The music documentary follows the creation of the album ‘Starboard Home’, a musical collaboration inspired by Dublin’s port.
The album was commissioned by Dublin Port and the National Concert Hall as a part of the 1916 commemorations in 2016. The resulting acclaimed modern song cycle rekindles the formative bond between Dublin city, its river and port through music, song and spoken word.
‘Starboard Home’ the documentary brings to life these 12 newly commissioned songs, airs and words, by documenting the development of the album combined with the backdrop of Dublin, its port and the River Liffey. The documentary was a collaboration between Moira Sweeney and Southpaw Pictures’ Elton Mullaly and Rob Davis.
Moira Sweeney’s lyrical documentary ‘Keepers of the Port’, which paints a picture of working life on Dublin’s docks will also be available on RTÉ Culture to coincide with the television premiere of ‘Starboard Home’.
A diverse ensemble of Irish musicians participated on the album, which was curated and produced by Paul Noonan (of Bell X1) and Gary Sheehan (NCH’s head of programme planning).
The music ranges from electronic minimalism to folk and rock and is performed by many well-known artists in contemporary Irish music, including John Sheahan, Lisa O Neil, Declan O Rourke, Cathy Davey, Richie Egan, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Paul Cleary, Duke Special, James Vincent McMorrow and Gemma Hayes. Hennessy Literary Award winner Catriona Lally, also reads her enchanting Port Magic.
The Starboard Home song cycle and documentary film were commissioned by Dublin Port as part of their ongoing Port Perspectives Series.
‘Starboard Home’ airs on RTÉ One on Thursday 30th May at 10.15PM.