After 2 years of exchange, development and performance, the Arts Council funded International Residency Initiatives Scheme delivered by Earagail Arts Festival, in partnership with Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, FiraTàrrega and ISACS Ireland, came to a close on Thursday 27th November with the sharing of a work-in-progress – Wake Amusements [working title, outdoor work] – by Irish artist Rob Heaslip.
Rob’s work explores the folklore of “wake amusements”, unruly games once played by people to pass the time while grieving the dead at lengthy Irish funerals. Feats of strength, agility, accuracy and merriment were conjured to entertain visitors coming to pay their respects to the deceased. The games involved the use of personal and household items close at hand as props of mischief. Often frowned upon, these games were guilty pleasures to amuse oneself at an otherwise sanctified and respectful affair. The Catholic Church banned many of the games, and they eventually died out.
The 2 year IRIS project was an international exchange with 4 artists / companies from Ireland (Kristyn Fontanella & Rob Heaslip) and Catalunya (Joan Catala & Kamchatka) which led to the creation of 2 new artworks for outdoor performance – Miss Mary by Kristyn and Wake Amusements by Rob. Kristyn’s work was rapturously received by audiences in Ireland and Catalunya and is scheduled for international engagements in Finland, Romania and Germany in 2026, whilst Rob continues to develop his show for premiere in summer 2026.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the artists and crews, partners and funders involved in the delivery of this significant and immensely successful project, sharing ideas, creating new work of international standing and establishing lasting partnerships and friendships along the way.
All images: Amy Sinead Photography
Earagail Arts Festival is kindly supported by Donegal County Council, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Wild Atlantic Way.
