Canada, Irishness and Performance: Opening the Debate April 15, 16 University of Toronto

[Luella Massey]

*FOR IMMEDIATE 
RELEASE                                                                         
March 12, 2011*

* *

*Irish Theatrical Diaspora Project*

*in association with *

*The Graduate Centre for Study of Drama and the Celtic Studies Program, 
University of Toronto*

*presents:*

***Canada**, Irishness and Performance: Opening the Debate*

The 8th Annual Irish Theatrical Diaspora Conference

Graduate Centre for Study of Drama, University of Toronto,

April 15-16, 2011

 

The history of Irish diasporas in Canada is rich and diverse, and the 
Irish have contributed significantly to the creation of Canadian 
cultural phenomena, yet the study of Irish theatre in terms of Canadian 
diasporic identities has not produced an equally rich body of literature.
 
With this scholarly lacuna in mind, this conference aims to address the 
scope and character of Irish influence on performance in Canada, with 
particular attention to the ideas of multi- and inter-culturalism. 
'Performance' in this case includes theatre, dance, spectacle, and all 
aspects of the performing arts, as well as extra-theatrical activity -- 
such as parades and community gatherings -- that foreground 'Irishness' 
in some way. Canada has a well-established multicultural identity, 
whereas Ireland is just beginning to negotiate a civil society that is 
constituted by a variety of residents from different ethnic and racial 
backgrounds. How does Irish performance fit into the Canadian cultural 
'mosaic'? Furthermore, what kinds of Irish plays are being produced in 
Canada, and how do these performances negotiate the relationship between 
Irish culture and Canadian culture? How is 'Irishness' performed in 
Canada, and from this, what can we learn about the mechanisms and 
character of cultural exchange?  Please join our conference to find out, 
and if you choose, participate in the debate!
 
The conference features a host of engaging presentations from scholars 
and theatre and dance practitioners, as well as two exciting keynote 
events. On Friday evening, *Jackie Maxwell*, Artistic Director of the 
Shaw Festival, will be interviewed on stage by *Ann Saddlemyer*, 
Professor Emeritus at University of Toronto and former Master of Massey 
College. On the Saturday afternoon, *Lisa Fitzpatrick*, University of 
Ulster at Derry, will deliver a lecture titled "Invisible  
Interculturalism? Performing Ireland on the Canadian Stage." **
 
 

*Canada, Irishness and Performance: Opening the Debate*

*April 15-16, 2011*

*Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College St.*

*Registration $40/$20 students and seniors. Members of the public welcome.*

 

*/Jackie Maxwell in Conversation with Ann Saddlemyer/*

*/Friday April 15 at 6pm -- Admission FREE/*

*/Alumni Hall Room 400, 121 St. Joseph St./*//

 

For program, registration and location information: 
www.irishtheatricaldiaspora.net/toronto2011/   
<http://www.irishtheatricaldiaspora.net/toronto2011/> 

 

For interviews or conference queries: ITD2011 at gmail.com 
<mailto:ITD2011 at gmail.com>

 

 *Sponsored by the Celtic Studies Speakers Series, the Graduate Centre 
for Study of Drama, Massey College, The British Academy, The School of 
English at Trinity College Dublin, and the Department of Foreign 
Affairs, Ireland.*

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