Stepping Stones: The Arts in Ulster, 1971-2001

The troubles of 1971 to 2001 saw Northern Ireland catapulted into the headlines across the world, yet during the dark years of violence there was an impressive, but much less reported, flourishing of creative energy. In this work a panel of writers comment on the artistic accomplishment of this extraordinary period. Inspired by "Causeway", Michael Longley's powerful collection of essays published in 1971, this volume records the highs and lows of the years 1971 to 2000 of northern theatre, poetry, fiction, visual arts and music, as well as discussing the work of internationally famous local figures like Nobel poet Seamus Heaney and Oscar-winning actors Liam Neeson and Stephen Rea. It celebrates the best in achievement, but also points out what was less successful and suggests how the various arts disciplines might develop in the years immediately ahead.