Wuya (Raven) Li: discovering contemporary Ireland through opera and literature

Invited to document a cultural evening at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, she arrived to a programme of opera, literature and music. But in her video, she captures more than the event itself.

It follows her curiosity as she encounters St Brigid as a figure of creativity, learning and imagination, and discovers how Irish artists are using music and storytelling to explore women’s voices today.

In celebration of St Brigid’s Day 2026, the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing hosted a cultural event exploring contemporary Irish women’s voices through opera, literature and music.

The evening centred on a screening of A Thing I Cannot Name, an opera film commissioned by Irish National Opera, composed by Amanda Feery with a libretto by Megan Nolan. Through the intertwined stories of three women, the work explores themes of female desire, identity and autonomy.

Opening the door to contemporary Irish culture

For Wuya Li, whose own work introduces literature and culture to Chinese audiences, this piece opened a door into a side of Ireland that may feel less familiar overseas.

While many may know Ireland’s beautiful scenery or its traditions and heritage, the evening offered something more immediate: a portrait of Ireland as a place of artistic experimentation, thoughtful conversation, and contemporary creative energy.

Following the screening, Amanda Feery and joined Chinese musician Haining (Helen) Feng for a discussion on music, storytelling and the ways women artists give shape to personal and shared experiences.

The conversation moved between Irish and Chinese perspectives, reflecting focused on how women artists use different creative forms — including storytelling, music and performance — to express personal and socially resonant experiences.

Wuya Li’s video brings the exchange to life, offering viewers a personal introduction to the evening and to the contemporary Irish culture at its heart. From the symbolism of St Brigid’s Day, to the sounds of A Thing I Cannot Name, it invites audiences to see Ireland through literature, music and creative conversation.

Watch the video to follow Wuya’s experience of St Brigid’s Day in Beijing, and discover how Irish and Chinese artists are finding connections through story, performance and song.