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World Premiere of Ulster-Scots Play in New York

17 April 2019

The Ulster-Scots Agency in partnership with the Northern Ireland Bureau and the Origin Theatre Company marked the world premiere of ‘The Land of Promise’, a new play that celebrates the arrival of Scotch-Irish to America.

Making its debut at the state-of-the-art Sheen Centre, New York City on Tuesday 16 April, this play was part of the Carnegie Festival of Migration: ‘The Making of America’ - a citywide festival that celebrates people from different origins and backgrounds who helped to shape and influence the evolution of American arts and culture.

Penned by renowned producer and writer Turlough McConnell and directed by George C. Heslin, Founding Artistic Director of the Origins Theatre Company, this production explored the story of how the Scotch-Irish became the Pioneers, Patriots and Presidents of the United States through a celebratory evening of music, song and dance.

Richard Hanna, Director of Education and Language, Ulster-Scots Agency commented; “The Ulster-Scots Agency is very pleased to stage this exciting event in New York in association with the Northern Ireland Bureau. This first of its kind event will tell the story about Ulster/Scots migration to America and the enduring legacy of these people.

He continued; “It’s an honour to be able to raise awareness of Ulster-Scots migration as part of the Carnegie Festival of Migration in New York City. This is part of a programme of work led by the Ulster-Scots Agency in the United States that helps to raise awareness of Ulster-Scots history and heritage at home and abroad.

“There is a large Ulster-Scots diaspora in the United States and the Agency has led a series of projects including exhibitions, celebrations of Ulster-Scots in the USA and learning collaborations between schools in Ulster and the USA, all aimed at educating those at home and abroad about Ulster/Scots contribution and legacy to government and society in the USA.”

This event forms part of a visit to the United States by the Ulster-Scots Agency to promote Ulster-Scots history, language and culture. The Ulster-Scots Agency was present at a number of high profile events including the launch of a new publication in Maine entitled ‘1718 – 2018’ Reflections on 300 years of the Scots-Irish in Maine and the Nutfield 300th Founders Weekend celebrations in Londonderry, New Hampshire.

For more information, contact the Ulster-Scots Agency on
028 9023 1113 or email info@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk