The lobby of Galway's Town Hall Theatre was abuzz on Tuesday night, with people gearing up to kickstart the 40th year of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature.
The literature-loving crowd carried Sally Rooney's and Paul Muldoon's books from the Charlie Byrne's bookstand and Cúirt merchandise, as seats filled up with attendees to hear the two Irish authors read excerpts from their latest novel and poetry collection.
With Cúirt's signature backdrop lighting, the stage was set with two antique chairs and a podium. With pens poised and drinks in hand, the members of the audience sat back, some with their eyes closed, and let the festival of culture begin.
Manuela Moser, director of Cúirt's 4oth festival, took to the stage first to introduce this year's event, the fantastic line-up, and to thank all those who were involved in bringing the magic to Galway for another year. She then introduced the night's guests, and following a round of applause, Sally Rooney and Paul Muldoon took to the stage.
Taking three extracts from the beginning of her latest novel, Intermezzo, released in September, Rooney introduced the audience to the characters who dominate the pages. With the only sounds in the theatre coming from ice moving in people's cups, Rooney moved through the pages with the confidence and finesse of someone who is at one with their work.
With pauses for laughter and effect, you could almost see her writing process, and the emotions that were evoked when she initially created the characters of Ivan, Peter and Margaret.
Paul Muldoon, appropriately described in the brochure as "the most significant English-language poet born since the Second World War," came onto the stage and launched right into a reading of his spoken word lyrics of The Riders.
With his calming presence and gruff, Ulster accent, it was easy to see why his praises are sung. Muldoon had the audience's full attention, not just with his writing and delivery but also with his personal stories that had laughter bubbling up before the punchline was even reached.
Numerous anecdotes, five readings, and one glass of water given to a coughing audience member later, Muldoon left the stage with a small bow and peace sign, to a chorus of 'wows' echoing around the theatre.
Cúirt runs until Sunday, April 13.
See www.cuirt.ie
