NEW WORK 2024/2025
A new dance and live music show for teenagers with additional needs featuring an integrated cast of performers coming January 2025..... It was such a joy to present a work in progress sharing of Other Worlds to an invited audience of teenagers at Riverbank Arts Centre in July. What an incredible journey it's been so far. We can't wait for the final phase of this very exciting process!!
This immersive otherworldly dance and live music adventure will premiere in January 2025 at Riverbank Arts Centre
...with an incredible team:
Set & Props: Eugenia Genunchi
Lighting: Zia Bergin-Holly
Sound design & Composition: Tom Lane
in collaboration with Alessandro Zangrando
Costume: Ciara Fleming
Re-lighter: Suzie Cummins
Production manager: Olivia Drennan
Stage Manager: Méabh Crowe
ASM: Jenna Crossan
Creative Support: Libby Seward
Producer: Caoimhe Whelan
Director: Jess Rowell
..and STELLAR integrated cast:
Anderson De Souza
Mia DiChiaro
Brian McSweeney
Jess Rowell
Alessandro Zangrando
We are SO grateful to Riverbank Arts Centre, The Ark Dublin and teenagers & staff in St John of God Special School Dublin & St Marks Special School Newbridge for hosting phases 1 & 2 of development and making this possible.
Special thanks to dance artist Sarah Ryan who joined us for week 1 of research in St John of God Special School.
This project is supported by @artscouncilireland YPCE project award with additional support provided by @riverbankartscentreie and @thearkdublin
Making Waves 2024
We are hitting the road (high seas) again in Jan 2024 with a 9 week national tour supported by The Arts Council touring award, following a successful 4 week tour of Making Waves in early 2023 & a week of shows at Baboró International Children's Festival.
Our accessible touring model features schools & integrated family shows with wrap-around activities to support audience members, their teachers, carers and guardians deepening engagement for all.
Sept 2023
A brilliant week of action research with the wonderful students and teachers in St Catherine's School, Co. Wicklow. During the week we introduced dance artist Brian McSweeney to a range of techniques used in sensory dance theatre making. To say we had fun is an understatement!!!! This week was led by inclusive dance artist & facilitator Jess Rowell with mentor Libby Seward; supported by Meitheal: A Branar Initiative.
Watch our video HERE
2020 - 2022
As Draíocht's Dance Artist in Residence (2020-2022) I have developed and expanded my knowledge of inclusive dance practice, engaged with other artists in the field, nurtured cross-arts relationships and received mentorship from Anna Newell amongst others. My work with Draíocht has been documented and presented on film, stage and live on RTE.
This residency is supported by Arts Council Ireland with additional funding provided by Fingal County Council and Draíocht, Blanchardstown.
Residency Blogs & RTE Interview
3yr Residency Youtube Playlist
RTE Interview - Between Us There Is...