One Book brings classic Strumpet City back to life

A DAZZLING array of fascinating events, from walking tours to talks and dramatic readings to music, will mark this year’s exciting Dublin: One City One Book initiative.

James Plunkett’s celebrated

‘Strumpet City’ has been chosen this year to commemorate the centenary of the 1913 Dublin Lockout and many of the events in the programme are free and include music, drama, readings, history, tours, exhibitions and family gatherings.

They take place at various venues around Dublin until April 30 and the full programme is available on www.dublinonecityonebook.ie

However, we have a just a smattering of what’s on offer below which should appeal to most native Dubs and visitors.

“Dublin: One City One Book is now in its eighth year and is one of the most popular literary festivals in the city,

? said Dublin’s Deputy Lord Mayor Clare Byrne, who officially launched the programme in Liberty Hall where several scenes in the famous book are set.

“It’s also a great opportunity to read James Plunkett’s

‘Strumpet City’, an epic both of the 1913 Lockout and of the city itself.

?

Focusing on the seminal lockout of 20,000 workers in Dublin in 1913,

‘Strumpet City’ encompasses a wide sweep of city life. Plunkett commented that the novel was

“a picture of Dublin in the seven years from 1907 to 1914

?.

Set against the backdrop of social agitation, it examines the attitudes of various strata of society, from Dublin Castle and people of property down to the destitute poor and the outcasts.

From the destitution of Rashers Tierney to the solid, aspirant respectability of Fitz and Mary, the priestly life of Father O’Connor, and the upper-class world of Yearling and the Bradshaws, it paints a portrait of a city of stark contrasts, with an urban working class mired in vicious poverty.

‘Strumpet City’ is considered the great, sweeping Irish historical novel of the 20th century.

A special edition of the book that has been published by Gill & Macmillan can be borrowed from all branches of Dublin City Libraries or bought in bookshops.

You can also follow ongoing conversations on Twitter between two of the book’s main characters – Rashers Tierney and Fr O’Connor. See @RashersTierney1 and also @FrOConnor1.

Dublin: One City One Book encourages everyone to read a book connected with Dublin during April. The initiative is led by Dublin City Libraries as part of its UNESCO City of Literature Programme.

Highlights include (see www.dublinonecityonebook for full programme): Irish Traditional Music with readings from

‘Strumpet City’, at the Church Café & Bar, junction of Mary Street and Jervis Street. Admission free. Booking not necessary (Tuesday, April 9 at 7.30pm).

On Wednesday, April 10 at 7pm there will be a reading of the first finalists in the James Plunkett Short Story Award for new and emerging writing talent at the Irish Writers Centre, 19 Parnell Square.

On Saturday, April 13 from 10am-4.30pm speakers Francis Devine, Karen Hunt, Ann Matthews, Niamh Puirséil and Colin Whiston will discuss the topic

‘A Capital in Conflict: Dublin City and the 1913 Lockout Seminar’ at Dublin City Library & Archive, 138-144 Pearse Street. Admission free.

On Monday, April 15 until Saturday, April 20 at 7.30pm,

‘Lockout’ a new play from writer Ann Matthews will be performed at the New Theatre, 43 East Essex Street, Booking on 01-6703361 Email: info@thenew theatre.com

On Monday, April 22 at 12 noon the

‘Walk & Talk: Memories of Strumpet City’ tour takes in parts of the city still awash with memories of more desperate times for Dublin’s working classes before concluding at the Church Café & Bar, Mary Street, for complimentary tea and coffee and an Irish music session.

This walk will be led by historian Pat Liddy. Meet outside St Kevin’s Church, Harrington Street. Admission free.

There will also be walking tours of Glasnevin Cemetery every Sunday in April. Tickets e12/e8 concession. Booking advised. Email: booking@ glasnevintrust.ie Tel: 01-8826550