A trio of physical works, “The Fairy Wives”, is a collaboration between Niamh and young, female performers. Each solo focuses on a different characters from Celtic mythology, a selkie, a witch and a changeling.
"Upon researching these characters, I often find that they are described through the eye of the male story-teller. They are portrayed as seductive temptresses, who wrong men. Often they’re are described without a personality and even more often, without a soul. What does this mean? Is there value only placed in the effect the have on men?
They are often subject to violence and imprisonment, in life and in these tales. I wish to give women a voice through a strong movement language, distinct to each supposed monster. I look forward to re-imagining all that we perceive as female or gender specific and wage war on the status quo, daring to reclaim femininity in the liberation of human movements."
"Upon researching these characters, I often find that they are described through the eye of the male story-teller. They are portrayed as seductive temptresses, who wrong men. Often they’re are described without a personality and even more often, without a soul. What does this mean? Is there value only placed in the effect the have on men?
They are often subject to violence and imprisonment, in life and in these tales. I wish to give women a voice through a strong movement language, distinct to each supposed monster. I look forward to re-imagining all that we perceive as female or gender specific and wage war on the status quo, daring to reclaim femininity in the liberation of human movements."
A Changeling Wife
Inspired by the true story of Tipperary woman Bridget Cleary.
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Glamorous, independent and confident. Force fed toast and left to burn to death.
Bright Cleary’s husband believed her to have been replaced by a fairy; a fairy one inch taller than his wife. This wife was a rare creature. She could earn her own living because she owned a sewing machine. This was a collaboration between dancer Agnieszka Mencel, lighting designer Michael Rathbun, costume designer Alison Brown and composers Eilon Morris and Zoe Katsilerou. This details domestic violence and suspicion of women in Ireland at the turn of the century with a mysterious and mythological edge. A truly gruesome story that stands in contrast to the commonly held image of fairies as tiny, beautiful girls. This project has been supported by Creative Scotland, Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, Dance Base and Stellar Quines. Next performance: Heads Up at Dance Base, Edinburgh 20th August 1pm. Touring pack available upon request. |
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Cailleach
Inspired by the confessions of Isobel Gowdie.
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Isobel Gowdie provided the most complete confession of any witch of her time apparently under no duress. They detail her evil deed, her spells and her transformation into a hare.
This work in currently in development in collaboration with performer Zoe Katsilerou. This will be a multimedia piece using the body, film, projection and sound. This project has been supported by a residency at Dance Ireland and by The Work Room, Glasgow. |
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A woman from the sea
To be discovered.....
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I am on the hunt of a real woman from the sea. Do you know any? She might be a selkie, a merrow, a mermaid, a serpent. She may have been accused on self-confessed. If you know any please get in touch.
Research on this work will begin in the near future in collaboration with fiddle player Charlie Grey. |
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