Final Week until Dublin Writers Festival 2010 kicks off
We can’t believe that the opening night of Dublin Writers Festival is only one week away – that’s just seven days until the beauty and power of language is celebrated through readings, discussion and insights from some of the best writers from Ireland and around the world. This week, we’re looking at critically-acclaimed writers David Mitchell and Antony Beevor, as well as our opening must-see event with Ian McEwan & Stewart Brand. We also reveal last week’s Jennifer Johnston and Riverrun Project ticket winners and give details on how to win free festival entries. See you on opening night!
Events are starting to sell out, so book today to prevent disappointment.
For more information on how to book your tickets, click here.
David Mitchell
“Mitchell is, clearly, a genius.”
The New York Times Book Review
Be inspired by award-winning novelist David Mitchell as he discusses the multi-layered narrative of his latest release The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet. Reaching number one in the bestseller chart in the first week of hitting the shelves, this long-awaited novel is yet another display of Mitchell’s unmitigated talent. Previous novels which gained critical acclaim include Ghostwritten, winner of the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, the Booker-shortlisted Number9dream and Cloud Atlas, and the Costa-shortlisted Black Swan Green. Join Mitchell as he demonstrates the passion, drive and daring that keeps him at the top of the bestseller and awards lists.
Antony Beevor
“Beevor can be credited with single-handedly transforming the reputation of military history.” The Guardian
Explore the courage, cruelty and compassion behind world-changing wars with Antony Beevor, one of the world’s most compelling writers. Novelist and non-fiction writer Beevor has gained captive audiences the world over with his dramatic narrative and gripping characters. Among other accolades, Crete - The Battle and the Resistance, won a Runciman Prize, while The Battle for Spain became the No 1 Bestseller in Spain and received the La Vanguardia prize. Stalingrad, Berlin and D-Day: The Battle for Normandy all hit the bestseller lists and now Beevor returns with D-Day: The Battle for Normandy, the third installment in his award-winning trilogy of Second World War classics. Join Beevor as he brings his vividly moving narrative to life, capturing the raw experience of war.
Opening Night: Ian McEwan & Stewart Brand
You don’t need to be an eco-extremist to enjoy the vigour and passion of our opening night, as Ian McEwan and Stewart Brand combine forces to discuss the effects of literature and science on the global warming debate. Guaranteed to deliver grand-scale ideas, this is the first time a multi-award-winning novelist and eco activist have come together to shine a spotlight on important world issues by fusing science and literature.
Venue: National Concert Hall
Date: Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
Time: 7:30pm
Price: €15/ €20 (Concessions Available)
Booking: www.nch.ie
Ticket winners
It was difficult to decide who to award the Jennifer Johnston tickets to on the blog this week, as everyone gave such heartfelt responses. So we decided to award a pair of tickets to David Lewis and also one ticket each to Patricia Demery, Maria Dunne and “AM”. Críona Ní Gháirbhí has also won a pair of tickets to the Riverrun Project at the Sugar Club. Congratulations to all our ticket winners – we hope you enjoy your evening. Please email info@dublinwritersfestival.com for details on how to collect your tickets.
There are more Dublin Writers Festival tickets to be won - visit the Dublin Writers Festival Blog for the chance to see some of your favourite writers for free.
Festival Countdown – Two Weeks to Go
Throughout history, Ireland has produced some of the most influential and talented writers in the world. This week, Dublin Writers Festival is preparing to celebrate the contributions of some of the country’s most remarkable living writers as Jennifer Johnston, Tom Murphy and Gallery Press reach important anniversaries. We also reveal last week’s Kureishi ticket winners and details on how you can win entry to yet more festival events.
Jennifer Johnston
“Jennifer Johnston is not just one of Ireland's best living writers, she is one of the best, full stop…” Irish News
Prepare to be enthralled as Dublin Writers Festival marks Jennifer Johnston's 80th birthday with a celebration of the author’s exceptional career. Despite having written her first novel in her forties, Johnston has written sixteen novels over the last four decades including the Booker-shortlisted Shadows on Our Skin, the Whitbread-winning The Old Jest – later filmed as The Dawning – and Truth or Fiction. Combining dark and disquieting themes with unconventional narratives, Johnston is a master at revealing, the hidden workings of the human heart. Expect honest and open discussion with one of Ireland’s most prolific writers.
