STREAMING: TESTIMONY
Filmmaker Aoife Kelleher’s powerful feature-length documentary tells a story of an extraordinary group of women, supported by the activist organisation Justice for Magdalenes (JFM), whose battle to hold the Irish government accountable for the abuses of the Magdalene Laundries, Mother and Baby Home institutions and forced family separation, takes them all the way to the United Nations. The film includes moving testimonies from survivors of both the Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes, from those who were young women when they were sent to these institutions to those who were born there. It’s a tough watch, and an utterly essential one – watch now via RTÉ Player.
THEATRE: THE BRIGHTENING AIR
Set in a rural homestead in Ireland in the 1980s, magic, memory and family secrets collide in Conor MacPherson’s haunting play, making its Irish debut in the Gate Theatre’s presentation of the acclaimed Old Vic production that wowed audiences last year. Chris O’Dowd leads a heavy-hitting ensemble that includes Sean McGinley, Derbhle Crotty, Brian Gleeson and Judith Roddy, and a new work from MacPherson remains a serious theatrical event, not to be missed (tickets are flying out the door) – the playwright and actor Sean McGinley talk to RTÉ Arena below (Gate Theatre, Dublin, until August 30th)
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VISUAL ARTS: SAMIR MAHMOOD
States, Stations is an exhibition of newly commissioned work by Pakistani-born, Dublin-based artist Samir Mahmood, at one of the country’s finest visual art spaces, Athlone’s Luan Gallery. Rich in symbolism and material experimentation, through textiles, sculpture, painting and mixed media Mahmood explores queer identity, spirituality and belonging. Drawing inspiration from Sufi mystical traditions and blending philosophical reflection with political resonance, the exhibition considers how power, perception and personal experience shape identity while inviting audiences into an immersive, sensory environment, offering a compelling opportunity to engage with the work of a formidable talent (Luan Gallery, Athlone, until 30 August)
BOOK: ANYWHERE BUT HERE
Three women, three midlife crises and one life-changing escape to Donegal (always a good idea) lie at the heart of journalist, podcast and author Vicki Notaro’s warm and witty new novel. Television presenter Matilda, struggling journalist Sadie and seemingly settled mother Jess each find their carefully constructed lives beginning to unravel in unexpected ways. As old wounds resurface and uncomfortable truths emerge, their friendship becomes both a refuge and a catalyst for change… Funny, relatable and emotionally honest, as choice beach reads go, you can’t go wrong. While you’re at it, enjoy Vicki’s cultural picks here (Out now, Penguin)
EVENT: MUSIC IN THE FOREST
Nature, music and storytelling come together at this special event, presented as part this year’s Ancient Music Festival at Wicklow’s magnificent Dorlindon Forest. Performers Catherine Rhatigan, Eileen Carr and Treasa Ní Mhiolláin will draw on Ireland’s rich musical heritage to celebrate forests, birdsong and the lives of women in earlier Irish society through harp, flute and traditional song; Treasa will also teach the audience a simple song as Gaeilge, ensuring everyone leaves Dorlindon with a musical memory to take home. The Ancient Music Festival runs through July and August, with events every weekend – find out more here (Saturday, 25 July.
Hear The Culture 5 every Friday on Aedín in the Afternoon on RTÉ lyric fm, from 1pm – listen back here