Inclusive dance performance to take centre stage in Mayo arts centre
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Ground-breaking production combines Irish Sign Language, live music, aerial performance and dance
A unique and inclusive dance performance will take centre stage at Ballina Arts Centre next month as Undercurrent presents its latest production, Between Earth & Sky, at Ballina Arts Centre on July 3.
The thought-provoking production brings together dance, aerial movement, spoken word, Irish Sign Language, live music and large-scale projections to explore themes of visibility, identity and lived experience for both disabled and non-disabled women.
Directed by Undercurrent Artistic Director Kate Wilson, the performance features a cast of five artists, including Robin Cara, Isolde Ó’Brolcháin Carmody, Lianne Quigley, Darren Byrne and Jenny Tufts.
An original live soundtrack will be performed by Aoife Hammond, while visual design and projections are created by Milo Cummins. Lighting and prop design are by Michael Cummins, with dramaturgy by Jean Marie Perinetti to create an immersive theatrical experience.
Organisers describe Between Earth & Sky as a powerful and immersive performance that draws on real-life stories while placing accessibility and inclusion at its heart. Irish Sign Language forms an integral part of the production, ensuring the work is accessible to a wider audience while highlighting the experiences of Deaf an d disabled artists.
Ahead of the 8pm performance, audiences will also have the opportunity to attend a special ‘Open Floor Conversations’ session from 3pm to 4.30pm. Hosted by Kate Wilson, the event will feature artists Isolde Ó’Brolcháin Carmody, Lianne Quigley and Helen Hall discussing their work and the ways they are embedding inclusive practice into contemporary arts and dance-making.
The discussion will include audience participation, questions and conversation, followed by refreshments ahead of the evening performance.
Speaking ahead of the event, Kate Wilson said she was delighted to bring a day of inclusive dance to Ballina.
“We’re really excited to bring a day of inclusive dance to Ballina,” she said. “Between Earth & Sky is an outstanding, thought-provoking piece, and we know it will resonate deeply with people.”
“We’re also delighted to partner with Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company – to share the lived experiences of disabled artists and makers and encourage conversation, connection and collaboration.”
She added that the ‘Open Floor Conversations’ would offer a valuable opportunity to hear directly from disabled artists and creative practitioners about their lived experiences and artistic work.
The production is part of Undercurrent’s ongoing work to create accessible and inclusive arts experiences and follows a series of acclaimed projects developed in the Northwest.
Between Earth & Sky will be performed at Ballina Arts Centre on Friday, July 3 at 8pm. Tickets are priced at €12 and are available through the venue’s box office.