Performance Corp and Solas Nua Present SWAMPOODLE, Previews May 20

The Performance Corporation and Solas Nua Present SWAMPOODLE - the event by Tom Swift

Supported by Culture Ireland's Imagine Ireland Season

"A tailor-made, never-to-be-repeated spectacle which will inhabit and transform the echoing arches of the old Uline Arena in Washington DC."

Warning: Swampoodle may contain eye-popping high-wire feats, roller derby smack-downs, big-track earthmovers, brass band music and scenes of a spectacular nature.

It's the question on everyone's lips 'What on earth is Swampoodle?'

A rundown part of DC where the Beatles sang and the girls screamed? An underground ghetto where the Irish fought and died? A beat-up urban Cathedral where Malcolm X lectured Nazis and Nureyev danced? There's only one way to find out!

Let yourself go on a thrill-ride that will open your eyes to a city you thought you knew and unveil the many secrets of Swampoodle. Grab this once-off opportunity to experience the thrilling histories of DC's notorious past and relive the razzle-dazzle of the city's former entertainment mecca.

'Swampoodle' is brought to you by The Performance Corporation (Ireland's premier purveyors of site-specific spectacle and surprise) and by Solas Nua (DC's hippest arts crew bringing contemporary Irish Arts to Washington).

Once more The Performance Corporation are on the move and pushing the boat out. The Performance Corporation's mission is to create daring theatrical adventures that energize, challenge, inspire and entertain audiences. Their work strives to stretch the boundaries of where, how and what theatre can be.

The team relishes taking audiences on site- specific journeys to out-of-the-way places, and transforming The Commonplace into a realm of dramatic possibilities. This spirit of adventure has inspired the company's previous collaborations with Solas Nua, like last year's KISS USA - a surprise Valentine's Day smooch involving 100 performers outside The White House. Also in 2010, the company gave downtown DC a surprise introduction to the Irish field sport of Hurling with GAA! - a choreographed clash of rival teams amid the lunchtime bustle of Farragut Square.

Catch up on their latest adventure at www.swampoodledc.com

8.30pm at the U-Line Arena, Washington DC
Metro stop: New York Avenue
21st/24/25/26/27/28 May
Preview 20th May 2011

American and Irish Cast includes:
Clare Barrett, Rachel Beauregard, MJ Casey, Chris Dinolfo, Jason McCool,
Adrienne Nelson, Stephanie Roswell, Karl Quinn, Anastasia Wilson.

Directed by Jo Mangan
Production Design by Ciaran Bagnall
Costume Design by Niamh Lunny
Lighting Design by Marianne Meadows

Supported by Culture Ireland's Imagine Ireland season

Culture Ireland is the state agency for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide, working under the aegis of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport. Culture Ireland creates and supports opportunities for Irish artists to present their work at strategic international festivals, venues, showcases and arts markets. The agency comprises a board appointed by the Minister and an executive staff led by the Chief Executive. www.cultureireland.gov.ie <http://www.cultureireland.gov.ie>

Imagine Ireland is a year-long season of Irish arts in America in 2011, an initiative of Culture Ireland, with funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. www.imagineireland.ie <http://www.imagineireland.ie>