The real Lady Augusta Gregory, whose plays are in Philadelphia for a run.
Duffy’s Cut dominates the calendar this week. Along with a day-long symposium on Saturday at Immaculata which employs the arts to explore the mystery of the deaths of 57 Irish railroad workers in Malvern in 1832, Immaculata Professor William Watson, who led an archeological dig that found the bodies, will also be speaking on Tuesday at AOH Division 39 Hall on Tulip Street in Philadelphia.
History buffs might also enjoy “A Night with Lady G,” a trilogy of funny plays by celebrated Irish playwright Augusta, Lady Gregory, which opens at Plays and Players Theater on Delancey Street in Philadelphia. My favorite Lady Gregory quotes: “It is the old battle, between those who use a toothbrush and those who don’t” and “I feel more and more the time wasted that is not spent in Ireland.”
For some great music, head to the Tin Angel, where The John Byrne Band opens for the Palm Ghosts at the Tin Angel on Second Street in the city.
The JBB will be in Jim Thorpe on Sunday for the Fall Foliage Fest. History buffs can enjoy the fest and also check out the jail where the Irish miners, the Molly Maguires, were hanged, in this beautiful little town.
On Sunday, be prepared to burn some serious calories at the Ceili at AOH Notre Dame Div. 1 in Bridgeport.
Later, head down to the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts to hear the Makem and Spain Brothers (yes, that Makem—they’re the sons of Tommy Makem) for an evening of Irish folk music.
There won’t be any Irish language lessons at Villanova on Monday, October 13 because the university is closed that day. Classes will resume on October 20.
On Friday, the Pulley and Buttonhole Theater Company is performing Conor McPherson’s play, The Weir, which will run Fridays and Saturdays, the 17, 18, 24. and 25 at 305 Old York Road in Jenkintown (the theater is on the second floor and there is no elevator).
Looking ahead: Iconic Irish singer Mary Black will be appearing on October 24 at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville. This is her “last call” tour—she’s retiring from touring the world after 30 years. The first of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day fundraisers takes place on October 25—a beef and beer at St. Denis Church Hall in Havertown.
Please check our calendar for details and updates.
