'til they came unto a cave

'til they came unto a cave

Date: 07/09/2016 10:19

A new performance by artist Phil Hession, featuring Gabriel Mc Ardle and Rosie Stewart.

Doors open 7:15pm on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th of September 2016

Tickets £15 Buy Here

For countless thousands of years the Marble Arch Caves lay undisturbed in inky black, primeval darkness, while the cave river eroded and dissolved away millions of tonnes of limestone to carve and shape the majestic cave passages. Superstition and fear kept the caves free from visitors and absolute darkness prevailed until 1895 when two intrepid explorers disturbed the silence and natural order of the caves, and the first beam of light pierced the blackness, breaking the long sleep of the Marble Arch Caves.    

Over a century later, you are invited to undertake a journey weaving together archive film and song in the depths of the Caves. Fermanagh singers Gabriel McArdle and Rosie Stewart will join Phil Hession each evening to perform a repertoire of traditional Irish song, in this spectacular subterranean world.    

Phil describes the experience as “When I’m singing I aim to lose myself in a song, like other singers I close my eyes and hope to become absorbed by the story. When this happens, it can sometimes feel as if you exist in another world. In a sense, I feel something of this otherworldliness also exists in the Marble Arch Caves.”    

The evening is set to combine traditional Irish music and footage from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive (DFA) as part of the BFI’s Britain on Film Rural initiative. The project is a collaborative effort between the Digital Film Archive, FilmHubNI, the British Film Institute and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.  The films were digitised as part of Britain on Film, supported by Unlocking Film Heritage awarding funds from The National Lottery.

FAQS    

Should I book in advance?    

We highly recommend you book in advance, as the audience for this performance is limited to a total of 30 people a night. Tickets are £15 and can be booked here https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/146702    

If you have booked and can no longer attend this event please contact – ruralfilmhubni@gmail.com

What should I wear?  

This performance will take place in the underground caves. It can get cold during the performance and the caves can be damp. Sensible shoes are recommended along with warm clothes and a waterproof jacket should be worn underground.    

Can I take photographs?    

No filming or photography is permitted during the performance. The event will be documented and available to watch for free on the Northern Ireland Screen Digital Film Archive in 2017.    

Accessibility:    

To exit the Showcave visitors are required to climb over 150 steps; therefore the attraction is not accessible for wheelchairs or prams/pushchair. A moderate level of fitness is required to take part in the showcave tour. Free parking will be available on site.    

Any questions about accessibility or clothing contact Marble Arch Caves Geo Global Park.    Tel. NI / UK: 028 6634 8855      Tel. ROI: 048 6634 8855