TWO of Seamus Heaney's greatest literary influences are to be celebrated at the Co Derry centre dedicated to the memory of the Nobel prize-winning writer.
Tribute events to poet Patrick Kavanagh and writer Michael McLaverty are to take place as part of the autumn programme at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy.
Guests at the series of events will include novelist Jennifer Johnston, artist Colin Davidson, actors Ardal O'Hanlon and Ciaran McMenamin, columnist Fintan O'Toole and writer Robert McCrum.
It is part of a cross-border collaboration by Homeplace and the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Monaghan to explore the works of the literary greats and the shared links in their writing with events taking place in both Monaghan and Bellaghy.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Kavanagh and the 25th anniversary of McLaverty's passing.
Among the events planned are a children's writing workshop on the theme of home at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, a lecture by Dr Una Agnew evaluating Kavanagh's influence on Heaney and their respective literary legacies and a performance of Kavanagh's 'The Great Hunger' by Lyric Theatre.
The friendship enjoyed by McLaverty and Heaney, who taught together at the former St Thomas's secondary school in west Belfast, will also be examined during the forthcoming programme.
Relations of McLaverty and literary experts will come together to discuss his life, work and relationship with Heaney. The event will feature a reading of Heaney's 'Tribute to Michael McLaverty' by actor Vincent Higgins.
An exhibition exploring McLaverty's life and work, in association with Linen Hall Library, will also be held.
Three artists who have created a portrait of Heaney - Colin Davidson, Eamonn McCabe Geray Sweeney - will also discuss the context and experience of working with him and the process of capturing his essence in just one image, in an event 'Capturing Seamus: The Art of the Portrait'.
Actor, comedian and writer Ardal O'Hanlon will also be in conversation with BBC's William Crawley about his wide-ranging career, love of literature and famous acting creations, while another event will see one of Ireland's most important contemporary novelists Jennifer Johnston in conversation with fellow author Martina Devlin.
For information on the events please visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com or telephone 028 7938 7444.
