Event
Fragments, created by choreographer Jessie Keenan, considers the imperfect nature of memory and the instability of its fragile reconstruction through an intricate and delicately nuanced new dance work as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival 2018. This new dance has emerged from two years of research carried out by Keenan with scientists, dancers and family members inspired by childhood experiences of her grandfather’s dementia. Fragments is at The Complex, Smithfield, from 11-14 September with a preview on 10 September.
This immersive dance experience invites the audience and three dancers into a strange and beautiful world of detailed movement, architectural physical forms, fractured video, and shifting soundscapes.
Before studying choreography, Jessie’s primary degree was biochemistry and over time her scientific interests have moved towards neuroscience; in particular, the process of how we recall memories and the deterioration of cognitive function with age. With her new show, Jessie is bringing together her background in science and her dance practice.
Upon starting the process of this work, Jessie began a conversation with Dr. Richard Roche, a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Psychology in Maynooth University. Dr. Roche shared information on the process of memory, the history of its study and where that thinking is now, including his own research into a new study using reminiscence therapy.
We continuously edit our versions of the past. Through the very process of reconstructing them, the present moment affects these memories. With this work, Keenan asks the question: what can we hold on to as our memories alter or even disappear completely?
Watch the Fragments trailer: youtu.be/jbCWSV98uVo
Event information
Dates: Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 September 2018 (Preview 10 September) with Matinee 14 September
Venue: The Complex, Smithfield, Dublin 7
Tickets: €15; concession €13; previews €11
Booking: Dublin Fringe Festival Box Office 1850 FRINGE (374 643) or online at fringefest.com
Creative Team
Choreographed and Directed by Jessie Keenan
Performed by Marion Cronin, Siobhán Ní Dhuinnín and Sarah Ryan
Lighting Design by Matt Burke
Sound Design by Irene Buckley
Fragments is supported by Dublin City Council, Cavan County Council and Dance Ireland, and Dublin Fringe Festival through the FRINGE LAB initiative. Developed with the support of Arts Council Ireland ‘Next Generation Bursary Award’ and presented as a work-in-progress at the Dublin Dance Festival 2018.
