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Culture Ireland supporting 7 companies to present work at world’s largest arts festival

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced Culture Ireland’s Showcase programme for the 2017 Edinburgh Festivals season.
This year makes the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe.

Culture Ireland is supporting seven companies to present their work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. These include three productions at Dance Base, a new play by Eoin Colfer and a production of Krapp's Last Tape, produced by Michael Colgan and performed by Barry McGovern as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. More than 15 Irish writers will also take part in the Edinburgh International Book Festival, underlining Ireland’s reputation for literary excellence.

Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
“It is timely to reflect on the long and deep engagement Irish artists have had with the Edinburgh Festivals, as the event celebrates its 70th anniversary. Over the last seven decades, Edinburgh has given Irish artists the opportunity to present their work, reach international promoters, grow new audiences, secure further contracts and in so doing receive awards and critical success. In the past twelve years alone Culture Ireland has supported over 70 Irish theatre and dance companies and over 100 writers to present in Edinburgh.

“Culture Ireland continues its support of Irish artists at Edinburgh as time and again, the companies have used it as a stepping stone to further international success. In recent years, Corn Exchange with A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, Dublin Oldschool by Emmet Kirwan and artists Pat Kinevane and Olwen Fouéré amongst many others have gained international recognition, awards and opportunities based on their initial appearance at Edinburgh.

“The Government’s Creative Ireland Programme aims to unify our global reputation through a message based on culture and creativity. By supporting Irish artists to bring their work overseas, Culture Ireland brings the best of Irish cultural and creative endeavour to an international audience.

"I would like to wish each of the Irish artists travelling to Edinburgh the very best and I have every confidence that they will be recognised for their excellence in their respective areas of creativity, while also building new relationships which will lead onto rewarding working opportunities.”


Notes to Editor:

See below details of the artists, writers and productions being supported by Culture Ireland in Edinburgh this year:
· Three productions at Dance Base: The Humours of Bandon written and performed by Margaret McAuliffe and Directed by Stefanie Preissner for Fishamble: The New Play Company; Lear produced by John Scott Dance; Hope Hunt and The Ascension into Lazarus created and performed by Oona Doherty.
· At Summerhall, MALAPROP Theatre presents their Double bill of innovative productions LOVE+/BlackCatfishMusketeer and they are joined at that venue by Eggsistentialism, written and performed by Joanne Ryan.
· Eoin Colfer’s new play My Real Life with Don Wycherley takes up residence at Rainy Hall, Assembly Hall and To Hell in a Handbag written and performed by Helen Norton and Jonathan White runs at the Assembly Rooms.
· As part of the Edinburgh International Festival, Barry McGovern, renowned for his performances of the work of Samuel Beckett returns to Edinburgh to perform Krapp's Last Tape directed by Michael Colgan in a co-production with Clare Street.
· Culture Ireland also continues its relationship with the Edinburgh International Book Festival with an extensive programme of readings and appearances featuring Irish award-winning authors from many genres over a two week period. At its unique venue in Charlotte Square Gardens, over 15 Irish writers once again demonstrate Ireland’s reputation for literary excellence across all styles and genres with Culture Ireland support.

About Culture Ireland:
Culture Ireland, a division of the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, is responsible for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide through specific grant programmes. Culture Ireland also creates and supports opportunities for Irish artists and art organisations to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues, such as the Edinburgh Festivals.