings click HERE

Fermanagh

Opera in the Castle with Gemma Prince takes place at Belle Isle Castle’s Grand Hall in Lisbellaw on 26th September 7pm for a 7:30 start. Tickets: £12.50 pp inc. tea, coffee, and homemade shortbread. To book, call the Estate Office: 028 6638 7231.

For all our Fermanagh events listings click HERE

Derry

This Sunday 29th September is Big Sunday in Portstewart from 2pm – 5pm. The day’s activities will include Portstewart in Pictures, Boats in the Bay, Dog Show, Stilt Walking & Circus, Street Entertainment and lots more.

For all our Derry/Londonderry events listings click HERE

Armagh

Possibly the finest Abba tribute show this side of Sweden ‘The Bjorn Identity’ are taking Irish venues & festivals by storm with their LIVE Abba in concert experience paying tribute to the best pop band of the 70’s. Featuring West End & International tribute performers they exceed all expectations, astounding you with their likeness and stunning vocal performances, that are frighteningly close to the real thing! See them live at the Market Place Theatre Armagh this Friday 27th September.

For all our Armagh events listings click HERE

Antrim

Larne Museum and Arts Centre will play host to not one but three of the UK’s most up and coming singer songwriters this Friday 27th September. Antonio Lulic, Lily Stokes and Joshua Porter will be performing live in this intimate venue. Antonio Lulic is a folk-rock singer-songwriter who has performed for audiences all over the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA. Lily stokes is renowned in the South West of England for her spellbinding piano skills and her pure and elegant voice. Joshua Porter also from the South West of England and has shared the stage with some of the UK’s most inspirational contemporary musicians. Joshua has a captivating voice and a soulful acoustic sound. Joshua has had the privilege of recording with one of the USA’s top Musicians, Kevin Rowe and has just released his first EP Far and Wide.

For all our Antrim events listings click HERE

Belfast

The FINE & DANDY MARKET at the Crescent Arts Centre this Sunday (and every last Sunday of the month) showcases the work of independent artists, designers, illustrators and crafters alongside stalls from collectors of records, books and vintage wares. The Queens/Botanic Quarter has always been the bohemian heart of Belfast and it now has its own Market Place, a platform for designer-makers to sell direct to their customers.

For all our Belfast events listings click HERE

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni and remember to add your events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

This year the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s will work alongside East Belfast Arts Festival and Féile an Phobail to  co-present one of Festival’s key outdoor events representing the first time the three festivals have worked together.

International, award winning Tumble Circuswill challenge our perceptions of what a circus is all about in their new performance Damn the Circus which runs on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October in Belmont Park in the East of the city and on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October in the Falls Park in West Belfast.

Tumble Circus reinvents the circus art form as a theatrically stylized and lively entertaining platform of storytelling. Described by the Irish Times as “Turning the circus tradition upside down” this new show Damn the Circus is their story about how hard it is to make the dream of circus a reality.  It is a show about circus poetry and annoying reality with all the usual circus delights such as trapeze,  juggling and clowns  – just not as you might expect and definitely targeting an older family market.

Representing the first time three Festivals have come together Richard Wakely, Director for Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is excited about the collaboration.” We are extremely lucky in Belfast to have a number of fantastic festivals all offering unique experiences for audiences throughout the city. This collaboration is recognition that as an arts community we all share the city and captures the opportunity to jointly provide arts for everyone.”

Kevin Gamble, Director of Féile an Phobail is looking forward to working alongside both Festivals, “ Audiences in West Belfast have enjoyed the expanding programme that we have been delivering year on year and this partnership is another chance to provide something exciting for West Belfast audiences. To work alongside both these Festivals shows the unity that exists within the arts community and demonstrates how the city can work together to provide new and exciting experiences.”

