'Riverdance: On Screen' at Merrion Square
Details of 'Riverdance: On Screen', a unique open air concert taking place as part of the 'Riverdance – The Gathering' festival, were launched by Brian Kennedy and the cast of Riverdance with a high octane performance at Connolly Station, Dublin.
Riverdance: On Screen, taking place the evening of 20th July will present some of the show’s most iconic moments from its 19 years of global touring on a 50 square metre high-definition screen accompanied by the Riverdance band following a special hour-long performance by singer Brian Kennedy to get the evening underway. Acclaimed singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy will also make a special guest appearance and the performance will be introduced by Riverdance’s Grammy award-winning composer Bill Whelan and Riverdance icon, Jean Butler under the Merrion Square night sky. Tickets for the event are only €10 and available from the Ticketmaster website.
From March 2000 to September 2001, Brian Kennedy starred in Riverdance: On Broadway spending 18 months living and performing with the show in New York. He said: “Riverdance is a global phenomenon and was for me an utterly life changing experience. I am relishing the opportunity to relive the moments that captured the hearts and minds of audiences across the world in the beautiful setting of Merrion Square in this the year of the Gathering Ireland 2013”
To date over 23 million people worldwide have seen Riverdance live in over 350 cities and the organisers hope that the unique event will provide an opportunity for the audience to part of the global Riverdance phenomenon.
Riverdance director John McColgan said: “Through music and dance, Riverdance tells the story of the emigrant’s departure from Ireland, striking-out into a new world overseas all the while keeping their Irish heritage and traditions alive. This is a beautifully poetic fit with the central themes of the Gathering and we are really looking forward to bringing it back to Dublin. I think there will be a real “where were you?” moment- when people see and hear those sights and sounds that have become so much a part of how Ireland is now known overseas.”
Jim Miley, Project Director of The Gathering Ireland said: “Riverdance: On Screen is an opportunity for Irish dance fans to be part of the Riverdance phenomenon in Ireland, its spiritual home. The night itself promises to be a magical experience and brings together the music, the sounds and the people that have made Riverdance special to Ireland- a Gathering of the senses.”
Riverdance :On Screen is part of the seven day festival to mark the Gathering Ireland 2013 other events taking place include Riverdance –The Gathering Longest Line: a World Record Breaking Attempt, Sunday 21st July, Liffeyside and Riverdance –The Gathering at the Gaiety, Sunday 21st July, Gaiety Theatre.
For further information on Riverdance: On Screen log onto www.thegatheringireland.com or www.riverdance.com