Cultural Journal 7 - Buskers

Walking through the pedestrian shopping areas of Dublin we passed uncounted buskers and performers, playing instruments and doing magic or similar tricks, all with some sort of receptacle for the generosity of passersby. But most of them seemed content to perform even if no-one was opening their pockets, and when money did come they were quick to thank, smile or at least nod in gratitude, depending on what they were doing. Several times we would be sitting in a pub and a group of musicians would come in, set up quietly in a corner or at a table, and just start playing without any attempt to get money or even sell CDs. In Galway, after taking photos of Diana with a man dressed and mugging as the devil, I was digging for change and having trouble finding any. He smiled and said it was no problem if I didn’t have any, which had the effect of making me want to give him more when I did find my change. I have a hard time picturing a Chicago devil being so relaxed after posing with a tourist.
I think there are two forces working here, the first being the general friendliness of Irish people. After meeting so many of them in so many situations, I find it shocking if they aren’t friendly, or at least civil. The second force is the performance-heavy culture of Ireland. When that devil puts on his makeup and drags his podium out to the street, he’s certainly hoping to make some money, but he’s also putting on a show, and I think that part is equally important to him, if not more so. I saw another busker who had put together a sort of robot statue costume, complete with a massive throne covered in interactive and playful props, like an octopus made from an old umbrella, which he (or she) would activate and manipulate for children. That kind of energy and effort speaks more of a performer hoping to be recognized than a beggar performing for money. A living statue I saw pulled none of the usual tricks, stealing hats or moving surreptitiously. He simply stood, stock still – showing off his skill and hoping for a crowd to gather and watch. If they reward him, it’s a sign of a job well done. Just as actors in a play don’t accost the audience for not applauding loud enough, I got the sense that Irish buskers simply take it in stride if the audience is feeling closed-pocketed.