Isadora Epstein on bringing Greek mythology and music to the quays of Cork city

Isadora Epstein’s The Sun and Only! sees her perform with musicians Sarah Grimes and Méabh McKenna at Test Site on Kyrl’s Quay as part of Cork Midsummer Festival

Isadora Epstein has carved out a unique niche for herself in the Irish arts world, creating multi-media shows

Isadora Epstein has carved out a unique niche for herself in the Irish arts world, creating multi-media shows – often inspired by Irish and classical mythology – that she has performed in libraries, parks and people’s kitchens, as well as in art galleries throughout the country.

Her new show at Cork Midsummer Festival, The Sun and Only!, was commissioned by the Glucksman Gallery at UCC and sees her perform with musicians Sarah Grimes and Méabh McKenna at Test Site on Kyrl’s Quay.

“We’re doing it outdoors,” says Epstein. “Which is a bit ballsy, when you consider it’s largely about the weather.” There is, at present, no Plan B. “But I had to cope with a status red storm warning in Galway last year. And I did a show at Kilmainham, where we had to improvise a new stage set-up at two hours’ notice. I’m sure we’ll think of something, if the need arises.”

Epstein usually tailors her shows to the circumstances of their presentation. “In this instance, the show will not just be outdoors, it will be broadcast live on air, so we’ve styled it as an old-fashioned radio hour. Sarah plays drums, and Méabh the harp, and they’re both amazing musicians; I feel like I’ve spoofed my way into being in a band. We’ll be performing as the Hours, these figures from Greek mythology who control the weather.”

Moth Holes, MOLI, photo credit Cáit Fahey, costume Amie Egan

Epstein’s other collaborators on the show include the costume designer Amie Egan and the set designer Millie Egan, while her inspirations include Flann O’Brien, the Irish author of At Swim-Two-Birds, and Lucretius, whose long poem On the Nature of Things – dated to the 1st century BC – attempted to communicate Epicurean philosophy to a Roman audience. “Epicurus was a typical Greek,” she says, “trying to explain everything in the world.”

Epstein traces her interest in performance to her childhood in San Francisco. “I was a really bratty five-year-old. I’d invite all my friends to a party, and then direct them in a performance. My art practice is really a continuation of that.”

Epstein moved to Ireland in 2008, and studied Drama at Trinity College Dublin. “I used to feel sneaky, wondering if what I do is theatre,” she says. “But early on, I presented shows in response to my friends’ art exhibitions, and I think what I do now is performance art. I make sure the audience is a large part of it; I’m not just looking out at the crowd, as you would in the theatre. I mean, if someone’s phone goes off, I’ll acknowledge that and make it part of the show.”

Medium Mediums, Douglas Hyde Gallery, photo credit Caít Fahey

Like many performers, Epstein’s activities were limited by the covid pandemic restrictions of 2020 - 22, but she has made up for it over the past few years, presenting a series of shows that have been every bit as diverse as her influences. Her Medium Mediums project at the Douglas Hyde last November culminated in a céilí, while her Voyage exhibition at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray in March was inspired by Jasconius, the whale encountered by St Brendan and his monks on their sea journey to America.

She also has many plans for the rest of the year. “My next show is at Belltable in Limerick in July. I’m working on that now. I also have a show in Sweden in August, and I’m at the Hugh Lane Gallery in October.”

• The Sun and Only! runs from 15 – 16 June at Test Site, Kyrl’s Quay, Cork as part of Cork Midsummer Festival.
• Admission is free, but requires booking via glucksman.org.

Cork Midsummer Festival Visual Arts Highlights

Tino Sehgal, This youiiyou 

Millenium Hall, City Hall (Free) 

A live installation for parents and infants inspired by El Greco’s painting The Adoration of the Shepherds.

Davey Moor (curator), Wiff Waff is Playing at my Gaff 

Crawford Art Gallery (Free) 

Visitors are invited to play on Krazy Tables from the National Novelty Ping Pong Table Collection.

Chris Judge Up Cycling! 

Various locations (Free) 

The artist — a children’s book illustrator from Dublin — has collaborated with Cork Cycling Trail on a trail of six artworks that celebrate the pleasure of cycling in public spaces.

Riki Matsuda, I’m Okay, You’re Okay 

Various locations (Free) 

The Cork-based multidisciplinary artist will place three installations around the city, each based on her private letters and intimate thoughts.