Venue Project Arts Centre
Date Friday, June 4th, 2010
Time 7:30pm
Price €12.00/ €10.00 (Concession)
Booking http://www.projectartscentre.ie
Tom Murphy
“The nearest thing to a genius that Ireland can boast of…” Colm Tóibín
Enjoy a rare evening of reading and conversation with one of Ireland’s most controversial living dramatists as Dublin Writers Festival celebrates Tom Murphy’s 75th birthday. Murphy burst onto the scene in the sixties, shocking audiences with his brutal debut, A Whistle in the Dark. Since then, his plays have continued to astonish and entertain, approaching contemporary Irish concerns with razor-sharp wit. Known for versatility and diversity, his other plays include The Gigli Concert, Conversations on a Homecoming,The House (2000) and his latest, The Last Days of a Reluctant Tyrant, which premiered last year at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre. Expect a truly special evening.
Venue Abbey Theatre
Date Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Time 4:00pm
Price €12.00/ €10.00 (Concession)
Booking http://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats_on/performances/1284
The Gallery Press 40th Anniversary Poetry Celebration
Join us for yet another incredible evening of celebration as Ireland´s pre-eminent independent publisher, The Gallery Press, reaches its 40th year. To mark the occasion, Dublin Writers Festival has assembled an outstanding line-up of Irish poets including Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon, Ciaran Carson, Vona Groarke, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Dermot Healy, Medbh McGuckian and Peter Fallon. Over the last four decades, Gallery Press has published over 400 poetry, drama and prose titles, showcasing the finest established and emerging literary figures. Packed with individual readings and discussions, this event is an exceptional tribute to a modern Irish institution.
Venue Abbey Theatre
Date Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Time 7:30pm
Price €20.00/ €15.00 (Concession)
Booking http://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats_on/performances/1285
Hanif Kureishi ticket winners
Congratulations to Hazel Larkin and Bairbre Guilfoyle. You’ve both won a pair of tickets to see Hanif Kureishi at the Project Arts Centre. Please email info@dublinwritersfestival.com for details on how to collect your tickets.
There are more Dublin Writers Festival tickets to be won - visit the Dublin Writers Festival Blog for the chance to see some of your favourite writers for free.
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Festival Countdown – Three Weeks to Go
Each week, leading up to the festival, we’re bringing you a variety of highlights to whet your appetite. This week, we’re taking a look at the art of songwriting, the complexity of short story collections, and the toil involved in penning the elusive second novel. Check out the Paul Brady, Neil Hannon, John Lynch, Paul Murray and Hanif Kureishi events below - you’ll also find details on how to win free festival tickets.
Please note: booking for all highlighted events this week is at www.projectartscentre.ie.
Paul Brady - In conversation with John Kelly
A must for any music lover, share Paul Brady’s vision of what it takes to write the perfect song. Bringing to life the art of songwriting through discussion and live acoustic performance, Brady will address topics such as co-writing, major influences, key songs and collaboration. Take a musical journey with one of Ireland's most prolific and enduring artists and let yourself be inspired.
Venue Liberty Hall
Date Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Time 8pm
Price €20.00/ €15.00 (Concessions)
Neil Hannon - In conversation with John Kelly
Derry-born singer-songwriter Neil Hannon, best known as the creator and front-man of the Divine Comedy, explores his craft through conversation and live performance. In the company of writer and broadcaster John Kelly, he dissects, discusses and demonstrates the power of a good song, with enlightening conversation and acoustic interludes.
Venue Liberty Hall
Date Friday, June 4th, 2010
Time 8pm
Price €20.00/ €15.00 (Concessions)
John Lynch & Paul Murray
There’s a saying that everyone has a book inside them…but does everyone have two? Speak to any writer and they’ll tell you that the second novel is always trickier than the first. But is it the weight of expectation or the fear of failure that weighs heavy? Join Irish writers John Lynch and Paul Murray as they reveal the highs and lows of the ‘follow-up’ novel.
Venue Project Arts Centre
Date Saturday, June 5th, 2010br />
Time 2:00pm
Price €10.00/€8.00 (Concession OAP / Students)
Hanif Kureishi
We´re pleased to welcome award-winning playwright, screenwriter, novelist and filmmaker, Hanif Kureishi, for a celebration of his recently published Collected Stories. Addressing themes such as politics, sexual desire and religious tension, Kureishi will read and discuss his first long-awaited anthology of short fiction. Recognized as producing some of the most provocative reflections of our multicultural and multiracial society, Kureishi is a prolific creative force not to be missed. This is your only chance to catch him in Ireland this summer.
Venue Project Arts Centre
Date Saturday, June 5th, 2010br />
Time 8:00pm
Price €12.00/€10.00 (Concession OAP / Students)
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See anything you like? Head over to the Dublin Writers Festival Blog – FREE TICKETS ARE ON OFFER NOW
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