This solo work explores, from an intimate point of view, the importance and need for touch, social interaction and the desire for connection. It asks questions about what may stagnate in the body during prolonged periods of neglecting these human needs.
All This Silent Space
In response to these questions and needs, Ailish uses task-based improvisational tools to build a score of movement. Within this landscape, she aims to reflect these ideas and activate both body and senses to reconnect with others and to herself.
The movement is set against a backdrop of droning soundscape and recordings of text, written by Ailish, that examine the imagery and emotions that the process of research brought to the surface.
The piece had its premiere in 2020 in Black Box Genesis in Vaasa. Black Box Genesis was a collaborating partner on this project, and it was funded by Svensk-Österbottniska Samfundet and produced by Regional Dance Center of Ostrobothnia.
The piece was restaged in 2022 and the Regional Dance Center of Ostrobothnia organized and produced the tour. The work visited numerous galleries and art spaces in the region. The tour aimed to bring high-quality and accessible dance art to art and culture audiences in new locations within the region.
Following and tracing thoughts.
An awareness of sensation.
Learning how to listen.
I want to learn how to hold myself.
Image by Valentina Gelain
Performances
25-26.9.2020 Black Box Genesis, Vasa
21.9.2022 Galleria Justus, Kannus
22.9.2022 Galleria Kaari, Kauhava
24.9.2022 Vasa Konsthall, Vasa
28.9.2022 Galleria Bruno, Kulturhuset AX, Bennäs
1.10.2022 Seinäjoen Taidehalli, Seinäjoki
17.11.2022 Kokkolan Talvitanssit-festivaali, Kokkola
Performance, choreography and sound design: Ailish Maher
Lights: Jakob Löflund
Video and photography: Padraig Croke
Supported by: Regional Dance Center of Ostrobothnia, Svensk-österbottniska Samfundet and Black Box Genesis gallery
In A Ritual of Care attention is given to the symbolic, the meditative, and the moving body. It explores modes of remembrance, liminality, and the threshold between stages of life and death. The film offers a perspective on presence and care through the lens of ritual making, where actions, intention, objects, and spaces are made significant and meaningful.
(Short film)
Duration: 8.35 mins
Supported by Svensk-Österbottniska Samfundet & Regional Dance Centre of Ostrobothnia
A Ritual of Care
Screenings
20.12.2023 Elokuvakeskus Botnia, Vaasa
12.1.2024 Sulake Klubi, Routa Company, Kajaani
Directed by: Ailish Maher
Photography: Padraig Croke
Concept and Movement: Ailish Maher
Sound Design and Editing: Padraig Croke and Ailish Maher