ART
L12121 Picture Panoply
Niall Naessens. Graphic Studio Gallery, off Cope St, Temple Bar, Dublin Until Mar 28
graphicstudiodublin.com
L12121, Niall Naessens learned, is the postcode for his home and studio in Lios na Caolbhaí, Brandon, Co Kerry. The etchings and monoprint/ drawings in this show are his account of his immediate, rather beautiful surroundings from up-close details to distant vistas. He is a superb technician and also has an eye.
THEATRE
The Good Father
Axis, Ballymun. Until Mar 21 8pm €12-15
axisballymun.ie
Christian O’Reilly’s 2002 debut gets a timely production at Axis Ballymun. This love story about strangers made intimate by an unplanned pregnancy has surprising political undertones. It takes place in present-day Ireland: do they have any other option but to keep the progeny of their brief affair? There are melodramatic moments in the plot, which would have worked more effectively as a character study. Still, Tim and Jane are recognisable contemporary kin. It is up to Emmet Kirwan and Nyree Yergainharsian to bring them to life.
SALON
Culture Vultures: Neil Hannon
Odessa, Dame Court, Dublin, €15
entertainment.ie
This monthly cultural salon run by our own Tony Clayton-Lea is already one year old, and has a suitably starry guest this week to celebrate. Neil Hannon has been taking theatrical diversions of late, but this year he’ll be returning to his Divine Comedy mainstay. Expect a cerebral look through his 20-plus years at the classier end of the pop market.
