What To Watch Out For At Cúirt
Mark your calendars! The 4th of April brings about the start of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, a highly anticipated event for book lovers. Before you buy your tickets, ROPES members Sheridan Pena and Mariah Inman share their most highly anticipated events taking place next week and why they think you should swing by.
Sheridan’s Recommendations:
Heroes and Villages: A. K. Blakemore, Jan Carson and the Power of the Mob
Wednesday 6th April at 8:30 pm - Town Hall Theatre
I personally love reading about dystopian societies and have recently become enamoured with historical fiction so this event is a must-see for me. I cannot wait to hear the conversation between two wonderful storytellers such as Jan Carson and A. K. Blakemore.
Leave the World Behind: Rumaan Alam in Conversation
Thursday 7th April at 8:30 pm - Town Hall Theatre
How far can you trust a stranger? This is the central question in Rumaan Alam's book Leave the World Behind. I'm looking forward to this event as I'm sure it'll push me beyond my typical way of thinking (Plus the Netflix adaptation of the book will star Julia Roberts so this basically has her seal of approval).
It's About the Journey: Danny Denton and Claire-Louise Bennett
Saturday 9th April at 4:00 pm - An Taibhdhearc
Another go-to of mine is books that focus on a character's mental journey as much as their physical one. Danny Denton and Claire-Louise Bennett focus on this phenomenon in their novels, and I won't be able to resist attending this event.
The Sound of Paradise: Raymond Antrobus and Roger Robinson
Saturday 9th April at 8:30 pm - Town Hall Theatre
Poetry is a relatively unfamiliar genre to me, but I always wish to become more familiar with it. Even with my lack of knowledge on the subject, I recognized the names of Raymond Antrobus and Roger Robinson and knew I had to go see these two powerhouse poets.
Staying In: Will McPhail in Conversation
Sunday 10th April at 2:00 pm - An Taibhdhearc
I took one look at the cover of In and knew I had to read it. The exquisite graphics drew me in, and the writing style hooked me completely. I will be severely disappointed if I do not get to meet the author behind this book.
Mariah’s Recommendations:
Cúirt Zine Fair
Friday 8 April 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - The Cornstore
Saturday 9 April 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - The Cornstore
Sunday 10 April 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - The Cornstore
If you are an art hoe like me who loves to support local artists and independent presses, I highly recommend taking a peek at the zines*, prints, and comics that will be for sale at the Cúirt Zine Fair. The fair is free to attend, however, I highly recommend throwing down some handsome cash at the first zine you fall in love with.
*A zine is a self-published leaflet or booklet with original or appropriated art.
Staying In: Will McPhail in Conversation
Sunday 10 April 2 p.m. - An Taibhdhearc
As an avid fan of graphic novels that prick at the heartstrings, I am a sure-fire supporter of Will McPhail’s debut novel In. The novel made me laugh, cry, and reconsider my everyday life choices. You will find me clutching his book at this event as he explains the inspiration behind his novel.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention the launch of the ROPES Literary Journal! This event will be held on April 6th at 4:00 pm in An Taibhdhearc, and entry is free for everyone. Make sure to come by if you want to engage in exciting literary chats and hear the contributing writers speak about their work. We can’t wait to see you all there!