On Monday 26 July 2010 we had a performance of music and dance as part of the opening of the prestigious John Hewitt Summer School, at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh, introduced by Bill Nolan from the North-South Ministerial Council. Our presence at this event's opening has a special significance to us, as the name of our project, OASES, derives from a verse of the poem òÀÜUlster NamesòÀÜ by John Hewitt: òÀÜOver us All is the SElfsame SkyòÀÝ.
The òÀÜCould be a Wonderful WorldòÀÝ song was performed on the steps from the Market Place Theatre by nearly 100 children from the Missionaries of Charity (Mother TheresaòÀÙs Sister) Summer Camp, held every year at SherryòÀÙs Field recreational centre. This was followed later on by the òÀÜSolar System DanceòÀÝ performed by 10 girls from Scoil Rince Emain Macha with choreographer Lorraine Scallon, TCRG.
See some photos from the event
Watch a video of the solar system dance
OASES
òÀÜWhatever the colour of your skin,
Whatever country you are in
It doesnòÀÙt matter if youòÀÙre a girl or a guy
Because Over us All is the SElfsame Sky
Australia, Hawaii, India maybe,
Armagh, Derry, whatever county
This piece of info is for you and I:
Over us All is the SElfsame SkyòÀÝ
Poem written as part of the OASES project
by Heather King, 11, Lisnadill Primary School
OASES is an innovative programme in which the Armagh Rhymers and the Armagh Observatory are advancing cross-community and cross-border networking by using science and the arts as a way of bringing people together "under the selfsame sky". This project is funded through the European UnionòÀÙs PEACE III Programme promoted by Armagh City and District Council and managed by the PEACE III Southern Cluster Partnership for the Special EU Programmes Body.