RoolaBoola celebrates 23 years of entertaining young people in Mayo
THE Linenhall Arts Centre’s annual RoolaBoola Children’s Arts Festival features a smashing seasonal line-up of theatre, music, storytelling, art exhibitions and workshops from Friday, October 21, to Saturday, November 5.
Access officer Deirdre Melvin enthused: “The festival is an incredible 23 years old and loved by the people of Castlebar. We have an exciting mix of local, national and international artists ready to perform, inspire and entertain Mayo children and their adults. There’s something for all ages and a strong mix of free and low cost events. Let the fun and mayhem commence.”
Small Things, commissioned by the Linenhall from the Castlebar Creatives, launches the festival. From comics to illustration, photography and moving ceramic sculpture, all aspects of the natural world are explored as well as childhood experience and fantasy in this visual arts exhibition.
The works of eclectic collective Fiona Dowling, Andrew Ilsley, Binne MacManamon, Flávia Renó and Melanie Whelan are complemented by plenty of interactive art displays for little audiences. Families can drop in anytime and enjoy the experience.
A festival highlight and huge coup for RoolaBoola, I Wish I Was A Mountain, by The Egg Royal Theatre, Bath, uses rhyme, live music, and just a smattering of metaphysical philosophy to boldly reimagine Herman Hesse’s classic fairytale. Performance poet Toby Thompson creates this beautiful show for over sevens, which has received universal praise from theatre critics. The Guardian deemed it “Stunning!” Tickets are still available for performances on Saturday, October 22.
New for 2022 is a collaboration with ATU, Le Cheile Family Resource Centre and Mayo County Library. The non-spooky Halloween Story Trail at ATU is the perfect outdoor activity for little ones on Wednesday, October 26.
A gorgeous theatre treat for families, An Ant Called Amy, written and performed by Ballaghereen’s Julie Sharkey, is on Saturday, October 29, for children aged 5 to 8 years. The story of an Ant called Amy, her brother Andy and a brown spider, it’s an endearing tale about a busy little ant who learns to slow down.
Another interactive exhibition, focused on eco-art, Land and Language - Talamh agus Teanga, opens on October 28 by Castlebar native, artist Derval Dunford. A very special, socially engaged and environmental project, it subtly explores the climate emergency through interconnection, in the hope of encouraging adults and children to take action, but from a gentle and simple perspective.
The Linenhall Arts Centre celebrates Halloween, falling on Monday, October 31, by opening its doors with loads of activities. The cafe opens from noon, serving up ghoulishly spooky sandwiches and witches brew with afternoon music from Knockmore’s Cathal Faughnan. Family Monster Mash follows, a themed bash for all music-loving little monsters. Dress up in costume and don your dancing shoes as The Queen Street Swing Band will be performing this all ages concert!
Daily art workshops take place over the midterm break and the grand finale of RoolaBoola is a day of free activities on Saturday, November 5, including family art sessions and the highly anticipated A Hero’s Tale with storyteller and artist Wayne O’Connor.
Like Dungeons and Dragons and the Choose your Own Adventure books of the '80s, imagine a story where you are the hero. Every session is unique, promising high energy and humour.
That afternoon, Live At Three, a live performance series, supported by Music West and Music Generation Mayo, introduces new teenage rock band Decision. Band members Harry, Josh, Eoin and Aoibhín all played music individually, but when they met at Musical Horizons - Sligo's school of Rock, immediately this genesis of a group emerged.
The 23rd RoolaBoola Children’s Arts Festival is brimming with events for all ages and interests. Advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, especially on the free events.