ONE of Belfast’s literary giants, the award-winning poet Michael Longley, will take to the stage of the Lyric Theatre this Sunday (3 March) as part of a celebration of the city’s 400thxa0anniversary.
Recipient of a string of literary awards, including the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, the 73-year-old is celebrated for the beauty of his poetry’s compact, meditative lyrics. The esteemed poet will discuss his work with popular BBC Arts presenter, Marie-Louise Muir in the intimate setting of the Naughton Studio at the Lyric Theatre. The Lyric is hosting a series ofxa0City Conversationsxa0with well-known personalities about the impact Belfast has had on their life and work. [caption id="attachment_36751" align="alignleft" width="360"]
Michael Longley and Seamus Heaney at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. (Photo by John Harrison/Harrison Photography).[/caption]
Architectxa0John Tuomey, whose design for the Lyric Theatre was short-listed for the prestigious Stirling Prize, will be speaking about his award-winning practice on 21 April.
Contemporary artist,xa0Colin Davidson,xa0the man behind the eye-catching portraits in the Lyric’s foyer and whose work has often been inspired by Belfast, takes to the stage on 12 May. His solo exhibition ‘No Continuing City’ focused on Belfast as it appeared from city centre roof-tops.
Last but not least on 6 July playwrightxa0Marie Jonesxa0will be ‘in conversation’ with fellow actor/writer Dan Gordon to coincide with the return of her popular show,xa0Weddins, Weeins and Wakes.xa0Jones’ hit comedy is the last in a series of plays in thexa0Tales of the Cityxa0season that also includes the latest instalment of the ‘Billy’ plays by Graham Reid.
Richard Croxford, Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre said: “We’re no strangers to a conversation and a bit of banter in Belfast and so to complement our season of Belfast plays we decided to invite some well-known local personalities to talk about the influence this great city has had on their life and work.
“We hope thesexa0City Conversationsxa0stimulate audiences with four very different Belfast figures and that these will enrich our celebration of the 400thxa0birthday of the city.”
City Conversationsxa0runs in the Naughton Studio from March to July:
* xa0Michael Longley, poet, Sunday 3 March 7pm
* xa0John Tuomey, architect, Sunday 21 April 3pm
* xa0Colin Davidson, artist, Sunday 12 May 3pm
* xa0Marie Jones, playwright, Saturday 6 July 5.30pm
Tickets are £7.50 (£5 concession). For more information on thexa0Tales of the Cityxa0season check out the Lyric’s website. To book contact the Lyric box office on 028 9038 1081 or online atxa0www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
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