‘I am the machine’ is an ambient music drama/folk opera by written by Nina Hynes, with choreography by Orla Mc Carthy. A nostalgia-tinged sci-fi of music, song, dance and theatre set in the present day or the not so distant possible future, the production features three dancers, an actress and a musical group of five.
Is it a psychiatric asylum, a post-apocalyptic safe bunker, a community of misfits or a dream being imagined by one of the characters? It is not until the end that we get a hint of why these characters are together in the same space. ‘I am the machine’ seeks meaning and connection in a society embracing the innovations of technology while caught up in branding and commercialism.
Tuilleadh eolaisNina has been releasing records independently since 1999. Atmospheres, soundscapes, songs and sci-fi have been consistent in her live performances for over two decades. She has a background in theatre and sound engineering and uses transdisciplinary methodologies to seek out collaborative opportunities drawing from the endless Spring of being in the present moment. ‘I am the machine’ delves in to new territory artistically incorporating script and dance.
Orla McCarthy is a freelance dance artist working across Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. She has extensive performance experience in both full-time company work and freelancing with renowned choreographers like Iván Pérez, Meg Stuart, and Arno Schuitemacher. Orla creates multidisciplinary dance pieces and short films that explore human connection through an intimate performance approach. She has been awarded residencies and funding for her choreographic work which has been presented across Europe. Orla is dedicated to showcasing the physical, mental, creative, and spiritual benefits of dance and thrives in the challenges and potentials of collaborative interdisciplinary work.