We vibe, we vibrate, hearts pumping, rhythm jumping,
Drumming up the earth’s vibrations, 
Infusing our heartbeat, our breath…

Pulsating with theatrical magic, CoisCéim Dance Theatre's THE PIECE WITH THE DRUMS is a driving dance narrative between dancer and percussion. Directed and choreographed by David Bolger, with music, beats and everything in between by pioneering Jazz percussionist Conor Guilfoyle, this major work is a colourful exploration of relationships, spirituality, and our connection to rhythm, life and the cosmos.

With humour and swift sharp dancing from a cast of exceptional artists Justine Cooper, Ivonne Kalter, Jonathan Mitchell, Alex O’Neill and Donking Rongavilla, it features set & costume design by Katie Davenport and is bathed in brilliant light by Eamon Fox. 

TOURING IRELAND | 18 OCTOBER - 20 NOVEMBER 2024

COMING TO THE MAC BELFAST, THE EVERYMAN CORK, DRAÍOCHT BLANCHARDSTOWN, An Grianán LETTERKENNY, TOWN HALL THEATRE GALWAY, THE CIVIC TALLAGHT, PAVILION THEATRE, DUN LAOGHAIRE

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Gallery

ACCESSIBILITY

In line with CoisCéim’s strategic goals, making the project as accessible to as many people as possible was a priority. The premiere run of THE PIECE WITH THE DRUMS at Project Arts Centre introduced the company’s Pay What You Can ticket pricing, where audiences can choose a price that works for them.  This production also featured a bespoke Broadreach initiative that included a Dance & Drumming Workshop, Touch Tour and Relaxed Performance on 26 January 2023. Led by Cathy Coughlan with Conor Guilfoyle. 28 participants from RehabCare, part of The Rehab Group; Dun Laoghaire Resource Centre; and Engine Room Artist development programme participants from Run Of The Mill inclusive Theatre Group took part in this dance and drumming workshop on stage at Project Arts Centre. 
 
In 2024, as part of its national tour access highlights included an audio described performance of THE PIECE WITH THE DRUMS on Saturday 19 October for the Belfast International Arts Festival, which was made possible through the generous support of The Foyle Foundation.

Director David Bolger
Choreography David Bolger in collaboration with the dancers
Music Conor Guilfoyle 
Set and Costume Katie Davenport
Lighting Eamon Fox
Hair & Makeup Val Sherlock

2024 TOUR
CAST Justine Cooper, Conor Guilfoyle, Ivonne Kalter, Jonathan Mitchell, Alex O’Neill, donking rongavilla

Production Manager Michael Lonergan
Stage Manager Barbara Hughes
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER MICHAELA cONLEY
CHIEF LX Maeubh Brennan
chief av laura rainsford
SOUND ENGINEER JOHN NORTON
COSTUME SUPERVISOR JAMES SEAVER
design assistant florentina burcea

2023 world premiere production
Cast Justine Cooper, Ghaliah Conroy, Conor Guilfoyle, Ivonne Kalter, Jonathan Mitchell, Alex O’Neill

Production Manager Seán Dennehy
Stage Manager Stephanie Ryan
Assistant Stage Manager Laura Murphy
CHIEF LX EOIN WINNING
CHIEF FX MICHAEL STAPLETON
COSTUME SUPERVISOR JAMES SEAVER
with special thanks to Diarmuid Armstrong

About The Cast

Justine Cooper

Conor Guilfoyle

Ivonne Kalter

Jonathan Mitchell

Alex O’Neill

Donking Rongavilla

Ghaliah Conroy

About The Creative Team

David Bolger

Katie Davenport

Eamon Fox

Conor Guilfoyle

Val Sherlock

RTÉ Supporting The Arts

Each year, RTÉ supports many local and national arts events throughout Ireland through media partnerships and widespread cultural content on Radio 1, 2fm, lyric fm, Raidio na Gaeltachta, RTÉ One and Two, across RTÉ.ie, and via the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

In addition, RTÉ supports events by offering promotional air-time on RTÉ Radio and Television. This airtime has proven vital in allowing events to grow and develop from year to year. Equally, every year, new and exciting arts projects are established and look to RTÉ to help with getting the word out.

Through RTÉ Supporting the Arts, RTÉ is privileged to be part of the effort to showcase the wealth of talent, diversity and artistic expression here in Ireland.

https://about.rte.ie/supporting-the-arts/about-rte-supporting-the-arts/

The Foyle Foundation

The Piece With The Drums audio described performance for Belfast International Arts Festival 2024 was made possible with the support of The Foyle Foundation. The Foyle Foundation is an independent grant making trust that distributes grants to U.K. based registered charities and schools.  The Foundation was formed to implement the will of the late Christina Foyle. She was the daughter of William Foyle who, with his brother, founded the former family owned bookshop Foyles in Charing Cross Road, London.

https://foylefoundation.org.uk/