CoisCéim Dance Theatre, in association with Project Arts Centre
Who was Agnes Bernelle?
A secret agent at the age of 20, a cabaret legend , a mother, a cook , an influential Dublin theatre scenester, Ireland’s oldest punk, and a singer of songs about life and the human condition.
Agnes is a new dance work choreographed by David Bolger, who as a child was introduced to the theatre by his neighbour, Agnes Bernelle. She took him to Project Arts Centre, where she was Creative Director, and triggered his love of all things theatrical. Agnes is a tribute from that wide-eyed boy. Through six extraordinary dancers and the songs Agnes sang, David Bolger’s latest work will charm and delight you as Agnes’ wry sense of humor, her love for Ireland and her ground-breaking performance style are revealed once again on her beloved Project Arts Centre stage.
THE PARALLEL PROGRAMME
Running in parallel with Agnes, CoisCéim Dance Theatre are delighted to present a programme of screenings, events, curtain-raisers and much more which will all take place onstage and around Project from 18 – 22 March
CURTAIN RAISERS: Taking as their base the life and work of Agnes Bernelle, CoisCéim Broadreach will present two different curtain raisers by the Creative Steps young people’s dance theatre and The Dance Ensemble, a performance group for people aged 50+. Choreographed by CoisCéim Broadreach Director, Philippa Donnellan, Curtain Raisers are short works of 5 -10 minutes that will be presented on the main stage prior to the performance of Agnes.
Army Ants by CREATIVE STEPS – Young People’s Dance Theatre
Wednesday 19 March, 8pm & Saturday 22 March, 8pm
Talking at the Same Time by THE DANCE ENSEMBLE – Performance Group for people aged 50+
Friday 21 March, 8pm & Saturday 22 March, 3 pm
For the full schedule of performances, screenings and talks, head to the Parallel Programme page.
Press
★★★★★ ”The excellent cast of six dancers … provide a physical resonance for the dark emotions evoked in Bernelle’s throaty and raw singing” Michael Seaver, The Irish Times
“…this superb, atmospheric, unique production…..incredible dancers turn motion into exuberantly dark poetry” John McKeown, Irish Independent
“All the nuances of bawdy humour and tenderness are caught in the strutting, technically shining dancing of Justine Cooper, Nick McGough, Jonathan Mitchell, Mónica Muñoz Marín, Emma O’Kane and Don King Rongavilla – individually and in exuberant collusion.” Seona MacReamoinn, Metro Herald
“Visually it is wonderful and detailed, transforming the space into its own world.” Alan Foran, The Public Reviews