DC Gaels' GAA! Hits Downtown Washington, DC

An Irish theatre company has brought the clash of the ash to President Obama's back yard in Washington DC. On Wednesday February 17th, the company set the mood early for St Patrick's day with GAA! - an outbreak of hurling magic where it's least expected.

The choreographed clash-of-the-ash involving members of American Hurling Champions the DC Gaels surprised lunchtime passers-by in Farragut Square, in the heart of the city's business district. The temporary pitch is just a few hundred metres from President Obama's White House.

Performers in GAA! arrived undercover before unveiling hidden hurls and sliotars. A choreographed "Hurling Haka" was followed by a puck-out and a master-class in "the world's fastest field sport."

The Performance Corporation's Artistic Director Jo Mangan said: "We really enjoyed creating this piece for Washington. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Irish creativity on a big stage. Thanks to support from Culture Ireland and partnership with the Washington's Irish arts organization Solas Nua, GAA! gave the people of Washington a theatrical experience to remember."

GAA! was just one of two Theatrical Espresso events created for Washington by The Performance Corporation, in co-production with Solas Nua. Earlier this week, the companies created KISS USA, a surprise outburst of kissing outside the White House on Valentine's Day.

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