The Creative Process

Dance solos, 31 August 2020

These are early versions of dance solos by Lucia Kickham, Marion Cronin, and Sarah Ryan. Each solo was created using some of the listening and responding techniques developed by Jessie Keenan and adapted for Zoom workshops held in April 2020.

Each performer is performing set material that was generated by listening and responding to an audio recording. In the audio recording the performer describes a video in which she dances a live improvisation to a recording of herself answering the question ‘So what is surfacing?’ (adapted from a phrase in Friel’s archives).

This task looked at different ways of playing with original source material. Layering numerous responses to the one source as a way of opening up new perspectives.

These solos were filmed during a week of workshops and rehearsals at Dance House on 31 August 2020. Portions of these dance solos (and the audio to which the performers are listening via earphones) are featured in the first half of Jessie’s film ‘So what is surfacing’.

“Dance as memory – dance as dream-memory, dance as substitute for language, dance as worship.” – Brian Friel

The Creative Process

Jessie Keenan interview, extract 2

Jessie Keenan talks about the origins of the three dance solos that form part of her film ‘So what is surfacing’.

The Creative Process

Jessie Keenan notes, 3

In this extract from Jessie Keenan’s project notes, Jessie considers the pros and cons of setting the improvised material that grew into the three dance solos that appear in the first part of her film ‘So what is surfacing’.

mbf063_d.a.t.e.-task-sheet-1_14th-april_page_1_web.jpg

The Creative Process

Task Sheet, 14 April 2020

These task sheets were given to all participants in a series of Zoom workshops during April 2020.

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.

The Creative Process

Rehearsal, 3 September 2020

These photographs were taken by Zosia Kuczyńska during project workshops and rehearsals at Dance House on 3 September 2020.