Bernadette marks unique residency with solstice showcase
Bernadette Divilly, who was Galway Dance Artist in Residence for 2020-2021, will showcase work from her year at a special event in the city’s Nuns’ Island Theatre on December 21, from 2.30-3.30pm.
The showcase will include the launch of a publication, on Bernadette’s residency, capturing her ‘BeDance’ practice and incorporating the professional BeDance Development Quartet. The book, Be Dance, has been produced by Letterfrack based publishing company, Artisan House. Bernadette’s residency, which was funded by the Arts Council, began in September 2020 during Covid.
Although she was initially reluctant to engage with technology, she soon realised its possibilities.
“I was keen to have a record of an extraordinary period which influenced the shape and structure of my residency. I took on the challenge in a playful, creative and, hopefully, impactful way,” she says.
The book pays homage to the participants, funders, and community members who got involved and she’s delighted with how Artisan House has captured this time. The launch, on Tuesday, December 21, to coincide with the Winter Solstice, will be a hybrid event with people welcome to take part online or in person.
Deputy Catherine Connolly will officially launch the book while BeDance professional dancers Sophie Hutchinson, Lisa Cliffe, Yasmin Mello Da Cruz Cabrera Musicians: Sharon Murphy and Clare Sawell will perform.
People who attend in person at Nuns’ Island Theatre can opt to take part in shoreline walk to Galway Bay afterwards to celebrate the winter solstice. Those who want to book for the online event can send an email to [email protected].