Working for a living is highly over-rated...
Firebirds on High St during the FestivalPeter Crawley does a good job of summing up the festival in the Irish Times here: Disquiet on the Western Front
My own personal highlights were:
- Decadent's production of Blackbird - a gripping two-hander about a convicted paedophile being confronted by his victim with many unexpected twists,
- David O'Doherty's lunchtime show at the King's Head - extreme hilarity without offense or discomfort
- Bon Iver's haunting melodies at the Big Top...despite it not being an ideal venue for such intimate music the songs were captivating and Justin Vernon's obvious affection for Galway gave the show a special edge
- Propeller's all-male production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - hilarious, spirited and utterly magical.
Circa's show Furioso was disappointing. The performers displayed their acrobatic skills without a shred of humour, excitement or charisma. There was no narrative, no character - nothing to engage the audience. Having heard such good things about previous shows it was a real let-down.
The Macnas parade too was somewhat anti-climactic appearing shambolic and pathetically small due to miscommunication about its layout. The crowd were not aware that the show was really the finale at the Cathedral and not the parade through the town. We had talked up the Parade hugely to all the wedding guests over from Scotland but most looked decidedly unimpressed on the night. I realise that budgets were greatly tightened this year but decent communication and marshalling doesn't cost a dime - it just involves better organisation.
I have to admit - the Ghost horse was pretty cool though:
And so the Arts Festival is over for another year. I'm boycotting the Races due to lack of energy/funds but will meet up with the gang in Galway for the Bank Holiday weekend.
As long as I can spend most of my summers in Galway...I think I'll be happy.
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