Unearth
A visually stunning performance weaving dance and narrative in a journey of gentle support and empowerment, finding joy and strength in our differences, and power in our collective connection to earth.
Created in the context of the current health and environmental crisis, Unearth is an invitation to find strength in connection, both with each other, and with the land that holds us. Blending visceral imagery and dance with narrative and music, stories of support are interwoven with structures that both restrict and liberate. At times balancing on the edge of stability and physical threat, these structures are collectively created, navigated and eventually dismantled.
Exquisitely lit, and with a soundscape that is richly textured with storytelling from the ensemble and devised music from UK based Haylett, this performance invites the audience into an intimate world that ultimately resonates with, and celebrates the positive power of union and collaboration.
Bringing together an intergenerational ensemble, including Irish and international performers with ages ranging from 12-50 years, artistic director Wilson has created a unique ensemble for Unearth. The result of a yearlong online collaborative development process, the ensemble expresses meaningful connections across ages and backgrounds, as well as deep agency within the work. Unearth is an uplifting and timely new performance that embraces diverse voices and perspectives and reflects on our inherent connection to earth.
engaging and moving
creating new worlds with its own boundaries and possibilities for eventual freedom
heart-warming to see the physical contact
I was captivated from the very beginning. Enthralling
Amazing to see the integration of different generations
expansive images
Unearth:image by Róisín Loughrey
Previewed in December 21, this live performance and installation by Undercurrents Magnetise Collective, explores the human experience of touch and re-emergence. Accompanied by immersive sound composition created and performed live by Olivir Haylett, narratives of mobility and constraint, both bodily and geographically, unfold through the elements of performance, film and sound, bringing our experiences of individual and collective mobility to the fore in a rich, visceral and textured work. A intergenerational collaboration, this trans-disciplinary work explores what it means to us to reconnect after isolation, and to re-emerge into the worlds of ‘other’ as we navigate shifting parameters and changing relationships to mobility.
The Magnestise Collective
The collaborators for Unearth: Close Contact have been working with Undercurrent since 2019 as the Magnetise collective, and include two Leitrim-based performers with theatre and visual art backgrounds that are wheelchair users, three local youth dance performers, and international theatre practitioners and dancers whose practices are based outside of Ireland. With Kate Wilson and Isolde Carmody of Undercurrent the performance and research collective includes Franziska Böhm, Svenja Bühl, Gaelin Little (11 Farrer House & Compass Dance), Ben McEwan (Scottish Dance Theatre), Hristo Ushev, Kathy O'Leary, Amelie Frazer, Charlie Wilson and Grace Murphy.
It was heart-warming to see the physical contact. I was captivated from the very
beginning. Enthralling!
Very touching and captivating to watch! Loved the overall interplay between sound, light and movement!
Creating new worlds with its own boundaries and possibilities for eventual freedom
Compelling choreography complimented by the wonderful lighting and music