WILDETHINGS Literary Framework Model.

Spot-lit Partner Arts Over Borders celebrate the Wilde and Beckett connection to Enniskillen with the launch of two new literary products. Oscar Wilde, with the installation of 150 gold-leaf swallows on buildings around central Enniskillen and close to the new mural of The Happy Prince by Jordan Shaw, and Beckett, with 64 black and white chess board squares in 64 separate indoor locations across Enniskillen.

Oscar Wilde, the playwright, poet and wit spent seven years (1864-71) in Enniskillen at Portora Royal School. His popular fairytale The Happy Prince was inspired by Ennniskillen’s Cole Monument that stands high above the town and that Wilde could see from his dormitory window. In the story the statue of the happy prince pleads with the little swallow to stay and distribute his jewels and gold leaf to town people to make them happy. The Happy prince bestowed kindness,compassion, love and empathy on the community.

Beckett who was facinated with the game of chess , it appears in his plays Endgame and play and the novel Murphy – is being marked with 64 black and white chess board squares in 64 separate indoor locations across Enniskillen. To coincide with Wilde’s birthday, on 16th October, 32 chess pieces sculpted in bronze by artist Alan Milligan were moved in a choreographed sequence across the town by volunteers, inspired by Beckett’s TV play Quad.

Download Follow The Swallow Guide in PDF HERE.

Download Beckett Chess Set PDF http://https://www.spot-lit.eu/wp-content/uploads/beckett-chess-set-map-1.pdf

HIGH above the city, on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince.
He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold,
for eyes he had two bright sapphires,
and a large red ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.
(THE HAPPY PRINCE fairy tale opening lines by Oscar Wilde pub 1888).