Weekend Guide: From celebrations of African culture to menopause musicals, here’s what’s on

Cliché by PJ Kirby

19 May, Vicar Street

The one and only PJ Kirby of I’m Grand Mam podcast fame looks back at his twenties through the lens of a movie and comes to terms with the fact that for his entire life, he was basically a walking Cliché. “Warning this show contains a gay man having an identity crisis as he turns thirty. You may experience extreme eye rolling.”

International Literature Festival Dublin

19-28 May, Merrion Square Park, Dublin

Since 1998, the International Literature Festival Dublin has brought the world’s finest writers together to enthral, engage and excite audiences. In readings, conversations, debates, screenings, guided walks, events, podcasts and broadcasts, we’re proud to celebrate the very best Irish and international fiction and non-fiction authors, poets, lyricists, playwrights and screenwriters. Irish language writing and emerging talent are always supported, and new voices championed through commissions and public initiatives.

Menopause the Musical 2

Until 20 May, The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin

Starring X Factor’s Mary Byrne, Copycats’ Jessica Martin, Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley and Susie Fenwick of West End fame, Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause is a hilarious sequel which sees our leading ladies fast forward five years to catch up with tales of their lives, loves and losses as they set off on the high seas. Hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses and weight gain, this production provides a funny, heartfelt and reassuring look at the “joys” of menopause.

Galway Indoor Market

20 May, Outset Gallery, The Corn Store, Middle Street, Galway

Already becoming a well-loved occasion in the Galway event calendar, this Indoor Market fills the Corn Store with independent vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and handmade ceramics to art, jewellery and handwoven baskets. There are also screen printing demonstrations, live tunes from Yawlag Collective, and an abundance of good vibes.

Dublin Dance Festival

Until 28 May, various locations around Dublin

Dublin Dance Festival believes in the power of dance to move, connect and inspire change. With so much of Ireland’s culture tied up in language and the past, dance has a unique power to explore and express what it is to be human, right now. Bringing an array of world-renowned artists to the capital, the festival invites us to be open and courageous and to celebrate love and our shared humanity.

Africa Day Dublin

21 May, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin

This family friendly cultural celebration will showcase artists with links to Africa through live music, food, arts and crafts, and a whole lot more. There will be a cultural village giving groups an opportunity to highlight their culture, industry, and art throughout the day. Celebrating the diversity and unity of Africa, similar events will take places in Galway, Cork, Laois, and Mayo the following week.

Featured image via @pj.kirby on Instagram