Hanora and Noel Kilkenny, Consul General of New York, once again played the gracious hosts yesterday in welcoming the Culture Ireland's contigent to the APAP - the Association for the Performing Arts Presenters Conference, here in NYC from Jan. 5-9. More than 30 delegates from Ireland representing all art forms attended the annual conference. Many more than 30 perched high above the East River in the Consulate's peregrine-like abode (see above.)
Some of the bright notables in attendance at the gathering: Garry Hynes from Druid preparing for the anticipated DruidMurphy (above) here in NYC in July at Lincoln Center, Charlotte Moore and Ciaran O'Reilly from the Irish Repertory Theatre, Pauline Turley and Aidan Connelly from the Irish Arts Center, and the members of the supergroup The Gloaming who were on their way to a Webster Hall gig later that night. Playwrights Deirdre Kinahan (Bogboy) and Jimmy Kerr (Ardnaglass on the Air) were also in the crowd, all welcomed by minister Jimmy Deenihan, TD, Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. It was the first time an Irish Minister appeared at APAP.
Jimmy Kerr told me about his new play, a serious play by what he says, but how he says it, with his notoriously infectious laugh, indicates otherwise. He says his new work is killing him, but that his apartment has never been cleaner, apparently he is avoiding writing in order houseclean. I both avoid writing and housework. I wouldn't know.
George Heslin is beginning plans for the 2012 1st Irish festival - it is a fifth year commemoration and will be the best yet if hard work is any portent. Tom Reing from Philadelphia's Inis Nua came up for the occasion and speaks glowingly of his theatre company's new space. The upcoming Little Gem will be the first production at 1636 Sansom Street (17th and Sansom). I'll be making the trip south in May for their production of The Walworth Farce. Can't wait!
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