States of Independence – Live Multidisciplinary Performance
States of Independence is a live, multi-disciplinary, collaborative performance presented by Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality at the Pumphouse, Alexandra Road, Dublin Port, Dublin for six performances only on Friday 13, Saturday 14, Wednesday 18, Friday 20, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 October 2023, nightly at 7.30pm. This multidisciplinary performance by Mary Moynihan, Féilim James and Michael McCabe, is inspired by stories of change-maker activists and artists from the Decade of Centenaries and combines theatre, film screenings, poetry, film projections and live music.
A key part of the performance is the world premiere of a unique play Sole Flower, Spidered Soul by up-and-coming writer Féilim James inspired by the life stories of Lucia Joyce (1907-1982), a dancer and her father, the writer James Joyce (1882-1941).
Lucia Joyce and her father James are roused from death by an eloquent clown. The duo’s joyful reunion soon gives way to old quarrels, as their mysterious resuscitator informs them of events subsequent to their passing. The clown’s central motive is to present James with a question, a dilemma, the answer to which holds the power to alter the past and jeopardise everything he worked for. This funny and moving play pits personal ambition against love for family, all the while challenging prevailing notions about its protagonists: Lucia as the mad daughter, and James as the genius father who did all he could to save his daughter.
This event is part of States of Independence, a project that celebrates the stories of change-makers from the Decade of Centenaries 1912-1922 linked to the stories of change-makers today working to make society a better place. The stories gathered act as inspiration for the creation of new artworks by ten artists, working in visual art, film, dance, theatre, creative writing and digital arts.
The artists come together to create a range of artworks and performances for public display in sites – both ancient and modern – across Ireland and for display via a creative billboards campaign and online on the Smashing Times Virtual Art Gallery. The stories, artworks and performances are shared with public audiences to reflect on modern day revolutionary visions for the future inspired by the past, launched for the annual Dublin International Arts and Human Rights festival 13 to 22 October 2023. The internationally acclaimed team of ten artists is led by Mary Moynihan, an award-winning writer, poet, director, theatre and filmmaker and Artistic Director, Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality, working with John Scott, Artistic Director and Choreographer, Irish Modern Dance Theatre, and a range of artists working in literature, visual arts, theatre, film and new digital technologies.
Events are accompanied by panel discussions and public talks on new visions for a peaceful and equal society for all. Events take place in Dublin, Kerry, Clare and Donegal with online work accessible across Ireland and internationally, celebrating changemakers and heroes from the past and today, bringing people together to promote active citizenship, equality, human rights and diversity and celebrating new visions for a peaceful and equal future for all.