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Gig Catherine Sikora & Brian Chase Irish saxophon
ist Catherine Sikora (Eric Mingus, Elliott Sharp) and acclaimed American drummer Brian Chase (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, John Zorn) tether their pony outside the Stables on this mini-tour in support of their new album, untitled: after. On it, they turn to Seamus Heaney’s translation of the epic poem Beowulf for inspiration. The classic text’s themes of confrontation and courage are channeled into compositions as a basis for improvisation. File under avant-garde jazz. Fumbally Stables, Sunday April 7, €18 Theatre Beginning After the rather brilliant production of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children last month comes the second instalment of their Love and Courage season. David Eldridge’s Beginners is a two-hander exploring the challenges of finding love or “sozzled loners seek a connection in a tech age” as the Guardian header described it. Starring Marty Rea and Eileen Walsh, who is well versed for this role following recent performances in the stellar Catastrophe, these are the last two souls at a house-warming party. With the proverbial clock ticking on their night and hopes of finding a kindred spirit, it promises to be both funny and tender. Gate Theatre, until Saturday April 20, €25-€40 Festival Offset So it turns out 2009, in the depths of the downturn, also turned into a year where people bravely struck out with their ideas. Offset joins the likes of Live Collision (another highlight) and Body & Soul as events which turn 10 this year. It’s not been without its struggles and its venue downsize reflects this but Offset is still the creative festival of choice in the capital bringing homegrown and foreign talents into focus across platforms such as photography, design, illustration, typography and animation. We’re glad to be welcoming home former TD contributors such as Rich Gilligan (pictured) as well as making first encounters with the likes of James Victore. Point of information – Google maps indicates the walk from the Point Square to The Ferryman is 14 minutes (1.1km). Friday April 5 to Sunday April 7, Point Square, €55-€295 Gig Glen Hansard Hansard has long been the backbone of a music scene in the city which is part-venerated and part-ridiculed depending on your perspective on hearts on sleeves and busking with Bono on Christmas Eve. However, there is no denying the Hansard man has done good; initially as part of The Frames and then The Swell Season, having his payday with Once. Now he returns with This Wild Willing, which sincerely should earn Hansard a worthy embrace from his fans and a fresh take from his detractors. Stunningly orchestrated and inventive at every twist, Hansard’s lyrics soar and swoop at every turn on tracks such as Fools Game and Race to the Bottom. If he brings every instrument recorded to the stage, it should make for quite the spectacle. Vicar Street, Tuesday April 9 and Wednesday April 10, €35.15 90