Rooted in the River: The New Dance Show Inspired by the Corrib River and Galway Bay
Rooted in the River examines the relationship between local communities and the waterways that shape life in Galway. Through movement, storytelling, and visual art, the production explores the impact humans have on these environments while celebrating the river's enduring place in local life.
The project grew from a series of art and science workshops held last autumn in Wild Nephin National Park, Galway Antlantaquaria, and on the University of Galway campus with Transition Year students.
As part of the workshops, participants created their own eco-poetry. The final production features lines from local poet Attracta Fahy's poem "What The Corrib Heard."
The project is led by Dr Jessamyn Fairfield of the School of Natural Sciences and the School of English, Media and Creative Arts at the University of Galway, and Professor Deidre Cavazzi, who teaches in the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and chairs the Honours Programme at Saddleback College in California.
Left: Photo by Lisa Regan, Right: Rooted in the River
The pair first met aboard a tall ship in Svalbard as part of the Arctic Circle art and science residency programme and have since collaborated on two previous theatre productions that combined elements of both science and dance.
The choreography was developed by Professor Cavazzi alongside Galway dancers Michelle Palmer and Róisín Hanley. The show explores themes ranging from fishing and sea swimming to storm systems, wildlife, as well as the complex relationships that exist within natural ecosystems.
Performances will take place on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th June from 12.30pm to 2pm at the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance at University of Galway.
The event is free to attend, but advance booking is required through Eventbrite.
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