Irish cultural programme at Shanghai Expo

Culture Ireland presents the programme of Irish artists performing at Shanghai Expo, including music, contemporary art, literature readings and the world premiere of a new Irish-Chinese theatre production. Better City, Better Life is the inspirational theme behind the 2010 Shanghai Expo which was officially opened to the public on the first of May. The stunning Ireland Pavilion, designed by the Office of Public Works, is extremely popular with Expo visitors, and has achieved some of the highest visitor numbers since the official opening. The Pavilion presents visitors with a vision of Ireland as a country offering a fascinating blend of history, scenery and culture, using a range of contemporary audiovisuals, exhibits, displays and live performances. Culture Ireland announced details of a diverse programme of high-quality arts events which will take place at the Irish Pavilion and a range of other venues in Shanghai over the six month duration of the Expo. The artists selected to represent Ireland have established connections and contact with Chinese artists and will use the platform of the Expo to develop their partnerships and projects, as well as showcasing new work. The programme includes performances by Fearghus Ó Conchúir and Xiao Ke of their collaboration Dialogue, an exhibition of work by Irish artists curated by the 411 Galleries, a series of readings by Irish authors Claire Keegan, Karen Ardiff, John Boyne and Colm Tóibín [in partnership with Ireland Literature Exchange], concert performances by John O'Conor, the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the National Chamber Ensemble and the world premiere of a new Irish-Chinese production by the internationally-acclaimed Pan Pan theatre company. As a twin city to Shanghai, Cork-based artists feature strongly in the programme including performances of Conal Creedon's Second City Trilogy, a special UCC project featuring Mel Mercier and the Shanghai Percussion Ensemble and a Cork writers programme which will focus on a different writer each month. Featured authors include Patrick Cotter, James Harpur, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Matthew Sweeney, Theo Dorgan, Eugene O'Connell and Thomas McCarthy. President Mary McAleese will visit Shanghai for Ireland's National Day on 17 June 2010 which will be celebrated with performances by the Irish Chamber Orchestra.