The Creative Process

So what is surfacing, original improvisation

This is Jessie Keenan’s original dance improvisation to audio she recorded in response to the question ‘So what is surfacing?’, adapted from a phrase written by Brian Friel during the composition process for Dancing at Lughnasa (1990). When visiting the archive in February 2019, Jessie was inspired by Friel’s habit of asking himself questions during the composition process, and the feeling of presentness this evoked whilst reading his notes. This initial development phase was conducted at Dance House, Dublin in May 2019. One of several question-based improvisations, this iteration of ‘So what is surfacing’ forms the basis of Jessie short film of the same name.

The Creative Process

So what is surfacing (Dublin Fringe Festival application)

This video is a compilation of different performances of Jessie Keenan’s live improvisation to audio she recorded in response to the question ‘So what is surfacing?’, adapted from a phrase written by Brian Friel during the composition process for Dancing at Lughnasa (1990).

So what is surfacing

This film, directed by Jessie Keenan, is set in the stunning surrounds of the Museum of Literature Ireland. Three dancers - Lucia Kickham, Marion Cronin, and Sarah Ryan - move between their individual interior world and their collective exterior world.

Related Manuscript

So what is surfacing

This note towards Dancing at Lughnasa (1990) contains a phrase that directly inspired Jessie Keenan’s short dance film of the same name, ‘So what is surfacing’.