Portlaoise dancer returns to Dunamaise to perform on national tour

A Portlaoise woman will take part in a performance of ‘Floating on a Dead Sea’ at Dunamaise Arts Centre, as part of the production's national tour.

Emily Kilkenny Roddy lived in Portlaoise and attended Heywood Community School, and went on to study contemporary dance at the University of Chichester in England.

Now working and living in Dublin, Ms Kilkenny Roddy will return to Laois to dance in Catherine Young’s ‘Floating on a Dead Sea’ on Wednesday October 16.

The work is inspired by Ms Young’s time in Palestine and features a cast of international dancers, stunning visuals by filmmaker Luca Truffarelli and live music directed by Martin Schärer.

The tour presents two interconnected works: Young and Truffarelli's documentary, viewed through a choreographer's lens, alongside a powerful live performance, re-worked for the new context in 2024. Both pieces weave movement, film, live music, and text to illuminate Palestinian daily life. 

We spoke to contemporary dancer Emily Kilkenny Roddy on her experiences.

Watch: the trailer for 'Floating on a Dead Sea' National Tour.

“I was born in London, but moved to Laois when I was six,” Ms Kilkenny Roddy explained.

“My first ever stage performance was at the Dunamaise, doing tap and musical theatre shows years ago. The first full length work I ever made was also in the Dunamaise, so it has a special place in my heart,” she said.

“I did every stage school under the sun, anything I could find in the area. I’m delighted to see that there’s now a contemporary dance school locally, Laois Dance Academy set up by Erica,” Ms Kilkenny Roddy said.

“I now live and work in Dublin, but I love engaging in dance work in Laois. There are ballet classes here too now, it’s great,” she said.

Floating on a Dead Sea’ will open in Longford’s Backstage Theatre, who were producers of the show. The production will then travel to eight different venues.

“This show is showcasing the amazing culture in Palestine, and what is being lost,” she explained.

Pictured: Dancer Emily Kilkenny Roddy.

“Irish people see Palestine on the news, but it doesn’t capture the beauty of their culture, of who the Palestinian people are. People coming to the show can share a space in solidarity, they can show up and enjoy and engage,” she said.

“This project is probably one of the best I have ever worked on. I feel privileged to be in the room with so many amazing people, who are amazing as humans as well as artists,” Ms Kilkenny Roddy said.

“We are learning about Dabke, a traditional Palestinian dance at the heart of their culture, from people who have travelled halfway across the world to teach us. It’s a really complex and emotional experience, it’s both heart-raising and heartbreaking,” she said.

“The show was made in 2019. Catherine has felt connected to Palestine since then, showing Irish audiences the beauty of Palestine. This tour was booked before then, constantly adapting to an ever changing world.”

The dancer praised Catherine Young for her talent, and described working with the director as ‘an honour’.

“Catherine is amazing, she works from the heart,” Ms Kilkenny Roddy said.

Pictured: 'Floating on a Dead Sea' by Catherine Young. Photo credit: Alaa Aliabdallah 

“She works with people from direct provision, and different shows with different traditional dance styles from different cultures. She is so interested in the richness of culture, and how it relates to humanity. She really uses her platform for the good,” she said.

Ms Kilkenny Roddy is currently working as a rehearsal director for the show, and has labelled it ‘an easy process’ due to the positive attitudes in the room.

She has described the performance as a powerful, important piece on resilience. 

'Floating on a Dead Sea' is a chance to look and listen more deeply, especially to those whose voices are often unheard. 

This production is funded by the Arts Council Touring Award, with the support of Town Hall Theatre, Galway. Originally commissioned by Dublin Dance Festival with the support of the Arts Council of Ireland, Backstage Theatre and Kerry County Council. 

Tickets cost €20/€18. Those interested may book there tickets here, or by contacting 057 866 3355.