Celtic Nights: Spirit of Freedom Coming to MPAC, 3/17

Through story, song, traditional music and dance, Celtic Nights tells the story of Irish independence, honoring the triumphant struggle of a people fighting to gain freedom and democracy in a new production, Spirit of Freedom. This spirited celebration comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center just in time for St. Patrick's Day on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 8 pm. Tickets are $39 - $69.

Spirit of Freedom centers its music, dance, narrative and spectacle on the specific historical theme of the long struggle for Irish independence and self-determination. This struggle culminated in The Easter Rising, an armed insurrection in Ireland during Easter Week 1916. While unsuccessful at the time, the Rising was a key milestone on the path to the establishment of an independent Ireland in 1922.

"Spirit of Freedom is a lively, entertaining show that tells an inspiring story as seen through the eyes of its heroes and heroines," says Michael Durkan, producer of Celtic Nights. "We capture the story as a musical journey of courage, pride and determination. We're confident that this story will resonate strongly with American audiences -- indeed, with all people who cherish freedom, independence and democracy. "

The Easter Rising, also known as the Easter Rebellion, was an armed insurrection in Ireland during Easter Week, April 24-April 29, 1916. Most of the military action took place in Dublin, Ireland's capital. The Rising was initiated by Irish nationalists to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish state. Like the patriots of the American Revolution, Irish nationalists took up arms only after the failure of repeated efforts to achieve Irish independence through peaceful means. Led by Patrick Pearse and James Connolly, Irish nationalist forces seized important locations and proclaimed an Irish republic. The Irish Proclamation of 1916 sets forth: "The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities of all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally."

"The show brings together storylines from Ireland's history book, but in a way that engages the audience's mind, heart and spirit. They might be laughing one minute, pondering the next, maybe wiping away a tear or two," Mr. Durkan says.

"We also shine some light into areas that are sometimes overlooked, such as the role of women in Ireland's struggle for independence. Women played a very significant part in the Rising. We are honouring this history by telling the story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett, who were married in the Kilmainham jail only a few hours before Plunkett was executed for his part in the Rising."

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