Compelling storytelling at Ballina Arts Centre

Compelling storytelling is at the centre of Seamus O’Rourke’s latest production, ‘Indigestion,’ which comes to Ballina Art’s Centre on Friday, October 25th, as part of a national tour.

In this absorbing play, a man, whose name we never hear, tells us the story of his life, a life always slightly out of his control. We relive the experiences of a simple rural man who was shipped off to London at the age of seventeen, who goes through bouts of depression, obesity, and anger, who finds and loses love, and who comes back to Ireland to more misfortune and mayhem. 

Yet throughout the story there is hope. This is a story where laughter and tears mingle as we race through 50 years of a life, a life not much different to our own.

Seamus said: "iIndigestion' came about after a chance meeting with a fella of my age and stature… he had a great story to tell and although it was a tough life he had led, he remained upbeat and positive. I just thought, with the times that are in it, it was an important story to get out there. There is hope for all of us, no matter how bleak things might seem."

This play has been described as "sensitive, hilarious, intelligent, absolutely compelling" and "refreshingly forthright". Audiences nationwide have reacted positively to its hopefulness, positivity, and realism. 

Tickets are selling fast so do not miss your chance to see Seamus O’Rourke doing what he does best - storytelling. Bookings can be made via the Ballina Arts Centre website or by contacting the box office on 096-73593 (Tickets €18/Concessions €16).

Levelling Access

The Arts Services of Mayo County Council, Galway City Council and Clare County Council are delighted to announce the launch of the Levelling Access Artists Practice Bursary.

The Arts Services of the three local authorities are now inviting applications for the Levelling Access Artists Practice Bursary from artists with disabilities, one in each local authority area. The bursary is open to professional artists with disabilities working in any artform and at any stage of their career, resident in Counties Clare, Mayo or Galway City.

The Bursary will support professional artists with disabilities to develop their practice - create new work or develop an artistic project with one award in each local authority area of €5,000 plus specific access supports, resources and network opportunities.

Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from www.mayo.ie. The deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday, November 19th. For further information about the Levelling Access Artists Practice Bursary contact mayoarts@mayococo.ie with the subject line 'Levelling Access Bursary'.

The Levelling Access Artists Practice Bursary is funded by Arts Council Ireland.