Derry based dance company, Echo Echo, are on tour with a new production which sees them merge visual arts, music and dance with outdoor pursuits- all inspired by a hidden cove near Shroove, on the North Donegal coast.
The director, Steve Batts, discovered the Port-a-Doris cove a few years ago. It became the setting for one of the company’s 2011 projects and proved to be a magical, inspiring place- looking out towards Downhill beach on the other side of Lough Foyle.
During that site-specific project, many local residents came to visit and told stories of the cove having been a place where people proposed to their sweethearts and carved their names. They came to dance there too, many years ago, in secret. Interesting that Echo Echo had returned in 2011 to dance too.
In 2012, the dancers have taken it one step further and created an original performance inspired by their memories and experience of Port-a-Doris. The production will include set design by acclaimed Belfast-based visual artist Dan Shipsides and an original music score by talented local composer Christopher Norby- who has composed for Ulster Orchestra and NI Opera.
Echo Echo Company Manager, Ailbe Beirne, said:
“Echo Echo’s team of artists and collaborators are of the highest professional level for this project so we must thank the Legacy Trust for the funding support to make it possible. The company has built up a very loyal and interested local audience but I think there are many more people out there who will enjoy this live performance work. It’s very cutting edge and combines different art forms, music, theatre, video, lighting, to make something that is very difficult to describe in words. Maybe that’s what quality work should be, and it’s hopefully what we will see a lot more of in 2013 and in years to come.”
Echo Echo is considered to be one of Ireland’s leading dance companies and is known for it’s innovative projects and unique performance style. The Cove will be in Black Box, Belfast on Friday 12th October, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick on Saturday 13th before finishing the tour in Echo Echo’s hometown Derry-Londonderry at The Millennium Forum on Wednesday 17th October.
The Cove is funded through Legacy Trust UK’s Challenge Fund, which is managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Legacy Trust UK is creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.
For full details about the performance or any of the work that the company does, visit www.echoechodance.com