Edwardian dance workshops, staged readings by actors and an exhibition of rare literary works are all part of a series of events announced today by Farmleigh House to coincide with the annual Dublin: One City One Book project.
The project, now in its sixth year, encourages every Dubliner to read the same book during the month of April. The book chosen for 2011 is Joseph O'Connor's Ghost Light - a novel about the love affair between J.M. Synge and Abbey actress Molly Allgood.
Officially launching it this morning was Minister for State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes.
"Farmleigh, at the best of times, is a fabulous venue to visit but I would urge as many people as possible, particularly those with an interest in Edwardian Dublin, to join us this Easter weekend and beyond for this collaboration" he said.
Currently open to the public is the exhibition of works drawn from the Benjamin Iveagh library of Farmleigh. The exhibition, which is entitled Ghostlight: J.M. Synge and Molly Allgood at the Abbey Theatre, includes highlights such as first edition of The Playboy of the Western World.
Also included in the exhibition is a written notice, signed by Irish dramatist Lennox Robinson, which directs the actors in the play to attend a hearing before a magistrate, likely related to the 'Playboy riots' in Philadelphia in 1911 when the cast were taken into custody for their own protection.
The exhibition is open between now and December 31st from 10am to 4.30pm as part of the guided tour of Farmleigh.
The one off events to celebrate the one city, one book project will occur on Easter Monday in Farmleigh House. Informal dance workshop will be held between 2pm and 3.30pm with a string quartet playing music popular in the Edwardian Dublin of Synge. The classes will be instructed by a dance teacher dressed in Edwardian costume.
Staged readings from the chosen book by actor Stephen Holland will also take place on Easter Monday with session between 11.45 am and 3pm in the Motorhouse and a final performance at 3.30pm in the Ballroom.
Full details of the events can be found on www.farmleigh.ie