The programme of the 1916 Easter Rising Commemorative events which will take place in the USA was recently launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., in the Irish Consulate, New York. The Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson, New York Senator Chuck Schumer, actor Liam Neeson, and author Colm McCann were in attendance.
The centenary program in the United States, which is part of the Ireland 2016 Global & Diaspora Programme, is being organized and supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, D.C., Culture Ireland, and the Irish Consulate Generals in New York, Boston, Chicago, Austin, Atlanta and San Francisco, together with many Irish-American partner organizations.
The year long programme will encompass more than 200 political, economic and cultural events, including 70 events in New York.
The Kennedy Centre in Washington DC will host an Irish Arts Festival from 17 May through 5 June. During the year, the Abbey Theatre will tour with Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars across the States. The Notre Dame University in Indiana will hold the premiere of its film The Irish Rebellion, narrated by Liam Neeson.
Other highlights include The Bloody Irish, a musical drama set in 1916 during the week of the Rising. A two-week run on Broadway commencing on 10 April, will be followed by an East Cost tour.
Speaking at the event, Mr Flanagan T.D. referred to the strong connection between Ireland and the USA. He stated, inter alia that the commemoration in the United States must be inclusive and “reflect the positive every growing relationship with the United Kingdom”.
“Ireland is a very rich tapestry of who we are and where we came from,” he said. “It is important, of course, that the facts be recorded but in the context of what is a very warm and positive relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland.”
