Direct from its ‘stunning’ performances in Castlebar and New York, Mayo’s new music and contemporary dance experience will be staged at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre next Sunday evening, 24 November!
The creation of Belcarra composer Kathy Fahey, whose inspiration for the show came from the resilience and community spirit of the Irish during the Famine, ‘Fáinne Oir’ tells the story of the O’Malley’s – an Irish family living in West Mayo during the Famine Years of 1845-1848. It is also a story of young love between Saoirse, the oldest O’Malley daughter, and farm-hand Diarmuid. The destructive potato blight hits Ireland and the O’Malley smallholding does not escape.
Through music and dance, we’re taken on a journey as Diarmuid makes a promise to Saoirse that he will protect and love her forever. We are also taken on a sad and tragic journey of Saoirse’s emigration to New York City, but her heart is back home in Glanageeha. The story of this West Mayo family during the heartache years of the Great Irish Famine, ultimately ends on a high note of love and happiness for all – and the return of the gold wedding ring (Fáinne Óir).
Kathy’s original music will be performed by the Mayo Concert Orchestra, a proud member of Music West – an affiliation of Mayo Concert Orchestra, Mayo Youth Orchestra, Castlebar Concert Band and Castlebar Training Band. The orchestra will be supported by vocal group ‘Voxfusion’ and Mayo traditional musicians Stephen Doherty (flute), David Doocey (fiddle) and Diarmaid Moynihan (uileann pipes).
‘Fainne Oir’ will be choreographed by Ciara Sexton (five-time world champion and lead dancer in ‘Riverdance’, ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Heartbeat of Home’), and will be assisted by some of Ireland’s best contemporary dancers! Both the set and lighting design is inspired by the paintings of Achill-based artist Padraig McCaul who will have an exclusive showing of these paintings at The Olympia Theatre.
