Links between Heaney and Burns explored in new series of events at Seamus Heaney HomePlace

by Gráinne Connolly

As many people recently celebrated the poetry of Robert Burns, during 'Burns Night' last month, Seamus Heaney HomePlace has been preparing for 'Pronounced in the Place' which starts tomorrow (Friday 16th February). 

It's a series of events that's running from Friday 15th February until Sunday 25th February, and is inspired by the essay by Seamus Heaney on Robert Burns' poetry, including conversations with John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory's Girl) and music from Elsafty, Armstrong and Browne and Scottish songstress Eddi Reader. 

Cathy Brown, the Arts Programmer at HomePlace in Bellaghey has been explaining 'Pronounced in the Place' to Q Radio: 

The series of events kicks off with ‘Collapsing The Distance’ tomorrow, a discussion panel that will explore the tradition, language and culture of Ulster Scots and how it relates to Heaney’s arguments in Burns’s Art Speech.

The panel comprises Damian Smyth, Matthew Warwick, Frank Ferguson, Nelson McCausland, Carol Baraniuk and John Erskine.

A friend of Heaney's, Robert Crawford will be talking on Saturday 17th February, who's also Robert Burn's biographer and editor of the original collection in which that essay appeared. 

His talk will provide new ways of seeing, hearing and feeling Burns' poetry. 

On the same day, So, Sing On With Eddi Reader (SOLD OUT) will showcase her 2013 album ‘Sings the Songs of Robert Burns’, in what Cathy promises to be the "highlight" of the mini-festival. 

An Ian Cochrane Revival will take place on Thursday 22nd of February, including the launch of a new edition Cochrane's novel 'F for Ferg'. 

According to Cathy, there's a growing interest in the life and work of Ian Cochrane, suggesting a revival of his reputation as a writer of note. 

Originally from Cullybacky, County Antrim, Cochrane's novels explored village life in Northern Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s, using dark humour and Ulster Scots language to create a strong sense of people and place. 

There's more information about the remaining events on over the space of 9 days on the HomePlace website: https://www.seamusheaneyhome.com/

You can also call the Box Office on 028 7938 7444.