The Culture 5 – your cultural highlights for the next seven days
Dublin’s cultural scene is brimming with activity this February, offering a diverse range of events from theatrical innovation to visual art exhibitions and compelling television premieres. From a unique 24-hour play challenge to celebrations of women’s contributions, the city presents a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression.
A Whirlwind of Theatre
The Abbey Theatre will host The 24 Hour Plays: Dublin on Sunday, February 1st. A selection of Ireland’s finest actors will perform six short plays, all conceived, rehearsed, and presented within a single 24-hour period. The event benefits Dublin Youth Theatre and is described as one of the most entertaining nights on the Irish theatre calendar.
Celebrating Women’s Voices
St. Brigid’s Day, celebrated from January 30th to February 1st, is marked by “Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women,” a weekend featuring over 120 events. This program honors women’s contributions to Irish culture and society, bridging ancient traditions with modern life. The Imbolg Women Who Terrify Film Festival, taking place at Griffith College Dublin, will specifically celebrate women’s roles in the horror genre, both on and off screen.
Visual Art and Personal History
At the Kerlin Gallery, artist Dorothy Cross presents Bloodlines, a new series of works that combine archival photographs taken by her father in the 1940s with hand-poured red and white glass. The series explores a personal fascination with the sea, framed within a geological context. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, January 31st, and the exhibition will run until February 14th.
New Television Drama Unveiled
RTÉ One will premiere These Sacred Vows on February 1st, a six-episode series written and directed by John Butler. The story unfolds at an Irish wedding in Tenerife, revealing secrets of love, lies, and betrayal through flashbacks. The cast includes Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Fr. Vincent, India Mullen as Ava, Justine Mitchell as Sandra, and Jason O’Mara as Jerry, among others.
Cinema Pays Homage to a Master
Richard Linklater’s new film, Nouvelle Vague, honors the work of Jean-Luc Godard and the making of his groundbreaking 1960 debut, Breathless. Lensed in black and white, the film depicts Godard’s struggles to realize his vision. It serves as a prelude to the Irish Film Institute’s Godard retrospective in February.
A Beloved Soap Opera Takes the Stage
In a unique event celebrating its 40th anniversary, BallybridgeWater, Ireland’s second-best-loved soap opera, will be performed live on stage by Lemonsoap. This work-in-progress version, featuring a cast of 10, will be presented at Smock Alley in Dublin on February 5th and 6th.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of The 24 Hour Plays: Dublin?
The event is presented in aid of Dublin Youth Theatre and is described as one of the most entertaining nights on the Irish theatre calendar.
What is the focus of the Imbolg Women Who Terrify Film Festival?
The festival will celebrate women who terrify, both on screen and behind the camera.
Where can viewers catch These Sacred Vows?
The series will air on RTÉ One on Sundays from February 1st and is also available to catch up on via the RTÉ Player.
With such a diverse range of offerings, how will Dublin’s arts community balance honoring established traditions with embracing innovative new forms of expression?