Armagh native Nicola Curry is set to bring ‘Moonlight Dream’, a beautiful dance and live music production from her company Maiden Voyage Dance, to the Market Place Theatre Armagh.
The show, which will be performed on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 February, is a gentle, sensory-rich dance and live music experience for 0–6-year-olds and their families. ‘Moonlight Dream’ follows a curious child and her two lovable companions – a caring bear and a mischievous fox – as they explore the night sky and discover the limitless possibilities of the dream world.
Nicola, a former pupil of St. Catherine’s Secondary School, is the founder and Artistic Director of Maiden Voyage, Northern Ireland’s contemporary dance commissioning company. A Queen’s University Belfast Law graduate, Nicola returned to her first love of dance with a Masters in Contemporary Dance at The Irish World Academy of Music & Dance at the University of Limerick.
With Maiden Voyage Dance, Nicola has commissioned, produced and toured over 35 dance works for stage or public space for audiences of all ages, championed development opportunities for NI-based dance artists and initiated participatory programmes in education, health and community settings. Most recently, Maiden Voyage Dance has become a foundational partner with Luail, Ireland’s inaugural national and all-island dance company.
Nicola says she is looking forward to bringing ‘Moonlight Dream’ to Armagh’s youngest dreamers:
“‘Moonlight Dream’ is such a special show and the perfect first theatre experience for families with young children.
“We’ve taken inspiration from classic children’s bedtime stories to create a truly magical experience with live music, gentle movement, and glowing lightscapes. I can’t wait for Armagh audiences to see it!
“Research has shown that early arts experiences are hugely beneficial for young children’s development. From presenting the show in a relaxed in-the-round setting, music, lighting and interaction between the performers and young audiences, our creative team has put a lot of thought into making ‘Moonlight Dream’ as accessible and meaningful as possible, to create some really heart-warming moments between children and their caregivers.”
Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Literature and Dance at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland added:
“I can’t think of a more wonderful way to spend time during half-term than to be swept away to a magical world with Maiden Voyage Dance and ‘Moonlight Dream’. The creativity, care and dedication from the company and their proven track record in producing meaningful and memorable shows for young audiences mean that this is definitely an event not to be missed!”
The production brings together an exceptional creative team, led by choreographer Georgia Tegou, with original live music composed and performed by Ursula Burns, and performances by Sandy Cuthbert, Janie Doherty, and Andrea Madore. The stunning lighting and set design by Ciaran Bagnall, combined with beautiful costumes by Úna Hickey, create a truly immersive moonlit world.
‘Moonlight Dream’ is commissioned and produced by Maiden Voyage Dance, which is principally funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and supported by Belfast City Council. The show was co-commissioned with Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company, which is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
‘Moonlight Dream’ by Maiden Voyage Dance will be performed on Tuesday 24 at 12pm and Wednesday, February 25 at 10am at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh.
Tickets are £5.00 and can be booked online at https://marketplacearmagh.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873659104
