While a ceasefire continues in the Gaza Strip, declared one month ago, the region desperately needs help as UNICEF declares that over 14,000 children are still on the brink of death from starvation. Hundreds of UNICEF’s trucks have already delivered aid, but fundraising is still needed. A number of events are taking place across West Cork to support the region through the arts, including a performance of The Gaza Monologues at the Parish Hall in Schull. 

Taking place next Tuesday November 18th, this special performance will be attended by the chief executive of Amnesty International Ireland, Stephen Bowen, and Iman Aoun, the director of the Ashtar Theatre Collective based in Ramallah in Palestine. Skibbereen-based director, Nasser Al Swirki, thanked Irish people for their support so far, and expressed how important it is for these stories to be shared,

‘I was born in Gaza and have witnessed at first-hand the way that the people of Ireland have embraced the people of Palestine. The Gaza Monologues stand as a testament to the suffering, courage and resilience of ordinary people just like us, and as a reminder for us all to hear and amplify these voices.’

‘At this time it is both a privilege and duty to share these important words. It is an act of hope and solidarity and it represents the best of our communities, that local performers, musicians, activists and groups have come together with such generosity to bring this production to audiences across Ireland.’

BANDON

O’Donovans at the Shambles is hosting a special table quiz fundraiser on Wednesday, November 26th at 8pm. Not just an opportunity to show off the teams’ intellectual prowess, the evening is a chance to donate to vital fundraising for Gaza while also boasting powerful brainpower.

On Friday November 28th, Gaggin Drama Group will present the two-act drama play A Living Will at Bandon Town Hall. On Saturday, Kilmeen Drama Group will stage From Eden at the same venue.

Martin Leahy singing his song We Remember in Skibbereen earlier this year.

SKIBBEREEN

On Thursday November 27th, there is a talk at the back of the Tanyard Pub in Skibbereen by Philip O’Regan on ‘The Politics of Food and the History of Famine’. While the talk is free, donations are welcome.

CLONAKILTY

West Cork for Gaza is holding a number of plays and discussions in O’Donovan’s Hotel in Clonakilty on Friday November 28th including Footnotes, written and directed by Irene Kelleher. Following the plays, there will be a historical discussion and debate on Palestine, Israel, colonialism and Irish revolutionaries.

The following day, Saturday 29th, O’Donovan’s will host the Brass Band under Ger Condon for an afternoon of writers, poets and musicians, including Dr Sharon Kingston, writer Tina Piscoe, and local musicians Amy Moriarty and Caitlin McGinn performing Bach’s fifth suite.

Sunday November 30th sees a full day of music, comedy, and other artistic ventures at De Barras, with a family-friendly day of community art and music at The Green Dot nearby.

KINSALE

In nearby Kinsale, the Reel for Palestine takes place in Kinsale this Thursday, November 13th in St Catherine’s Cultural Centre. All proceeds of this evening of film, music, and solidarity will go to Gaza Go Bragh and Médicins Sans Frontière.

This list is not exhaustive, and more details on venues, times, and performers can be found online.