See a New Dance Theatre Production about Galway’s Waterways

A new dance theatre production inspired by the Corrib River and Galway Bay will take to the stage to explore ecology, community, and the connections between people and the natural world. Performances will take place on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th June from 12.30pm to 2pm at the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance at University of Galway. Find out more here...

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Rooted in the River examines the relationship between local communities and the waterways that shape life in Galway. As the Corrib flows into Galway Bay, it supports ecosystems, wildlife, recreation, and livelihoods. Through movement, storytelling, and visual art, the production explores the impact humans have on these environments while celebrating the river's enduring place in local life.

The project grew from a series of art and science workshops held last autumn in Wild Nephin National Park, Galway Atlantaquaria, and on the University of Galway campus with Transition Year students. Participants explored their personal connections with nature, examined ecosystem interactions, and reflected on the impact of human activity in both rural and urban environments.

As part of the workshops, participants created their own eco-poetry. The final production also features lines from local poet Attracta Fahy's poem What The Corrib Heard.

The project is led by Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, an award-winning science communicator from the School of Natural Sciences and the School of English, Media and Creative Arts at the University of Galway, and Professor Deidre Cavazzi, who teaches in the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design and chairs the Honours Programme at Saddleback College in California.

The pair first met aboard a tall ship in Svalbard as part of the Arctic Circle art and science residency programme and have since collaborated on two previous science and dance theatre productions exploring nanoscale materials and the brain as an electronic device.

The choreography was developed by Professor Cavazzi alongside Galway dancers Michelle Palmer and Róisín Hanley. The performance explores themes ranging from fishing and sea swimming to storm systems, wildlife, and the complex relationships that exist within natural ecosystems.

The production features a cast of ten dancers. Ahead of each performance, audiences will be invited to take part in an interactive exhibition in the foyer of the O'Donoghue Centre. Visitors can share personal stories and memories of the Corrib River and Galway Bay, which will be incorporated into a large-scale artwork by Galway artist Caitlyn Rooke.

By bringing together science, art, community voices and performance, the creators hope to encourage audiences to reflect on their relationship with local waterways and the importance of protecting these environments for future generations.

Rooted in the River is supported by funding from the Research Ireland Discover Programme and the Department of Education. The production is hosted by the University of Galway School of English, Media and Creative Arts and the School of Natural Sciences.

The event is free to attend, but advance booking is required through Eventbrite.