A song infamously linked to sectarian marches in the North of Ireland has been reworked for a powerful new Irish dance performance by Trinity Irish Dance Company which is coming to the New York City stage.
Founded in 1990 by creative force and renowned choreographer Mark Howard, uniquely Irish-American company Trinity was the birthplace of progressive Irish dance.
Howard’s latest breakthrough The Sash made serious waves with its premiere performances this past summer at Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires.
Bringing to life Northern Irish composer Kevin Sharkey’s dream inspired by his childhood during the ‘Northern Ireland Troubles’ and reminding audiences that unity is stronger than conflict, The Sash fuses Irish precision, traditions, and history with contemporary flair, presenting an unprecedented movement vocabulary that opens up a new portal for Trinity Irish Dance Company and for the possibilities for the form.
Set to a rousing score by Sharkey, it is, says the Chicago Tribune “a powerful message on peace” and features dialogue from the hit television series Derry Girls as well as spoken text provided by acclaimed Irish actress Eva Birthistle of the famed television series Bad Sisters.
The son of an Irish father and a British mother, Chicago-raised Howard approaches the subject matter with authenticity and a unique perspective. “He has been massively respectful to the roots of the story. He’s a Celtic Warrior – a Warrior poet,” says composer Sharkey.
“Art can produce believers,” shares Founding Artistic Director and choreographer Mark Howard. “I have strong faith in the intoxicating confluence of dance, music and song."
Added Denis Neville, a Kerry native and member of the Trinity Dance Company Board: “The Sash is a revelation. As an Irish man who loves my country's traditions, I am grateful for the Trinity Irish Dance Company’s unwavering commitment to evolve this ancestral art form with integrity. Their work honors the ancestors of a country that is rich in meaningful culture. Mark Howard has always insisted on allowing the form to speak for itself instead of being stuck in a formulaic commercialized box- a vision born out of his bold ambition and high taste level."
Trinity Irish Dance Company will be in performance at Joyce Theatre, NYC, from 17-22 February. Tickets for this celebration of their 35th year are available online.
