Programme 2022 - 2023

14 septembre 2022 online

Readings from La Francophonie

Patricia HARDIMAN

The first session of our new season is a celebration of La Francophonie.  Patricia chairs a panel of speakers as they present extracts of works by Francophone writers spoken in French and either translated or summarised in English.



19 octobre 2022 at the Dark Horse

Assemblée générale followed by French board games

It's time to talk! This is our first in person AGM in quite a while and we would love to hear your views on the future direction of the cercle.  The chat can continue over a selection of French board games, and we'll be serving a petit pot de l'amitié.



16 novembre 2022 online

Ciné-cercle : 

A first time we have tried this! Check out www.tv5mondeplus.com to view a selection of films in its archive. We'll pick a couple subtitled in English from its November collection.  You'll have several days to watch and then we'll meet online to discuss.



14 décembre 2022 at the Dark Horse

Little Dancer Aged Fourteen

Chris and Rachel TRACEY

Inspired by the book by Camille LAURENS and the sculpture by Edgar DEGAS this event aims to explore the life of a petit rat at the Paris Opéra.  Our late friend Jim HOLLAND had been looking forward to participating and we dedicate this event to him.



11 janvier 2023

Fête des Rois

Music and dance to see in the new year.  And of course, there will be the usual slice of the galette des rois.  Are you a would-be entertainer and if so, do you have a party piece that you would be willing to share on the night? A song, a poem, or an anecdote.  Well don your crown and share!




22 janvier 2023 online

La Nuit de la Lecture

Allison NEILL-RABAUX, Hélène GUILLET et Brigitte GOURLEY

Jeux, lectures et échanges sur la langue française et la littérature francophone, pour tous les amoureux de la langue française.

All levels welcome!

 


8 février 2023 at the Dark Horse

La Camargue

Rosemary Black

This wonderful area of the south of France will be revealed through its colours characterised by its horses, gardiens and salt.  Leave the February cold for an hour and escape with us to the rugged Camargue.



8 mars 2023        online

Madame de Montespan

Allison NEILL-RABAUX

To mark International Women's Day join us as Allison shares the story of Madame de Montespan 1640-1707 "maîtresse-en-titre" to Louis XIV but also dubbed "the true queen of France".  It is a story of intrigue and poison at the court of Versailles, you'll not want to miss.



12 avril 2023 online

Cercle de Lecture : Un Secret par Philippe GRIMBERT

Brigitte GOURLEY

Join us for a discussion of this short but compelling novel of buried family secrets.  Published by Grasset & Fasquelle in 2004, it is also available in English translation from Portobello Books.  And it has been made into a film.  So come along and discuss.



19 avril 2023 online

Grand Corps Malade

Mary CARBERRY

Mary invites us to share her enthusiasm for the work of French slam poet and lyricist, Fabien MARSAUD, known professionally as Grand Corps Malade / Tall sick body.  We feel sure you will appreciate this unique artist's story and repertoire.



25 avril 2023 @UUAcademy Restaurant, Belfast.

Le retour de notre Dîner Annuel

After a break of some years, we hope to resume our annual French dinner, this time in the brand-new premises of the Academy Restaurant.  In the past, we have worked closely with staff and students to present a French dining experience we feel sure you won’t want to miss.



Mai 2023         Saturday date and venue to be revealed

Promenade en blanc

In keeping with the en blanc custom of secret locations, we will reveal the venue a short while beforehand.  Last year our secret location was a walk along Belfast's Maritime Mile and this time we'll be a little further away.  Intrigued? Remember to wear something white.



21 juin 2023

Fête de la Musique

This time we are planning to work in partnership with other French-interest groups in Belfast to celebrate this highlight of the musical year now running in France since 1982.  More details closer to the time.