“It will be a feast for all the senses,” describes Belfast dancer Ryan O’Neill of his performance in Nobodaddy, the latest work of multi-award-winning choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan and his Teaċ Daṁsa ensemble.
Described as “an ode to the peacemakers and the bringers of good things”, this affecting, large-scale dance and theatre ritual is inspired by the poetry of William Blake and will feature dialogue and song in both English and Irish.
Based in the west Kerry Gaeltacht, Teaċ Daṁsa makes work which is informed by the traditions, language and music of Ireland. The new show is the culmination of a year-long engagement between An Droichead and Teaċ Daṁsa which has been shaped by voices and stories from across the city.
“I kind of feel like it’s about separation, loss and death – not to make it sound bleak,” laughs Ryan.
“It goes through every human emotion you could probably ever feel in your life - joy, pain, suffering, heartbreak - and we all represent different elements of that.
“It’s ultimately about how transient life is and how quick it can go - it’s a kaleidoscope of everything you could ever see, hear, do or feel in your life.”
Joining Ryan on stage will be an additional eight dancers and six musicians, including Vermont folk music master Sam Amidon. Collectively, the company features artists from Japan, Hawaii, Greece, France, the United States, England, Ireland and Serbia.
The 15-strong troupe have just returned from an eight-week trip to Kerry where they were developing the performance in Michael’s own studio space, where the company were able to eat, sleep and rehearse together.
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“It was so beneficial in helping us create an ensemble, we’ve just been getting to know each other, and I think that really strengthened the work we were doing in the studio,” he explains.
“We had an open run last week in Kerry and a lot of people commented on how connected we all were, and I think people came away really feeling the energy of the show.
“I think it is important to have a space like that where you can totally throw yourself into the work.
“And it’s a real luxury too because we were able to take our time and talk about the work and what we were doing which really helped us envision what the show was going to look like and how best to approach it.
“Whereas usually you’re renting a space and at 6 o’clock you have to cut that short and go and get a bus, so it makes it a completely different experience all together.”
Additionally, given that Nobodaddy is a multidisciplinary work, Ryan believes having the space to workshop the performance created an environment where “anything was possible”.
“Everyone is so in sync,” he says.
“Musicians are performing, we play instruments, Sam Amidon has taught us all to sing - anyone who walked into this process thinking they’re just going to do one thing has ended up singing, dancing and acting.
“We all learnt from each other.”
Theatres are designed for conversations - that’s why there’s a bar there, that’s the whole point of sitting in a dark space and watching something creative
— Ryan O’Neill
However, despite his newfound singing and dancing skills Ryan is in no rush to change career.
“I think this show has inspired me to have more confidence in my acting and singing ability but I wouldn’t give up my day job just yet,” he laughs.
“But I’ve really enjoyed exploring different disciplines and then incorporating that into my dance work and opening up what dance is for me so that’s been a real takeaway from the whole experience.”
As part of the Belfast 2024 celebrations Nobodaddy will be premiering in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall next week.
“There’s something for everybody in this show,” Ryan says.
“From live music to acting and dancing all the performers are world class, the costumes are amazing.
“I think people need to have more confidence – they come to shows expecting to be told what the meaning is but then that takes away from their own experience.
“Theatres are designed for conversations - that’s why there’s a bar there, that’s the whole point of sitting in a dark space and watching something creative.
“It’s important for people to make up their own minds about it and take different things away from it because that’s what the show is all about.”
