In this eagerly anticipated collaboration, specially commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival, poet in residence Theo Dorgan joins forces with composer Colm Mac Con Iomaire for a thrilling new work that transforms the story of how poetry in Ireland began.

Dorgan’s poem, Ériu and Amergín, explores the mythical encounter between Amergín Glúingel, a bard who took part in the Milesian conquest of Ireland, and Ériu, a Tuatha Dé Danann princess.

Dorgan’s words, written in English and Irish and spoken by actors Aaron Monaghan and Bríd Ní Neachtain, are set to an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, performed live by the composer himself and a six-piece ensemble. Filled with contemporary resonances, Ériu and Amergín is a lyrical exploration of identity, heritage and migration, and the ambiguous encounter between the foreign and the native.

Musicians

Colm Mac Con Iomaire violin

Catherine Fitzgerald piano/keys

Alannah Thornburgh harp

Lorcan Byrne drums

Ian Doyle guitar

Colm Quearney guitar/bouzouki

Fionn Ó hAlmhain uilleann pipes