Mimi Turtle, Chair of the East Belfast Arts Festival also recognises the importance of partnership within the arts, “As an arts festival we are at the early stages of development having just completed our second year. The artistic passion and appetite in the East of the city is growing rapidly and we relish the opportunity to work with these two festivals to bring another new experience to the East for our local audiences. “

The scale and diversity of this annual Festival programme would not be possible without the continuing and generous support of various public and private sponsors, including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the EU and the British Council. Plus, the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s runs from 17th – 27th October at venues all over the city. To find out more and book tickets visitwww.belfastfestival.com  or call  box office on 02890 971197. ⧣BelFest

ArtByNorthWest is an Artists’ Co-Operative which currently includes some of the finest and most talented artists based across Fermanagh, Tyrone & Sligo – and throughout FLive and beyond, you’re invited to enjoy their work for free at the Devenish Gallery.

The group represents Olive Bödeker, Jim Crowe, Lois Eadie, Peter Lyner,  Margaret Mckenzie, Kathleen Ward and Rosemary Wilkinson. And, for this exhibition, they’re also joined by Brian Coulter.

While each artist retains their own unique and individual style, the group allows them to develop their skills, support each other and take advantage of opportunities like this to exhibit under the ArtByNorthWest banner.  What you will enjoy are many opportunities to view the landscape of the North West through the artists’ eyes, as well as pieces inspired by the artists’ personal and professional journeys.

Overall, visitors can expect to enjoy an eclectic mix of styles, subjects and approaches from each accomplished artist, from the work of Olive Bödekker, inspired by the ever-changing mood and light of the Atlantic, to the painting and photography of Jim Crowe, which demonstrates a love of landscape and of people.

To find out more about each of the artists and get a flavour of what the exhibition ahs in store, visit artbynorthwest.com.

The Devenish Gallery provides a contemporary, welcoming and light space in which to enjoy an exhibition that overarches FLive, running from Monday 30^th September to Saturday 12^th October.

Everyone welcome! Find out more at FLive.org.uk, like us on facebook.com/FermanaghLive or follow us on Twitter – @FermanaghLive #Flive2013

Teenagers are being invited to pitch their tents and enjoy a night of ‘creepy’ camping at the MAC as the Belfast arts venue hosts its first ever sleepover next month. Fright Night is one of a series of creative events for young people taking place during the week-long MADE festival, proudly supported by Coca-Cola, which begins at the MAC on 7^th October.

Returning for a second time after a hugely successful debut last year, MADE sees the MAC being handed over to 14 to 18-year-olds for a host of fun activities, ranging from live performances and gigs to craft workshops and film screenings. The festival will take place from 7^th – 13^th October and has been organised with help from the DEN Collective, a team of 14 to 18-year-olds who help shape what happens for young people at the MAC and lead the  popular dedicated youth space – The Den.

Taking place on Saturday 12^th October, Fright Night will see Halloween come early to the MAC as teenagers gather for a double bill of cult horror films, Blair Witch Project and Hitchcock’s Psycho, then take part in a ‘creepy’ backstage tour before camping with supper around a virtual campfire on the top floor of the building.

The MAC has teamed up with a host of talented local partner organisations to deliver a fantastic festival line-up, which also includes workshops with renowned Irish sculptors Ursula Burke and Karl Burke, currently on show in two different exhibitions in the MAC’s galleries. MADE also welcomes the Volume Control team back to the MAC, with their monthly all-ages gig on loan from its usual home in the Oh Yeah Music Centre, for a night of back-to-back mini gigs organised and managed by the teenagers involved in the Volume Control team.

Gillian Mitchell, Director of Programmes at the MAC, said:

“The MAC is an arts venue for all ages to enjoy and we are very proud of the offering we provide for young people. We are delighted to once again launch MADE, a festival dedicated to teenagers which offers them the opportunity to attend live events, take part in workshops or simply hang out with their friends and enjoy the many free activities taking place during the week. Fright Night should be lots of fun and we can’t wait to host the MAC’s first ever sleepover.

“We welcomed over 1,500 young people through the door during MADE’s debut in 2012 and our Den Collective team has helped to once again produce a fantastic line-up and a programme full of innovative activities. Large groups of young people always bring an exciting dynamic to the MAC and we are confident many festival-goers will learn new skills and perhaps be inspired to forge a career in the arts.”

