Scranton Fringe stages international cultural exchange with Ballina, Ireland
From a press release:
Looking to foster a more profound relationship between Scranton and its sister city, Ballina, and highlighting the power of the arts to foster connections across cultures, the Scranton Fringe Festival has announced a new cultural exchange with the Ballina Arts Centre in County Mayo, Ireland.
This October, after first staging the work at home as part of the 2025 Scranton Fringe Festival (Thursday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 5), Scranton Fringe will present “Ulysses of Scranton” at the Ballina Arts Centre. This original theatrical production will offer a creative, humorous, and contemporary interpretation of James Joyce’s literary masterpiece “Ulysses,” uniquely reimagined in the context of Northeast Pennsylvania in the 21st century.
In return, an original musical group from County Mayo will visit Scranton in March of 2026. This exciting performance will bring the rich musical traditions and artistry of County Mayo to Scranton, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two communities. Using traditional art forms, such as theatre and music, to explore contemporary themes ensures cultural heritage remains dynamic and relevant to modern audiences of both cities.
The organizers on both sides of the Atlantic hope this partnership will be a launching pad for future collaborations between artists, organizations, and communities in Scranton and Ballina.
“We are thrilled to embark on this international cultural exchange with our new friends at the Ballina Arts Centre,” said Conor Kelly O’Brien, co-founder and executive director of the Scranton Fringe Festival.
“Now, more than ever, the arts provide a tool to forge connections and spark joy in our region.”
The Scranton Fringe Festival is a performing arts festival that supports independent artists and provides an accessible platform for all audiences. Founded in 2015, the festival has become one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s most vibrant cultural events over the past 10 years and has expanded to include year-round creative programming.
Serving as a hub for creativity and culture in Ireland, the Ballina Arts Centre is access-driven and participatory in ethos. Since its inception, it has developed and maintained strong links with many local community groups. As part of its education program, the venue presents workshops, talks, seminars, etc.
Learn more about the Scranton Fringe in Episode 202 of the NEPA Scene Podcast:
