BENCH #1 | Jessie Thompson
I felt like I was in Paris or London, stumbling upon performances in the streets - I didn’t think that things like this happened in Dublin!
“With this commission I felt very independent in my creative choices and not pressured to make any choices for the likes of an indoor venue/festival environment. It was amazing having a consistent rehearsal space and access to this as an artist whose time and creativity fluctuates, that support really suited my process for this creation.”
- Jessie Thompson, Choreographer/Performer.
At the beginning of the Summer in 2023 Jessie Thompson was announced as one of two inaugural choreographic commissions bringing together CoisCéim Dance Theatre and Waterways Ireland. BENCH #1 was developed at the CoisCéim studio in Fairview before being performed by the Royal Canal at Spencer Dock in late August.
"...the canal is a connection route for me – along the way I'm watching and meeting people. I'm getting a moment to breathe and be in nature. What I found interesting about Spencer Dock is that it is surrounded by concrete and city noise so I wanted to take on the challenge to see what the water in that space can offer me and what I can give back... [so] what I've been doing [in the rehearsal process] is sitting, and allowing the noise to come in and give me inspiration..."
– Jessie Thompson, Choreographer/Performer
Gallery
Performed at
Culture Night
Spencer Dock
Dublin, Ireland
22 September 2023
World Premiere
Spencer Dock
Dublin, Ireland
30 August - 2 September 2023
ABOUT
“I have long been inspired by the Dublin canals, having lived and worked close to both The Grand Canal and The Royal Canal. Their close proximity to the city centre is an enriching environment that has inspired countless artists throughout the waterways rich history. This pilot project will see CoisCéim Dance Theatre commission several talented contemporary dance artists and choreographers to make work inspired by the canals and their connection to the city. It is a real honour for me to collaborate with Waterway's Ireland and curate the works and I look forward to welcoming audiences to experience these treasures.” – David Bolger, CoisCéim Dance Theatre
BENCH started as an experimental pilot project in the summer 2023, with commissions to Jessie Thompson and Favour Odusola – find out more here.
“We are thrilled to collaborate again with CoisCéim Dance Theatre to bring a new commission by Sibéal Davitt to Dublin Dance Festival to animate and reimagine our waterways. Dublin’s canals are a vital part of the Green and Blue infrastructure of the city, supporting the health and wellbeing of citizens and inspiring countless artists since their construction over 200 years ago.” – Máirín Ó Cuireáin, Dublin Development Manager
Credits
Choreographer/Performer Jessie Thompson
Curator David Bolger
Music Jack Foster
Filmmaker Neil O’Driscoll
Technician Laura Rainsford
About the artists
Partners
Waterways Ireland
Waterways Ireland is the cross-border navigational authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and promotion of over 1,000kms of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. These waterways comprise of: Grand Canal; Royal Canal; Barrow; Shannon, Shannon-Erne; Erne; Ulster Canal and Lower Bann navigations. Waterways Ireland assets contribute approximately €560m in economic, societal, and environmental value annually. In 2021, the waterways estate received 3.2 million visitors.
In Dublin, Waterways Ireland is responsible for the historic Grand and Royal Canals, which have been a source of great inspiration for artists in the city. Through arts programming, engagement and collaboration, we support the development of creative places in Dublin and contribute to making the areas along the Royal and Grand Canals better places to live, work, and visit.
Find out more at www.waterwaysireland.org
