Belfast's 'North Star' Shines Bright, Making its Mark in New York City!

North Belfast is buzzing with excitement as 'North Star,' a critically acclaimed, immersive live music and spoken word production, prepares to make its highly anticipated US debut at the prestigious Irish Arts Center (IAC) in New York City. Running from June 3rd to 21st, 2026, this powerful show is a true testament to Belfast's vibrant creative scene and its deep historical roots.

Conceived by talented Belfast creative Kwame Daniels as part of the Belfast 2024 programme, 'North Star' is a boundary-pushing production that dives deep into Black cultures. It draws profound inspiration from the legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass’s historic visit to Belfast in 1845, where he famously declared: 'Wherever else I feel myself to be a stranger, I will remember I have a home in Belfast.'

The journey of 'North Star' began right here in Belfast, first gracing the stage of the Telegraph Building during Black History Month 2024. This initial run, part of the Belfast International Arts Festival, was special not just for its artistic brilliance but also for its community engagement. Nearly 100 pupils from four Belfast schools, along with local residents and communities, were involved, adding a truly local heart to the production.

Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty, expressed immense pride in the show's international success. 'We are so proud that our investment in North Star through Belfast 2024 has led to this New York debut,' he stated. 'It’s the ideal opportunity to showcase our city’s creative brilliance and highlight why Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music.' He also encouraged US audiences to consider visiting Belfast in person, perhaps later this summer, for the Fleadh Cheoil. Colm McGivern, Director of British Council Northern Ireland, echoed this sentiment, calling 'North Star' a 'gift from Northern Ireland to New York City,' and praising its powerful story of belonging, identity, and the 'gritty spirit of Belfast.'

Kwame Daniels, the visionary behind 'North Star,' shared his passion for the project. 'North Star is a lifetime’s work that brings together all that I am passionate about – connection, creating, and collaboration,' he said. He highlighted how the show's international cast, blending raw talent from young voices on both sides of the Atlantic with premier contemporary musicians, powerfully honours Douglass’s vision of unity and global solidarity.

More than just a historical retelling, 'North Star' is a modern celebration of Belfast's anti-slavery heritage. It masterfully connects historical human rights struggles to today's global push for social justice, highlighting the transatlantic synergy between Irish and Black creative movements. The production seamlessly fuses hip-hop, jazz, gospel, electronic, and classical music with provocative spoken word poetry and live choral arrangements, creating an unforgettable experience.

The world-class creative team bringing 'North Star' to life includes Grammy Award winner Kaidi Tatham, Northern Irish-Ghanaian artist Winnie Ama, rap dynamo Leo Miyagee, Mercury Prize-nominated Hannah Peel, musical directors Jennifer John and Si Francis, award-winning poet Nandi Jola, and actor Colin Salmon. The Lyric Theatre Belfast is proudly co-producing the New York run, alongside the Irish Arts Center and Solab, with Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer, noting the importance of touring to share unique Northern Irish stories with new audiences.

This exciting venture has been made possible thanks to support from the British Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Belfast Stories, and Ulster University, demonstrating a strong collective commitment to showcasing Belfast's cultural richness on a global stage. We wish the entire 'North Star' team every success in the Big Apple!