Direct Provision residents to perform alongside Tulua at upcoming Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

The residents of Direct Provision Centres in south county Wexford will highlight their experience as international protection applicants at the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

This year's national Fleadh Cheoil is billed to take place in Wexford town from August 4-11.

The refugees will take part in the 'Who Am I Now?' event, where their experience will be interpreted through dance, drama and music.

The 'Who Am I Now' initiative  is fronted by Creative Ireland and Wexford County Council.

The two organisations have developed a creative partnership between the Direct Provision cantre residents and the National Opera House’s Education and Outreach programme.

'Who Am I Now' will see rehearsals and workshops focusing on dance, drama and music, which will result in a performance that interprets the residents’ arrival in Ireland, their international protection experiences, and their hopes for community and togetherness in the future.

Based on an original story by Elizabeth Drwal and developed with the community players, ‘Who am I Now’ explores the journey of a group of fugitives searching for a new life as they flee from the chaos of their past.

The performance, which takes place on Wednesday August 7, will be accompanied by a musical score composed and performed by traditional Irish music band Tulua.

'Who Am I Now' will make up part of a stacked line up performing in 18 different venues, bars and pubs across Wexford town as part of the world's biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture.

Tickets for 'Who Am I Now' are priced from €5 for children and €10 for adults and available for purchase here.