Ambassador of Conscience

31 May 201211

Irish and international artists from the worlds of music, drama, cinema and dance, will perform and give readings at the 'Electric Burma' concert for Nobel Peace Prize recipient and leader of the National League for Democracy in Burma, Aung San Suu Kyi. The concert will take place at 4.45pm on Monday 18th June, in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2.

The centrepiece of 'Electric Burma' will be the presentation of Amnesty International's prestigious 'Ambassador of Conscience' Award to Aung San Suu Kyi. The presentation will be made by Bono and was originally announced from the stage during a concert by long-term campaigners U2 when they played at Croke Park in July 2009.

'Electric Burma' will be a celebration of music, dance, and spoken work, and will include contributions by Damien Rice, Angelique Kidjo, Vanessa Redgrave, Bob Geldof, Riverdance, Jack Gleeson and others. Artistic direction and set design has been created by celebrated Catalan designer and director Lluís Danés. 

Announcements on further artists and details of the concert will be made on www.electricburma.com. Tickets for Electric Burma will go on general sale this Friday, 2nd June, at 9am via www.ticketmaster.ie, priced from €25 each.

'Electric Burma' is being organised and promoted by Bill Shipsey, founder of Art for Amnesty – Amnesty International's global artist engagement programme. Aung San Suu Kyi is travelling to Ireland and attending the 'Electric Burma' concert directly from Oslo where she will deliver the acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize that she was awarded in 1991 having been under house arrest or in prison for 15 of the last 24 years. This will be her first trip to Europe since 1988.

Speaking at a press conference to give details of 'Electric Burma' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Bill Shipsey commented, "Why Ireland for a concert for Aung San Suu Kyi? Samuel Beckett was once asked why we produced so many musicians and writers and dancers. He said that 'when you live on the last ditch (of Europe) all you can do is sing.'  

"'Electric Burma' will give a charge to the people of Burma. But the electricity for this concert will be provided by the star who will be seated in the stalls for most of the show. Everybody else who performs, no matter how celebrated or gifted, is a support act. Walk on Aung San Suu Kyi to the Dublin stage. A free woman of Dublin since 2001 and now a free woman of the world."  

The Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, Colm O'Gorman, commented, "Aung San Suu Kyi's visit is a truly momentous occasion for everyone in Ireland, and throughout the world, who campaigned tirelessly for her release for more than twenty years. On behalf of Amnesty International members across the globe we are honoured to welcome her to Ireland for an event that will celebrate her freedom and her extraordinary life's work to secure freedom and human rights for her people."  

U2's Bono commented, "It's so rare to see grace trump military might and when it happens we should make the most joyful noise we can. Aung San Suu Kyi's grace and courage has tilted a wobbly world further in the direction of democracy. We all feel we know her, but it will be such a thrill to meet her in person. How honoured we are that she should consider Ireland for her first real trip from home."  

Bob Geldof commented, "To be allowed to honour this woman is an honour in itself. The heroine of dignity, integrity, courage and steely moral vigour lost her freedom and her family in order to gain a nation. Ireland is enobled by her visit."  

Amnesty International will host a public celebration outside the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on the evening of the concert at which it is expected that Aung San Suu Kyi will make a brief address to the assembled crowd. Further details will be available in due course.

See also

MYANMAR: OPEN LETTER TO UN

'THIS, WE NEVER IMAGINED…’

Comments
11
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Pearls
I wish I could be there!
Please someone record this momentous event! To witness this occasion would be incredible. As I see it, it is the result of the power of prayer and love all across the world. Truly magnificent.
nkokic
Free at last!
Every action for Aung San Suu Kyi was so emotional. Every Walk on performance was so emotional. Thank you U2. Thank you Amnesty International. Looking forward to enjoy this beautiful event in Dublin. Natasa
edjuwarta
Miracle
Who would've thought this can really happen. I was there in Croke Park all the way from Indonesia and I have no regret whatsoever to travel the world to be in the concert and witness Bono announced the award. Thought that's crazy enough ...but to imagine Aung San Suu Kyi is free in a short few years since then -that's just beyond me. It blows my mind how the world changed since then.... and finally this event is actually taking place. Thanks U2 ! For showing us that maybe many things in life are more possible than we thought. Just gotta learn to dream out loud. :)
JON SCOTT
TRuly amazing and inspirational
It is from being at a U2 concert that I was made aware of this courageous and dignified human being that exudes grace and democracy. And it is just uplifting to see that she is visiting Ireland and they are throwing a wonderful celebration in her honor. U2 has sung her praises and passion for years and brought her to my attention. Just incredible and Enjoy for all humanity that freedom rings and hope is there for us to believe in.
charlottetown
Grace triumphs...
Rare and amazing! Wish I could be there, she is an incredible inspiration to so many. Kudos to U2 for honouring her all these years and believing that evetually grace would triumph oppression.
Ric Mondragon
REJOICE!
This is fantastic! It just goes to show that persistence does pays off as we continue to celebrate her freedom, her accomplishments and her inspiration. I live in Los Angeles but, I will be there in spirit! Love + Peace
PauloSilva
we love u2
we love this band,,thanks for playing for us...walk on u2...but boys we are wait for a new record,,please dont give up..love from portugal
BONOBOMUSIC
Good, very good!
I Wish I could be there, as an Amnesty International supporter and a big U2 fan.
electricco
Walk On ; ° )
Walk On ; Welcome Aung San Suu Kyi in Dublin Ireland for the ‘Electric Burma’ concert ; ) How I Wish I Was There ! Lucky Irish People ....
bowieno
It'll be a good day
Nice to see this happen. I'd love to attend
u2 ka
Outstanding!
This is just one of the MANY reasons I've remained a U2 fan for 29 years. I can enjoy the music and the band members place in society. i only wish I could be in Dublin to capture this moment live.
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