Conceived during lockdown, the piece features a cast of renowned female talent across different mediums and encourages transformation in difficult times

The team behind Body & Soul have teamed up with a host of incredible Irish artists to premiere a new multi-disciplinary project titled Éiru’s Threshold.

Produced during lockdown, the piece will be presented as a film and features women from theatre, dance, film, literature, fashion design and music.

Inspired by a site visit to Ballinlough castle, festival founder Avril Stanley and Creative Director Mary Hickson decided to lean into the spirit of celtic female energy as a response to the ongoing pandemic.

Speaking on the piece, Avril Stanley said, “Everyone involved had a yearning to create”.

“So many great, talented people came from all corners of Ireland to make sense of this time together. This film features so much Irish creativity; from bespoke fashion to new musical compositions and spoken word poetry. It’s incredible to think that all of this happened during our strictest lockdown.”

Reinterpreting Henry Purcell’s Dido’s Lament, Ériu’s Threshold‘ reimagines his piece through the lens of Irish mythological godess Ériu.

“This pandemic life feels like a place of reflection and pause, a time where things become blurred and insecure.  Now, more than ever we need to connect and reconnect with what is real and important.” Creative Director, Mary Hickson said.

Directed by Mia Mullarky, featuring voiceover from Tony-award winning actress Marie Mullen, costumes by Katie Hanlan and choreography from Robyn Byrne it promises to be a powerful and immersive piece.

‘Éiru’s Threshold’ will be presented as a film, premiering live at 20.00 on Saturday 13 February, on the Body & Soul website. Admission is free, however, advance sign-up is required.

Visit the site to learn more and register now at www.bodyandsoul.ie

Elsewhere, we are celebrating the RTÉ Choice Music Prize, read our interview with Gemma Dunleavy who was nominated for album of the year for Up De Flats.