A suite of interconnected shorts, Dēmos - films of separation and togetherness is part of a new collaborative project between choreographer Liz Roche and composer David Coonan, commissioned by Dublin Dance Festival and the Abbey Theatre, which culminates in a live performance later this year.

Filmed on the Abbey Stage, the superb cast of Liz Roche Company dancers and Crash Ensemble musicians come together to perform scenes from the new work, in films made in collaboration with filmmaker José Miguel Jiménez.

Used to denote a ‘district’ or ‘land’ as well as ‘the people’ within, the Ancient Greek term dēmos connotes a complex sense of connection between bodies in a shared space, a fluid state of harmony and disharmony.

Bringing together dancers and musicians, it poses urgent questions of how to feel together in a time when togetherness feels fractured. The films follow journeys through the cracked spaces these bodies occupy; physical and digital, real and imagined.

Enhance your Experience:

As part of this event, you will get access to a short interview with Liz Roche and members of the creative team behind the project.

"Liz Roche from Ireland continues to marry an increasingly unquiet rhetoric with gorgeous movement." - TANZ Magazine (Ballet International/Tanz Aktuell)

★★★★ "...you will certainly be stimulated, challenged, and provoked to deeper engagement by what is an undeniably powerful production by a truly remarkable artist." - The Arts Review

★★★★ “The movement is organic, softly moulded to the communication of bodies and minds... the strongest impression is the impact of the ensemble…They move and breathe almost as one.” - Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ “Roche's gift is to sense how dance of its essence allows the body to speak for itself; articulate, nuanced and powerful." - The Irish Times

_____

Co-commissioned and co-presented by Dublin Dance Festival and The Abbey Theatre

_____

Choreographer: Liz Roche

Composer: David Coonan

Dancers: Justine Cooper, Kévin Coquelard, Lucia Kickham, Yumi Lee, Luke Murphy, Emily Terndrup

Musicians: Kate Ellis (Cello), Brian Bolger (Guitar), Alex Petcu (Percussion)

Recorded Musicians: Larissa O'Grady, Macdara Ó Seireadáin, Barry O'Halpin, Máire Carroll

Films by José Miguel Jiménez and Liz Roche

Edited by: José Miguel Jiménez

Filmed by: Steve O'Connor and Peter Martin

Set & Costume Designer: Katie Davenport

Lighting Designer: Sinead McKenna

Projections: José Miguel Jiménez

Dramaturg: Shane O'Reilly

Production Manager: Eamonn Fox

Stage Manager: Lisa Krugel

Music Producer & Sound Engineer: Adrian Hart

AV Assistant: Eavan Aiken

Band Coordinator: Jonathan Pearson

Photo: Steve O'Connor

Liz Roche Company is strategically funded by The Arts Council of Ireland | An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Commissioned by Dublin Dance Festival and The Abbey Theatre, in partnership with Crash Ensemble and New Music Dublin