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Irish performers in 2008 NZ festival of the Arts

2008 NZ International Arts FestivalThe 2008 New Zealand International Arts Festival (22 February — 16 March 2008) features four outstanding, internationally recognised Irish acts.

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre from Co Leltrim will perform Giselle

Giselle by Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre is an extraordinary and controversial interpretation of the classic romantic ballet set in the fictitious town of Ballyfeeny, where life is tough and unforgiving,. Directed by Michael Keegan-Dolan, one of Ireland’s most talented and innovative choreographers, this darkly comic Giselle made an explosive impact on the London dance scene, astounding audiences and winning over critics with its originality and ambition.

Five performances from Saturday 8 through to Wednesday 12 March at Shed 6, Waterfront, Wellington.

Green Fire Islands Music Tour

A unique collaboration celebrating time-honoured Irish and Maon music, inspired by Dónal Lunny and highlighted by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, during her recent visit to New Zealand.

Green Fire Islands presents an extraordinary musical dialogue between two island nations, oceans apart but sharing a deep, spirited musicality. Inspired by a tour to New Zealand by Dónal Lunny, one of the greatest revivalists of traditional Irish music, this unique collaboration celebrates time-honoured Celtic and Maori music.

Something of a legend in Ireland, Lunny has assembled a stellar ensemble of 14 of the leading lights of both contemporary and traditional musical circles from Ireland and Aotearoa. Bouzouki, uilleann pipes, the fiddle and sean nos singing meet and meld with waiata, taonga puoro and kapa haka. Green Fire Islands features, among others, the distinctive fiddler Nollaig Casey, the passionate voice of Iarla Oí Lionaird, the mesmerising singing of Whirimako Black and Richard Nunns' masterly playing of traditional Maori instruments.

This concert from two great music-making cultures will lift the roof off the Michael Fowler Centre on Tuesday 11 March.

They also play Taranaki's WOMAD Festival on Friday 14 March, and Auckland Town Hall on St Patrick's Day, 17 March

Internationally acclaimed traditional Irish musicians Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill

Martin Hayes is a six times All-Ireland fiddle champion. Together with Dennis Cahill, his American guitar accompanist, they exhibit a rare musical kinship. They have gained international renown for taking traditional Irish music to the very edge of the genre, mesmerising listeners with their slow-building, impassioned performances. The duo's astonishing skill and grace lifts the spirits of anyone fortunate enough to see them play.

They will be playing two nights at the Pacific Blue Festival Club In Wellington, Saturday 1 March and Monday 3 March.

They also play at Porirua's Pataka Museum on Saturday 2 March

Paul Muldoon

Acclaimed as one of the world's greatest living poets, Paul was born in Co Armagh. Paul Muldoon is renowned for his playful and inventive use of language and rhyme, his sense of humour and his intellect. He is the author of 10 collections of poetry, including Moy Sand and Gravel, which won both the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and the Griffin Prize. His most recent collection is Horse Latitudes.

Paul will be reading his poetry on 11 and 13 March at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington.

For more information or to book online visit the festival website.