A GIANT will walk though the city streets next September when the Limerick City of Culture will stage its headline event in association with world-renowned street theatre group, Royal de Luxe.
City of Culture will achieve a climactic cultural high when ‘The Giant’s Journey’ is staged throughout the city over a 72 hour period on September 5, 6 and 7.
The French company will unleash the Giant Saga – an original tale, developed and specially scripted for the city on the unsuspecting public. Limerick will be transformed as the massive giant rambles through the streets, transfixing audiences for 72 hours of free entertainment.
City of Culture CEO Mike Fitzpatrick said that Royal De Luxe had been wowing millions of people across the world with its Giant’s Saga and they were extremely privileged that they had chosen to come to Limerick as one of only three shows this year.
“This is set to be an extraordinary experience for people of all ages and a once in a lifetime experience where Irish people can expect to be part of an urban fairy tale showcasing a history and legacy of the city”, he said.
Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan said that in what was a truly memorable year for Limerick, the Giant’s Journey promised to be a real show-stopping highlight.
Jean-Luc Courcoult, founder, author-director and creator of Royal de Luxe said they were delighted that Ireland is one of the chosen stages for this year’s performances.
“The Giant and storyline that you will experience this September were created using Ireland, and more specifically Limerick, as the inspiration. It will be a very special time when we land on your green isle with our Giant and Lilliputians to perform what may be the biggest street performance Ireland will ever see!”
Already more than 18 million spectators have been moved by the universal sagas of the Giant’s stories and the ‘Limerick Story’ will soon be part of this international saga and make a mark on the collective memory of the city for future generations.
Despite demand for performances worldwide, Royal de Luxe will only perform in three countries this year; France (Nantes), England (Liverpool) and Ireland (Limerick).
According to a report commissioned by the Liverpool City Council in 2012, the troupe performed to over 800,000 people and earned in excess of €35 million in associated revenue with over 80 per cent of the visitors that came to Liverpool travelled specially to see the Giant.
The Limerick version will expect to see in excess of 200, 000 visitors making it the largest public event ever hosted in the streets of the city. The Royal de Luxe event is expected to generate a pro rata spend similar to its UK counterpart.
This project is partnering with local cultural organisations, local artists, technical crews and other Irish suppliers, partners such as The Crescent Shopping Centre, STL Logistics, Tourism Ireland, Irish Public Bodies, the French Embassy in Ireland and more sponsors to realise this inspiring vision of Royal De Luxe.