Other events taking place during the festival include ‘Not So Ceili’, a Ceili with a twist led by bodhrán player Eamon Murray, who is currently producing the Not So Trad series of music events at the MAC, and Busk the MAC – which will see Belfast’s best young busking talent invited to perform for an afternoon in the MAC foyer.  Tickets start at just £3 with lots of free activities also available.

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“It’s great to see the return of MADE, the MAC’s innovative and varied festival for 14 to 18-year-olds.  As principal funder, the Arts Council is fully supportive of the MAC’s work with local young people through education and outreach programmes.  We welcome all opportunities to make the arts accessible to the youth of today, regardless of background, and to give them the chance to experience and enjoy all that the arts have to offer – the MADE festival is the ideal vehicle for doing this.”

Zoe Cunningham, Communications Manager for Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, sponsor of the festival, added:

“At Coca-Cola we are committed to supporting initiatives which enhance our local community and encourage youth development.  We are very proud to be involved with the MAC’s MADE festival and can’t wait to see the musical, artistic and creative talents of the young people of Northern Ireland showcased during this innovative and inspiring programme of events.”

The MADE festival runs from 7th-13th October. To find out more about the festival and ticket offers visit themaclive.com or call 028 9023 5053.

The University of Ulster spin out company HidInImage Ltd led by CEO Dr Joan Condell has secured significant additional funding to commercialise its research into digital watermarking.

A team of Ulster academics based at the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Ulster’s Magee campus, have developed digital watermarking technology to ensure the security of transmitted data through hidden software messages.

HidInImage is the product of a decade of research into steganography  –  the science of writing hidden software messages in such a way that only the sender and intended recipient realise they exist.

HidInImage was the first university spin out company in Northern Ireland to get funding from the Ulster Innovation Fund, part of the NISPO fund (Northern Ireland Spin Outs) managed by eSynergy.  NISPO is an initiative launched by Invest Northern Ireland to provide financial support to start ups and businesses in the early stages of development.

Now the company has secured an additional £125,000 in the second round of NISPO funding, with additional support from a private investor.

According to Dr Condell, digital technology gives a 21^st century twist to the ancient science of steganography and presents new and exciting opportunities for embedding and disguising messages within computer files.

She said that the digital watermarking technology developed by HidinImage has many potential applications, such as hiding personal or sensitive data in photo images, identity cards and other digital media.

Dr Condell explained: “HidInImage technology could be used in many different situations, such as authenticating identity to tighten security at airport checks-ins and other public access points; securing watermarking for forensic photographic and video evidence transmitting sensitive information like medical records securely; as a means of strengthening protection of copyright; or guaranteeing that images and videos have not been tampered with.

She continued: “The digital watermarks are embedded directly into the content of a digital image so, although the watermarks can’t be seen by the human eye, they can be recognised and read by enabled software and/or hardware for authenticating,tracking or monitoring purposes.

“The embedding technique used by HidInImage is impervious to image and data compression so the image can be copied and moved around without anyone knowing that the text exists.”

Tim Brundle from Ulster’s Office of Innovation said the ISRC’s research into the security of digital technologies has great potential as a commercial venture:

“HidInImage is a platform technology with many exciting market opportunities. It is thefirst of a number of Innovative digital Technologies being developed withinUlster’s Intelligent Systems Research centre which have significant commercial potential.

This commercialisation of research has been endorsed by Professor Hugh McKenna, the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation who said:

“Ulster’s aim is to develop further a culture where research, discovery, creativity and innovation are encouraged and appropriately supported. Hidinimage is a perfect example of how world leading research can be commercialised to make a positive impact on the economy and society. This is an exciting company and one that is really at the cutting edge of futuristic technology.”

Computer Science research at the University of Ulster was placed amongst the top universities in the UK in the last Research Assessment Exercise. It was ranked 15th for research power, moving up from 49th place in the previous RAE.

The University of Ulster’s submission of 41 staff was the 8th largest in the UK, with 55% of the submission judged to be world-leading or internationally excellent, and 90%internationally recognised.

Computer Science is a highly competitive discipline – the 3rd largest unit of assessment in the UK, involving all of the leading universities.

Further details can be obtained from Dr Joan Condell, j.condell@ulster.ac.uk