What is hospitality and why does it matter? This performance is a celebration of the gorgeous system we have invented for welcoming strangers. We will delve into the origins of this poetic practice, the risks involved, the philosophy behind it, the strict rules, the honour attached to it, the folklore that surrounds it. This is an invitation to see hospitality, not as an industry, but as a gut instinct that we humans have for generosity and coexistence and to reconsider our role as hosts to one another.

Story of Hospitality is written by Jennie Moran/Luncheonette and animated by dance artist Aoibhinn O’Dea and accompanied by musician Seamas Hyland.

Jennie Moran is an Irish visual artist who uses the philosophy of hospitality to create opportunities for shared connection. She runs Luncheonette, an emergency response unit which uses food to make places better. She has written a book entitled How to Soften Corners about the impact of hospitality in institutions.

Aoibhinn O Dea is a dance artist working across the contemporary dance and visual arts field. She trained in contemporary dance and somatic movement in Berlin. She graduated with a BA in Fine Art Sculpture and MA in Dance and
Performance. Her practice is often site-specific and public, exploring the effects normative social structures have on the body.

Seamas Hyland, native of west Waterford is a multi-instrumentalist, set dancer and singer. He is currently based in Dublin and is working to release a solo button accordion album in 2023. He plays in a duet project with banjo player Paddy Cummins and is a full-time member of the Mary Wallopers

Supported by the Arts Council