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One of Ireland's renowned performers sang her way into the hearts of theatre critics and claimed one of the Edinburgh's most prestigious awards this weekend. Camille O’Sullivan wowed the critics with her interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragic poem,

and has been rewarded with a coveted Bank of Scotland Herald Angel award at the Festival.

"Camille delivered an outstanding performance at Edinburgh", said Culture Ireland Chief Executive, Christine Sisk. "This unique production, with an original score by Feargal Murray and Camille, held the audience spellbound from the moment Camille appeared on stage. This award is so richly deserved and will undoubtedly lead to other international opportunities for this truly unique artist. Camille has already established an international reputation for her performances at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in London, New York and Australia. 2012 saw her headline shows on both the Edinburgh Fringe and the Edinburgh International Festival – the first time this has ever been done by an individual artist.

Jimmy Deenihan, TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, congratulated Camille on her achievement. "It is a huge challenge to stand out at the Edinburgh International Festival, which contains a wealth of international talent. I offer Camille my heartiest congratulations. Ireland is very proud of her achievement and this award is indicative of how Irish creative talent continues to carry a high reputation globally"

Camille’s performance at the Edinburgh International Festival was presented by The Royal Shakespeare Company as part of the World Shakespeare Festival 2012.

Culture Ireland is proud to have supported previous Herald Angel award recipient Pat Kinevane for Silent presented by Fishamble:The New Play Company in 2011 and Gate Friel, a series of works by Brian Friel presented by The Gate Theatre which received the award in 2009.

Below is a sample of the reviews already received for Camile:

"(RSC has) struck gold ...O'Sullivan's voice lending a frightening and emotive weight... a gorgeous piece of work..." Herald (attached) 5 stars

"Exquisite O’Sullivan hits acting heights… star of the Edinburgh International Festival" Edinburgh Evening News – 5 stars

A triumph… The Times – 4 stars

"magnificent" The Guardian – 4 stars

Michael Boyd’s 10-year leadership of the Royal Shakespeare Company (which comes to an end this autumn) has often been characterised by a refreshing openness to original reinterpretations of the Bard’s works. Seldom can it have spawned one so distinct, and so accomplished, as this rendering of the great poem The Rape of Lucrece, performed in song and music by Camille O’Sullivan and Feargal Murray.

Telegraph – 4 stars

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/edinburgh-festival-reviews/9495332/Edinburgh-Festival-2012-The-Rape-of-Lucrece-Royal-Lyceum-review.html

"O’Sullivan letting her voice knock down the sea wall and crash over the audience" – Independent – 4 stars

"an actress-singer of tremendous range and intelligence, with a stage presence that can light up cities, and open hearts" Scotsman – 4 stars

Scotsman ("wonderful singer Camille O’Sullivan")

Not a review but a very thoughtful and topical article by Joyce McMillan, with Lucrece as the starting point...

(Printed as full page article "Scottish Perspective")

"Bold interpretation … consummate actress" The List – 4 stars