April 8, 2024
The production of the acclaimed political drama will shine a light on Northern Ireland, our rich history and culture in the United States
Tourism Ireland has teamed up with the Lyric Theater in Belfast and Hillsborough Castle to bring the critically acclaimed drama Agreement to New York. The production will run at the Irish Arts Center (IAC) from this Thursday 11th April until 12th May.
It’s an exciting partnership that aims to promote Northern Ireland as a fantastic holiday destination in the all-important US market and shine a light on the rich culture and history that has inspired artists, actors and storytellers for generations. It will build on Tourism Ireland’s successful partnership with the Lyric Theater in 2023 when its punk rock musical Good Vibrations runs at the IAC for five weeks in the summer.
At the end of April, Tourism Ireland will invite leading travel trade representatives and travel journalists based in New York to a performance of ‘Agreement’. Before the performance, guests will hear about the rich history and culture of Belfast and Northern Ireland and why American tourists should come and visit. They will also learn about Hillsborough Castle and its new American Shared History Tour available from this July. Other activity by Tourism Ireland to promote this new tour will include email marketing and social media promotions, as well as digital activity on IrishCentral and the Irish Arts Center website – shining the spotlight on Northern Ireland as a great destination to experience culture and heritage .
Helen McGorman, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Northern Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to support this production of ‘Agreement’ which takes place in New York this spring, celebrating not only this important historical period but also Northern Ireland’s rich cultural and arts scene.
“Our partnership with the Lyric Theater and Hillsborough Castle is another excellent opportunity to inspire American tourists to visit Northern Ireland this year. The United States remains a hugely important market for tourism to Northern Ireland and the island – and arts and culture are important elements of our overall tourism offering and a key message in Tourism Ireland’s promotions.”
Jimmy Fay, Lyric Theatre’s executive producer, added:“The Lyrical Theatre is thrilled to partner with Tourism Ireland to support our touring production of Agreement at the Irish Arts Centre, New York. This is not only a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vast creative talent from Northern Ireland, but also a unique opportunity to tell an important and meaningful cultural and historical story from here. Over the past 25 years, the Lyric has had its own role in the history and journey of the Good Friday Agreement and it is fitting that this impactful production should be shared with an international audience. We are very grateful to Tourism Ireland and all our sponsors for their support in helping us get there.”
Laura McCorry, Head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, said: “Hillsborough Castle has long been a political haven in Northern Ireland – a place that has inspired worlds and minds to meet. The castle has repeatedly played a central role in important political and peace negotiations, including those that led to the Good Friday Agreement. We know that visitors to the castle want to know more about this history, so we are delighted to launch a new Shared History Tour in America later this summer, which will reveal the triangular relationship that exists between the US, the UK and Ireland. Our visitors will walk in the footsteps of presidents, politicians and peacemakers, experiencing our shared history as it was shaped at Hillsborough Castle.”
Helen McGorman, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement for Northern Ireland, playwright Owen McCafferty, Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer of the Lyric Theater and Laura McCorry, Head of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, pictured before a screening of ‘Agreement’ at USA Center for Irish Arts in New York.
Notes to the editors
About Ireland Tourism:
- Tourism Ireland is the organization responsible for promoting Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland abroad as a leading holiday destination.
- Tourism Ireland’s international website is www.ireland.com, with 21 market sites available in 18 different countries, as well as one international site in seven language versions worldwide.
About the Lyric Theatre:
- As the only full-time theater in Northern Ireland that produces its own productions from page to stage, the Lyric Theater is home to world-class theater that nurtures talent and inspires the next generation of theater makers and audiences. Since 1951, this special venue has been a springboard for internationally acclaimed playwrights, poets, directors and actors, helping to showcase talent around the world.
- The Lyric was recently named The Stage UK’s Theater of the Year 2023 in recognition of the impact it has had off stage – supporting hundreds of writers to develop their work; engaging with tens of thousands of children and young people each year in communities and schools; creating avenues for employment; and nurturing and training young actors through the Lyric Drama Studio.
About historic royal palaces:
- Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and care for six of the world’s most magnificent palaces. We create space for spirits to move and be moved. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and let minds race. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future for all.
- Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk
