Culture Ireland to Bring Over 90 Presenters And Performers Fom Ireland to New York As Part of APAP 2010

Over 90 leading Irish performers and promoters will touch down in New York from Ireland to present a range of work this January as part of the annual Culture Ireland Showcase.

In four separate showcases Culture Ireland, the national agency for promoting Irish arts worldwide, will present traditional and contemporary music, contemporary dance and theatre at venues across New York. The showcases offer a unique opportunity for international presenters, media and the general public to immerse themselves in a selection of some of the best of Irish performing arts, over the course of one weekend.

Now in its third year, this year's showcase and delegation is the largest representation of Irish arts practice to date and features work at APAP, Under the Radar [at the Public Theater] and Coil [at PS122] as well as performances at the Irish Arts Center, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Symphony Space, Flea Theater and Shelter Studios.

Among the many works to be presented are a moving and eloquent song cycle performed by a community cast of Irish gay men; concerts by traditional and contemporary musicians including the Grammy-nominated Iarla Ó Lionáird; new Irish writing from Gúna Nua, winners of the Carol Tambor Award at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival; and contemporary dance recently seen in Laurie Uprichard's Dublin Dance Festival [former Director, New York Danspace Project].

Speaking on behalf of Culture Ireland, Eugene Downes (CEO) said: "More than ever before, Irish artists are defining Ireland's global reputation as a leader in imagination and innovation. The outstanding performing artists and companies we are showcasing in New York are great ambassadors for creative Ireland and have ambitious plans for US touring, collaboration and co-production. Irish culture has a unique resonance in America, and we aim to enhance that energy for the future, embracing new models of culturAl Cooperation and working with a wide range of partners in New York and across the United States."

Since its foundation in 2005, Culture Ireland has supported over 1500 artists and companies to present some of the best of contemporary Irish arts practice worldwide. In 2008 alone, over 500,000 people saw a live performance by an Irish theatre or dance company, outside Ireland, with the support of Culture Ireland.

Recent Culture Ireland supported projects in New York include Druid Theatre Company's Walworth Farce and New Electric Ballroom, both of which met with huge critical and commercial success and Fishamble's production of Sebastian Barry's Pride of Parnell Street [Booker Prize nominee 2009 and Winner of the Costa Book of the Year 2009 for The Secret Scripture].

More information on www.cultureireland.gov.ie

CULTURE IRELAND SHOWCASES

The Culture Ireland Showcases run at various venues and dates from January 8th - 11th, 2010.

Contemporary Dance
This year marks the first time Culture Ireland is presenting a contemporary dance showcase. The four companies chosen represent a modern and versatile dance scene in Ireland today and the showcase is presented in partnership with the Baryshnikov Arts Center.

Participating Companies: Daghdha Dance Company• Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre• Fearghus Ó Conchúir• Rex Levitates
Venue: Baryshnikov Arts Center, 450 W. 37th Street
Dates and Times: Jan 9: 11.30am-1pm | Jan 10: 12.30pm-2pm

Traditional Music

Participating Artists: Iarla Ó Lionáird • John Spillane • Caoimhín Ó Raghaillaigh & Brendan Begley • Caladh Nua • The Unwanted
Venue: Irish Arts Center, 553 W. 51st Street
Dates and Times: Jan 9 & 10: 8pm-10.30pm

Contemporary Music

Participating Artist: Snakes & Ladders [Daniel Figgis]
Venue: The Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway
Dates and Times: Jan 8: 7.30pm

Theater

Ireland has long been synonymous with internationally acclaimed theatrical productions and this January the Culture Ireland Showcase features 4 Irish theatre companies presenting a range of work. Highlights of the theatre showcase include new Irish writing from Gúna Nua and winners of the Carol Tambor Award at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival and a theatrical song cycle by and about gay Irish men.

Silver Stars by Seán Millar [Brokentalkers] @ Under the Radar Festival
The Public Theater •425 Lafayette Street
Dates and Times: Jan 8: 7pm, Jan 9: 9.30pm, Jan 10: 2.30pm & 9.30pm , Jan 13: 9.30pm, Jan 14 &15: 7pm, Jan 16: 3.30pm

Little Gem by Elaine Murphy [Gúna Nua/Civic Theatre]
The Flea Theater •Tribeca at 41 White Street [between Broadway & Church Streets]
5 - 8 Jan 7pm•9 Jan 3pm& 7pm•10 Jan 1pm&5pm 13 Jan3pm&7pm•14 &15 Jan 7pm•16 Jan 3pm & 7pm

Mimic by Raymond Scannell
Performance Space 122•150 First Avenue
6 Jan7pm•8 Jan10pm•9 Jan7.30pm•11 Jan 10pm 12 Jan5pm•14 Jan8pm•15 Jan10.30pm•16& 17 Jan8pm

Molloy, The End & First Love by Samuel Beckett & Moby Dick by Herman Melville
[Gare St Lazare Players Ireland]
Shetler Studios•244 W. 54th Street [between Broadway & 8th Avenue]
8 - 10 Jan 12pm&2.30pm

(Not in the showcase but also presented with the support of Culture Ireland)

Ages of the Moon by Sam Shepard *US Premiere
[Abbey Theatre, Dublin]
Linda Gross Theater - 336 West 20th Street
12 January 12 - 7 March

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