Centenary was a concert for television produced by RTÉ to mark the 100-year anniversary of Ireland's 1916 Rising. It was directed by Cillian Fennell.[1]
Overview edit
The 85-minute-long show, which was broadcast live from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, told the story of Ireland's centenary in 18 chapters of song, dance and poetry. In total 600 people – 21 choirs, 18 dancers, 10 actors, six aerial dancers, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and 80 crew members were involved in the production.[2] The show had a budget €2.5 Million.[3][4]
The show featured performances by Imelda May, Jack L, Gavin James, The High Kings, Colm Wilkinson, Danny O'Reilly of the Coronas, Aoife Scott, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Sibéal Ní Chasaide, Sharon Shannon, Dónal Lunny, John Sheahan, Celine Byrne, Seo Linn and dance troupes Fidget Feet and CoisCéim. As well as the main venue, there were musical performances from the historically significant locations of Kilmainham Gaol and the Garden of Remembrance.[5]
Video Graphics edit
The various performances that took place during the concert were each accompanied by video graphics throughout. The video graphics featured during the concert were created and displayed by a French company called Cosmo Audio/ Visual (AV). During the sections of the concert that took place in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, these graphics were displayed on the floor and back wall of the stage. This was through the use of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology.
The graphics shown during the concert served a similar purpose to the stage’s lighting – establishing the colour scheme and reflecting the thematic aspect of each segment. As such, the contents of these graphics varied widely throughout the 18 chapters of the concert. Abstract moving designs would display on the LED screens during the concert’s dance sequences, before changing to theatrical set backgrounds during scenes of historical re-enactment. The graphics also at times featured video footage, photographs, and politically driven artwork sourced from early 20th-century Ireland.[6]
Reception edit
The show was overwhelmingly positively received, with the Irish Independent calling it 'the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting',[7] describing reaction to ni Chasaide's performance as 'phenomenal'.[8] The Irish Examiner described 'breathtaking performances from Danny O'Reilly, Roisin O and Imelda May as well as Seo Linn [sic]' and that 'viewers felt goosebumps', comparing the show with Riverdance.[9]
The show was praised in many reviews for its demonstration of patriotism. Website Entertainment.ie noted in its review that Centenary featured “immense national pride”. The website’s review also applauded the inclusion of Irish President Michael D. Higgins in the event, calling his speech “powerful, emotive”.[10] President Higgins’ speech is further praised by the Irish Film & Television Network (IFTN), as he chose to pay tribute to “all the Irish rebels who died during the Rising in both Irish and English”.[11]
References edit
- ^ "Centenary creator says no decision made on tour". RTÉ.ie. 31 March 2016.
- ^ Aoife Barry (29 March 2016). "RTÉ had another 'Riverdance moment' last night". TheJournal.ie.
- ^ Becker, Kendra (28 December 2016). "RTÉ's 1916 Centenary Concert cost €2.5 million". Goss.ie. Archived from the original on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2016.
- ^ Finn, Melanie (28 December 2016). "RTE's 85 minute TV spectacular for 1916 centenary cost €2.5m".
- ^ "Stars line-up for special Centenary concert". RTÉ.ie. 23 March 2016.
- ^ "Centenary - Dublin / March 2016". COSMO AV. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
- ^ Darragh McManus (29 March 2016). "RTE's Centenary: 'This is the finest of what we are – tremendously entertaining and genuinely affecting'". Irish Independent.
- ^ Horan, Niamh (3 April 2016). "Songbird Sibeal once silenced by shyness". Independent.ie. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
- ^ "This is the moment everyone compared RTÉ's Centenary to Riverdance". Irish Examiner. 29 March 2016.
- ^ entertainment (29 March 2016). "Last night's RTE Centenary concert was a HUGE hit with viewers". Entertainment.ie. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
- ^ "Acclaimed 'Centenary' concert book-ends RTÉ's Easter Rising programming | The Irish Film & Television Network". www.iftn.ie. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
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