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Recommended Theatre

Nirbhaya

Nirbhaya

What I saw tonight at the Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire was one of the most affecting performances, of any type, that I think I’ll ever see.

December 16th, 2012. A young woman and her friend board a bus in New Delhi heading for home. What follows shocks India and the world, and changes the lives of these two people and countless others, forever.

This play (performed in English) is a blistering evocation of that night and the ripples of change it set in motion. One woman’s fate touched so many of our lives – the press named her NIRBHAYA, “Fearless” – and in the wake of her death many of us began to break the silence and speak. In this profoundly moving piece of testimonial theatre, five women now break their own silence by sharing their personal stories with the world.

I walked out having felt like I’d been hit by a train. The bravery of these women to stand and talk of their experience is phenomenal. As a man, I feel truly ashamed of my gender and the violence we are capable of. Director Yael Farber and the entire cast are to be commended on a piece which can, and should, change the way the world looks at sexual violence.

Nirbhaya runs until Saturday in the Pavilion (4 performances including matinee Sat).

Categories
Music Video

Ceiliúradh – Behind The Scenes

A brilliant behind the scenes feature on Ceiliúradh, the event held to celebrate President Michael D. Higgins’ state visit to the UK back in April. Filmed by Myles O’Reilly, it captures how magic the event itself was and indeed the entirety of the visit. Well worth your time.

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Recommended Video

Unfinished London

I’m a nerd. Whether it be about tech, history or whatever. If you’ve read any of the content here then you’ll know that. I came across a small series of videos on Youtube by Jay Foreman about particularly interesting aspects of London including how it came to have some many airports (below), unfinished tube lines and motorways. They’re also quite funny and Jay is a lovely bloke to boot. Have a look:

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General Recommended

Smithwick’s Long Summer

Smithwick's Long Summer
Following on from the successful launch of Smithwick’s Pale Ale in 2011 and the addition of the seasonal collection with Winter Spirit in 2013, they’re adding another for 2014 in Smithwick’s Long Summer. I was sent one last week to try and I really liked it. It’s got citrus aromas with a hint of caramel, green tea and tropical fruits. Tasty stuff and a great compliment to the earlier Winter Spirit. It’s available in 50cl bottles from off licenses etc. for the next few months.

Categories
Movies Recommended Video

The Square

thesquare-film

There are so many quality documentaries being made these days and I came across ‘The Square’ last week when browsing Netflix. The film covers the ongoing rollercoaster that is The Egyptian Revolution. Through the news, we have only got a glimpse of the bloodiest battle, an election, or a million man march. At the beginning of July 2013, Egypt witnessed the second president deposed within the space of three years.

The film follows the inspirational story of young people claiming their rights, struggling through multiple forces, in the fight to create a society of conscience. One thing that struck me was the feeling that a secular society was viewed, by the majority of the young people featured, to be crucial for the future of the country. With the latest news of the death penalty verdicts for 683 people in a mass trial, it’s clear that Egypt is in a state of upheaval that could go on for many years.