Rapidly ridding us of excuses to remain uncultured, the Dublin Book Festival returns this week to endorse the ever-vibrant literary talent Ireland has to offer. Opening this Thursday, November 15th and running until Sunday, the festival is set to take over the delightful Smock Alley Theatre, and to create a space in which all voices are heard, all forms of literature are important and all writers are celebrated.
With the aim of supporting and developing on the literary tradition in Ireland, the Dublin Book Festival promotes Irish-published books and their authors in an accessible, informative and entertaining environment. This year, diversity and inclusivity are taking precedence, coming to the fore as common threads vital to the growth of the Irish literary industry as a formidable force of creativity.
The Stinging Fly 20-Year Celebration
As usual, the Dublin Book Festival is set to welcome a bevy of nationally and internationally renowned authors, with an appearance from Sally Rooney kicking off this year’s events. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Stinging Fly, Rooney, the Man Booker longlistee and current editor of the magazine, is joined by founding Editor Declan Meade as well as writers Wendy Erskine, Oisín Fagan, Lisa McInerney and Sean O’Reilly, as they reflect on what has made the past 20 years so successful. As a publication that strives to promote “the very best new Irish and international writing”, an opportunity to hear the insights of the creative minds behind The Stinging Fly is one not to be missed.
Main Theatre, Smock Alley Theatre. Thursday, November 15th, 6.30 – 7.45pm. Tickets: €10/€8 concession.
Poetry Ireland Review: Notes from the Margins
Centred around poet Eavan Boland’s insight that “the margin re-defines the centre, and not the other way around”, Notes From the Margins seeks to recognise and validate the voices on the margins of modern Irish poetry. Both a poetry reading and a panel discussion, this event will showcase the diversity of the Irish poetry scene, hearing from poets Toby Buckley, Rosamund Taylor and artist and activist Will St Leger. Focusing on the increasing prominence of LGBT poetry and the importance of recognising these voices as Ireland’s own, this promises to be an inspirational event that adds something fresh and diverse to the festival line-up.
Boy’s School, Smock Alley Theatre. Friday, November 16th, 1 – 2pm. Free Entry.
Takin’ the Mic at DBF
If, inspired by such literary fervour, you find yourself burning with the need to create, the festival is collaborating with the Irish Writers Centre to present an open mic night that celebrates the city’s passion for poetry, prose and the spoken word. Hosted by writer Sarah Maria Griffin – who is joined by journalist, broadcaster and spoken-word artist Clara Rose Thornton – Takin’ the Mic encourages its attendees to take to the stage and reveal their talent for self-expression. Or, if your masterpiece is not yet ready to be performed, simply enjoy an evening that promises to be as inspiring as it is entertaining.
Boy’s School, Smock Alley Theatre. Friday, November 16th, 7 – 9pm. Free Entry, but performers should sign up in advance via Eventbrite.
Writer to Writer: The Republic of Elsewhere
Asking some of the toughest literary questions this year is journalist Ciaran Carty, author of Writer to Writer: The Republic of Elsewhere, as he chairs a panel discussion on political incorrectness. Writers Joseph O’Connor and Rob Doyle as well as poet and playwright Paula Meehan debate whether, in the age of #MeToo, we are on the way to taking “morality censorship” a step too far. Will the influence of politics, history and ever-changing societal norms bring about the demise of the creative, or will a new form of literature come to the fore? Come find out as Carty negotiates the questions about our favourite books that we are afraid to hear the answers to.
Main Theatre, Smock Alley Theatre. Friday, November 16th, 6.30 – 7.30pm. Tickets: €7/€5 concession.
If the events listed don’t sate your appetite for culture, it’s worth remembering they represent just some of the mouthwatering events on offer at the 2018 Dublin Book Festival. With fantastic scope and a varied collection of voices, the festival will feature the cutting-edge of Irish literature, alongside the canonical. In an email to The University Times, Programme Director Julianne Mooney said: “The Dublin Book Festival is delighted to present such a diverse and exciting programme, which we feel reflects the personality of Irish publishing and authors today.” The spirit of inclusivity certainly shines bright in this year’s bill of events, in what promises to be a celebratory and inspiring festival with an ever-present focus on the nature of Irish writing today.
