Brendan Behan in Paris
Readings, discussions, music

Brendan Behan became part of an important group of writers in Paris after his move there in 1948. He produced some of his finest work and found a publisher for his writing that had been rejected at home. The recognition that Behan received in Paris, combined with the intellectual freedom that he experienced there, stimulated the creativity that would lead to his later major works. This varied and entertaining programme of talks interspersed with music and readings from Brendan Behan’s exceptional early poetry and short stories – including the short story that would become 'Borstal Boy' - tells of Behan in post-war Paris and his affinity with French writers.

The event features a special contribution by Brendan Behan’s daughter, Blanaid Behan Walker, who gives a rare insight into her father in her inspiring tribute to him.

This afternoon tribute will be hosted by Deirdre McMahon, whose radio documentary Brendan Behan in Paris made new discoveries about Behan’s time in the French capital. Guest speakers include John Brannigan, who draws on his critically acclaimed recent publication A Bit of a Writer: Brendan Behan’s collected short prose; Clíona Ní Ríordáin, who unveils new French translations of selected Behan poems; Virginie Roche-Tiengo, who explores Behan’s legacy in France, and Ciarán Farrell of Shakespeare and Company, who tells of the significance of that bookshop to Behan and other writers in the post-war period.

Jack O’Rourke will give a performance of his captivating new collection of songs that set Behan’s poems to music, while traditional folk singer Macdara Yeates performs songs from the Behan family repertoire. The event includes a screening of newly discovered photographs of Behan in Paris by the renowned photographer Russell Melcher.

You can listen to the radio documentary Brendan Behan in Paris below: