ZOË’S DUBLIN DIARY: LEEDS HARDCORE, THE WITCH, ARCHAEOASTRONOMICAL DEVICES →

Wednesday, 9 March – “Pathfinder”, Talbot Gallery & Studios

Andrew Carson’s installation at Talbot Gallery presents his take on communication. The Nabta Playa area in Egypt’s western desert is home to numerous archaeological sites, including what are thought to be the world’s earliest archaeoastronomical devices: alignments of stone meant for observing the stars. “Pathfinder” uses this potential communal stargazing as a platform to explore interpersonal connections and communication through ritual. Carson won Foundation14’s Critic’s Choice Award, which came with this solo show and financial support for it; the show is also supported by Fingal County Council Arts Office. Facebook event here.

Thursday, 10 March – Knights of the Borrowed Dark Book Launch, 19:00, Smock Alley Theatre

Knights of the Borrowed Dark is the fantastical first installment to Dave Rudden’s three-part series. Orphan Denizen Hardwick finds himself thrust from his life at Crosscaper Orphanage by the promise of a long-lost aunt, but loses his way, and must decide whether to use his connection to a mysterious order of knights to fend off monstrous forces. Rudden has already won high praise for the first part of his trilogy, published by Penguin. It will be launched by Rick O’Shea. Facebook eventhere.

Friday, 11 March – Sim Simma x Sunday Times: Colm K, 22:00, €5/10, Wigwam

Cork DJ Colm K has been invited up to Dublin for this Friday’s Sim Simma. His sets feature some beautifully curated eclectic vinyl, and he’s got numerous residencies to his name. Part of the RBMA in 2004, he’s also released on Brooklyn label Bastard Jazz, and worked with TR-One, Choice Cuts and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. Facebook event here, tickets here.

Saturday, 12 March – The Flex / Obstruct / Strong Boys / New Gods, 20:00, €8, BYOB, Tenterhooks

The Tenterhooks space is playing host to hardcore Leeds group The Flex. In its first iteration composed of members from Closure, Anguish and Broken Teeth, they traded instruments to get back to the frenetic vibes that propelled hardcore in its beginnings. They’re joined by Yorkshire straight-edge-rs Obstruct, with gay hardcore punkers Strong Boys and snotty garage from New Gods. Bring your own booze, but don’t be a prat. Facebook event here.

Sunday, 13 March – Ricardo Jacinto & Tristan Clutterbuck & Aonghus McEvoy, 19:30, €7, Jigsaw

Cellist Ricardo Jacinto divides his time between Belfast and Lisbon, and improvises alongside artists such as C Spencer Yeh , Manuel Mota, Ernesto Rodrigues and Simon Rose. The night will mix noise and drone with live electronics and guitar from Gavin Prior and Tuula Voutilainen, and the results of improvisational programming from Tristan Clutterbuck. Facebook event here.

Monday, 14 March – Asking for It Book Club, 18:30, €15/€18/€20, Button Factory

Opsh are hosting an open panel discussion on consent, using some of the issues raised by Louise O’Neill in her bestselling novel Asking for It. Louise is joined on the panel by blogger Rosie Connolly, journalist and blogger Louise Bruton and Image.ie senior features editor Jeanne Sutton. Aideen Finnegan of 98FM will host the discussion, which will explore how we deal with issues around consent and objectification in the digital age. Facebook event here, tickets here.

Tuesday, 15 March – The Witch, 17:30, €9, IFI

In seventeenth-century New England, a family of settlers are forced outside of their community, driven into isolation and, inevitably, gripped by religious hysteria, when their youngest child, cared for by their teenage daughter, mysteriously disappears. It looks to be a thoughtful addition to the substantial body of rural horror, exploring fears around female power and sexuality, and the ideological structures with which that feminine power could be controlled. The real horror, as with some of the best in the genre, is rooted in the domestic space. Director Robert Eggers says the film is highly influenced by his own childhood memories and fears. His painstakingly detailed recreation of Puritan New England is the result of four years spent perfecting the costume and script, consulting agricultural experts and researching Puritan prayer manuals.