The Smithsonian Associates Celebrates Ireland and Wales With "Celtic Connection" Series
WASHINGTON, DC - The Smithsonian Associates pays tribute to the traditions and unique characteristics of Ireland and Wales in a two-month program series, “Celtic Connection,” from June 4 through July 28.
This special series was created with the co-operation of the Wales Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland and will feature beautiful country homes, regal castles, lyric poetry and the rich Celtic historical link between the countries of Ireland and Wales.
The Smithsonian Resident Associate Program offers one of the finest opportunities for entertainment, education, and enlightenment in the D.C. area, with over 1,500 educational and cultural programs a year.
The “Celtic Connection” series will feature renowned scholars, performers and distinguished personalities from Ireland and Wales and offers a variety of programs including an Irish folk music performance; talks on the history, archaeology and landscapes of Ireland and Wales; seminars on Irish writer James Joyce and Welsh poet Dylan Thomas; a Celtic film series and tastings of cheese, beer and spirits.
Some of the series highlights includes: The Blacks and the Clancys – The Blacks Brothers and the Aoife Clancy Band come together in a genuine Irish performance singing traditional Irish folk music and works of contemporary songwriters.
Dylan Thomas: The Man Behind the Myth – This evening is highlighted by readings from the Welsh poet's work and unpublished recordings of Dylan Thomas reading his own work. The program is presented by David Ponting, a professional actor who developed a one-man show about the poet, and Owen Sheers, a writer and poet who was recently selected as one of PBS's 20 Next-generation Poets.
Highlights of the Cinema of the Celtic Lands will features: A Bloomsday celebration with Bloom (Ireland, 2003). Bloom follows the story of a grieving father, Leopold Bloom, his amorous wife, Molly, and young writer Stephen Dedalus in their lives full of joy, lust, frustration and sorrow.
Solomon a Gaenor (Wales, 1998). This film tells the moving story of illicit love between a Welsh girl born into a family of strict chapel-goers, and a Jewish boy who is a door-to-door salesman.
Program formats vary from one-night events, to all-day seminars and multi-session courses. For tickets and information, call The Smithsonian Associates at (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org.
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