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AS IS THE case with many other professions, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the arts, culture and entertainment worlds.
But, according to Tommy Tiernan, who stars in TG4′s new anthology film Samhlú, it has also provided the opportunity for creativity to flourish.
“Creativity can come from nothing,” he says. “That’s where the magic comes from.”
To celebrate the artistic endeavours and creativity that have endured throughout Ireland despite a very challenging year, Samhlú 2020 – the Irish word for ‘imagine’ – will air on TG4 tonight, Tuesday December 15, at 9:30pm.
Set in Roundstone in Connemara, Samhlú 2020 is a performance showcase to support the arts and artists in 2020. It follows the journey of an otherworldly wanderer (Tiernan) as he arrives in the town and sets up a small wooden stage.
From here, the little Irish street comes alive with music and art. Doorsteps, piers and chipper vans become stages for all kinds of performances, from music to dance, theatre to film and the visual arts.
Samhlú 2020 will see performances from some of the best-known names in Irish culture, including Tonnta, Brian Finnegan, Slow Moving Clouds and Julie Feeney, as well as Séamus Ó Flatharta, Moxie, Varo, Catherine Young Dance and Ronan Ó Snodaigh. The finale will see a new composition by world renowned composer Bill Whelan called Samhlú.
All of the performances led by the wanderer are interwoven with six short films, while Samhlú Croí Cruthaitheach – a season of twelve commissioned short-form films – will air periodically over the course of 2021.
Speaking about his role in the production, Tiernan said he had to scrub up on his cúpla focail: “I don’t have much Irish, so I had to take lessons.”
As for how coronavirus affected his creativity, Tiernan said he “didn’t really think about” it. “It doesn’t really come into my imagination much in terms of work. Actors find it hard anyway. Artists find it hard anyway. And maybe this year was harder than most years, but this is not an unusual landscape for performers to be unemployed and bored. It’s where we live and it’s where creativity comes from.”
Samhlú 2020 will air on TG4 tonight, Tuesday December 15, at 9:30pm and can be viewed worldwide on the TG4 player.
Saoirse is a great actress and I wish her well but rather than for Brooklyn, surely this Carlow girl should have been nominated for her real life use of the North Inner City Dublin accent?
Some are very ignorant. Ronan lived in Carlow for a short period before moving to Dublin a long time ago. Her parents are Dubs too. Get over it!
Isn’t she American by birth, Bronx girl.
Yup.
There is another story on here which links to an interview with her years ago, accent seems genuine…
In fairness, accents can be picked up from parents.
My former English neighbours have a son who is around 10 years old. To hear him speak, you would think he was raised in England, but he was born and raised here.
Still, it is funny that she’s referred to as being from Carlow with that accent.
…Brooklyn nominated for “Best British Film” ?? Am I missing something here ?
Even though it was based off an Irish novel, based on an Irish story, based partially in Ireland, directed by an Irish man and acted by primarily BY Irish actors….technically it could be considered a British film because the screen play was adapted by Nick Hornby and it was produced by the BFI…and you know the Brits have a habit of claiming Irish things as there own.
”Brooklyn” is a British film. Financed by BBC & BFI. Produced by Brits.
Is the Danish Girl in th British film category for similar reasons?
Exciting times for Germany and New Yawk.
Knew you would not reJoyce!!!
Ah no….I wish Seer-Sheh well.
If she collects the Oscar it will bestow enormous tourism benefits on our small island in the Atlantic and Irish eyes will be smiling all the way to the bank.
Unfortunately for her she won’t win as the award is already set aside for Cate Blanchett in Carol which ticks all the politically correct boxes (LBTG/gender fluidity stuff)
That’s how Hollywood works these days.
Many British pundits are predicting Ronan to win. It’s her third nomination.
have your say