Multilingual poetry and music event in Moore Hall
Amy Abdullah Barry with some of the participants in a Culture Night event in Moore.
To celebrate Culture Night Cornafulla writer/poet, Amy Abdullah Barry brought together diverse voices in poetry, music and songs at Moore Community Hall, Ballydangan.
Voices and cultures that make up Ireland today were showcased with readings and songs from other cultural backgrounds in Irish, Malaysian/Malay and in English languages. This exposure can help to promote cultural understanding and foster a sense of community. The vibrant performances sparked feeling, sound and imagination.
Amy introduced the Malaysian jungle to the community in her poem, ‘The Breath of the Rainforest,’ accompanied by French harpist, Elizabeth Affolter. She later read, ‘Closure’ a poem on the closure of the Cornafulla post office, that continues to resonate, however subtly, with everyone in the audience. Poet, Eugene McGivern read poems in Irish and English followed by readings from poet, Tadgh Carey. Audiences were captivated by the singing from Anthony Merrigan.
Raja Hawathul sang a popular Malay tune and encouraged the audience to join in. She later invited children to gather around her to listen to her reading poems specially written for children. Music for the first session by the `Blossom Harp Emsemble’ followed by another talented harpist, Caoimhe Lyons.
Moore Hall celebrated Culture Night with lots of other artists, musicians, sketches, dancers and exhibited some fabulous artwork.
Amy extended her thanks to the warm and welcoming committee members of Moore Community Hall and she is grateful for the encouragement and support from the Roscommon Art Council. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and participated.
