FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: February 20, 2008

CONTACT: Lisa Saunders

(845) 574-4244

Irish Culture Through Music, Dance and Theater

 at SUNY Rockland Community College

Suffern, NY--Actors, dancers, speakers, storytellers and poets will present Irish culture at SUNY Rockland Community College. All events are free and open to the public.

"Shalom Ireland," Film & Discussion

Thursday, March 6, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. & Tuesday, March 11, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Student Union, Room 3214

"Shalom Ireland" is a documentary about Ireland's remarkable, yet little known Jewish community.  Shalom Ireland chronicles the history of Irish Jewry while celebrating the unique culture created by blending Irish and Jewish traditions. Maire Liberace, Professor, Philosophy and Speech, will lead the discussion on March 6 and student Dan Klibonoff will lead the discussion on March 11. Kosher refreshments. Co-sponsored by the Center for Jewish Life/Hillel.

Celebrate Ireland!

Thursday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Cultural Arts Theatre

Join the Performing Arts Department and friends as they celebrate Ireland through poetry, storytelling, dance and theatre. Light refreshments to follow.

"Sincerely, Geo"

Thursday, March 27, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Technology Center, Room 8180 (Ellipse)

Maire Liberace, Professor, Philosophy and Speech, will discuss the previously unknown friendship between an important Abbey Theatre Playwright, George Sheils, and a young nurse. It is based on letters and a personal account of their relationship, which lasted for more than 19 years, from 1930-1948. The presentation is in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the death of George Sheils and also to celebrate the premier of a play, April 29, in Belfast, on his life and works.

"The Wind that Shook the Barley," Film (2 hrs. 4 min)

Sunday, March 30, 10:30 a.m., Technology Center, Room 8180 (Ellipse)

Driven by a deep sense of duty and a love for his country, Damien abandons his career as a doctor and joins his brother Teddy in a dangerous and violent fight for freedom. As the Irish freedom fighters' bold tactics bring the British to a breaking point, both sides finally agree to a treaty to end the bloodshed. But despite the apparent victory, civil war erupts, and families who once fought side by side find themselves pitted against one another as sworn enemies, putting their loyalties to the ultimate test. This movie clearly illustrates the devastating effects of civil war in any country and the social and ethical dilemmas that arise in and from such situations.

Conversations with Jim & Maire

Wednesday, April 30, 3:00 p.m.

Black Box Theater, Cultural Arts Center, entrance to the left of the main entrance.

Join Jim Sherrier, Psychology, and Maire Liberace, Professor, Philosophy and Speech, for tea and soda bread as they discuss the meaning and significance of some quotes such as the following:  "Life in America became a battle for survival";  "We can protect our own," Archbishop Hughes; "They are part of a Papist conspiracy"; "The Irish are running from disaster, not rushing toward freedom" ; "The Irish girl has a permanent reputation for purity and honor" and "The Irish have become more Americanized than the Americans."

For more information, contact Irish Committee Co-Chairs Patty Maloney-Titland at 845-574-4380 or Maire Liberace at 845-574-4276

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Rockland Community College, a unit of the State University of New York, is located 25 miles northwest of NYC. The majority of its students transfer to four-year colleges, and many find immediate employment upon earning their associate’s degree or certificate. The College also offers others, from preschoolers to senior citizens, the opportunity to simply learn something new. Quality education...at a price you can afford.