Taoiseach Attends 'Celebration Of Irish Theatre' In New York

Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D., was the guest of honour at an event hosted by Culture Ireland; the national agency charged with the promotion and advancement of Irish arts and artists worldwide; and Niall Burgess, Consul General of Ireland in New York, which celebrated productions from two power-houses in Irish theatre - the Gate and the Abbey - opening in New York this week.

Three great actors perform three powerful Samuel Beckett monologues as the Gate returns, in this its fourth visit, to the prestigious Lincoln Center Festival 2008  with Gate | Beckett.

'Eh Joe' will star renowned Irish actor Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes will be directed by Michael Colgan in 'First Love' and Barry McGovern has selected texts for 'I'll Go On'.

Gate | Beckett runs from Wednesday July 16 until Sunday July 27.

The Abbey Theatre presents the New York premiere of 'Kicking A Dead Horse', by the Pulitzer Prize-winning U.S. writer and actor, Sam Shepard, in a co-production with the Public Theater, New York. 

Featuring Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea - in a role that Shepard wrote especially for him - the play opened on Monday July 14 and runs until Sunday August 10.

Director of the Abbey Theatre, Fiach Mac Conghail, said, "Both The Abbey and The Public are committed to producing work that engages with society and politics. This co-production between our great theatres bodes well for future dialogue between our two countries and will continue to support new writing and new theatre."

Eugene Downes, Chief Executive, Culture Ireland said, "The magnificent response which Irish theatre has received in the US this year has assisted in the development of our reputation as world leaders in theatre productions. 

"Supporting outstanding Irish artists and companies to make these breakthroughs in the global arts world is why Culture Ireland exists, and we are proud to have made both of these tours possible."

Culture Ireland has provided funding for a significant number of Irish stage successes in the U.S. this year including: Abbey's 'Terminus' in January; Semper Fi's 'Ladies and Gents' in March; Druid's 'Walworth Farce' in April; Pan Pan's 'Oedipus Loves You' in May; and Fishamble's 'Pride of Parnell Street' in June.