Stepping out for RTÉ’s Centenary

Galway sean-nós dancer Emma O’Sullivan joined some of Ireland’s best known singers, musicians and performers for last week’s Centenary on RTÉ, broadcast live from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, which told the story of Ireland through music song and dance.

Centenary which was created and executive produced by Galwayman Cilian Fennell, also featured other Galway performers Seán Keane and Sharon Shannon as well as Imelda May, Jack L, Gavin James, The High Kings, Colm Wilkinson, Danny O’Reilly, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Dónal Lunny, John Sheahan, Celine Byrne, and Seo Linn, while President Michael D. Higgins closed  the night with a powerful speech about Ireland’s creative community.

The show, which was choreographed by David Bolger and directed by John Comiskey, has been hailed by some critics as the new Riverdance and RTÉ has not ruled out bringing Centenary to the stage, depending on budgets. There are plans to release a DVD of the event.

In total 600 people were involved in the production, including 21 choirs, 10 actors, 18 dancers and six aerial dancers.

For those who missed it, Centenary can be seen on the RTÉ Player.