‘In the Court of…Duke Special’ summoned to Belfast’s MAC

Lisburn born artist Peter Wilson, AKA Duke Special, has chosen a wish list of artists to perform during the arts festival which runs from September 4-9, kicking off the MAC’s new Autumn programme.

The festival includes an array of exciting and intriguing acts from music to comedy and cabaret. The talented guests include Three Bonzos and a Piano, The Blockheads, DJ78, The Futureheads, Cathy Davey and Joe Black.

Gillian Mitchell, Director of Programmes at the MAC, revealed the line-up. “The idea of inviting a guest curator to take over the MAC had been something we wanted to do for some time and it is very exciting to see the idea become a reality as we kick off the Autumn season of our opening year with ‘In the Court of…Duke Special’,” she said.

“We knew early on that we wanted a local artist to take the reins. It also had to be someone that understood the fact that the MAC is not just a theatre space, or a major gallery, or a music venue, or a great place to hang out, but is in fact all of these things and more.

“Duke Special’s work has embraced many different art forms and he oozes imagination, eccentricity and inventiveness so we were delighted that he got on board immediately.

“ We simply asked Duke Special to come up with a wish list of artists that we would like to see, or felt some personal connection with and invite them to the MAC. The result is a huge delight – an eclectic, ambitious festival of intrigue and fun. We invite you to share in Duke Special’s vision and for a while, to be subjects in his court.”

Duke Special, renowned artist and guest curator at the MAC, added: “It is an honour to be asked to host this year’s ‘In the Court of…’ as it is a chance to bring together a programme which reflects some of my influences and to present some discoveries I’ve made of the last few years.”

‘In the Court of…Duke Special’ runs from 4 – 9 September at the MAC. For the full programme of events please visit http://themaclive.com/whats-on/in-the-court-of-duke-special/ where tickets can also be purchased, prices start from only £9.50.