The Holding Bones

Suitable for ages 16+ In an artist's studio, shadows talk, objects come alive and she draws her very bones to overcome loss and celebrate love and the cycle of life

"Poetry and Heart and Soul Food"

The Holding Bones lovingly recalls a host of characters - songsters, storytellers and mischief makers.In paying playful homage to her ancestors Niamh Lawlor contemplates the purpose of life. Her life.

Set in her studio she draws upon her skills as a puppet maker and visual artist to enrich the tale she has to tell, as funny as it is deeply moving.

"Just beautiful...cathartic, profound but also soothing"

A new original piece from Púca for adults The Holding Bones is a fitting celebration of Samhain, All Soul's and The Day of the Dead. At this time of year, they say, the veil between our world and the next is at its thinnest. Once we would have set an extra place at the table, left the door unlocked and lit a candle for each of our loved lost kin at Halloween and remembered our dearly departe d throughout the month of November. In this new show, Lawlor, veteran performer from Púca for nearly 30 years, counts her ancestors on her very bones and brings them back to life on stage. Vital theatrical storytelling invites you to meditate on family, memory and rituals of grieving and how to embrace the bittersweet turns of the cycle of life.

This very personal yet universal show was crafted over several years, assisted by support from The Arts Council, DLR County Council, South Dublin Live a South Dublin County Council Arts Office initiative, Pavilion Studio and the Mermaid Arts Centre, Draíocht and Civic Theatres. It has toured to 5 venues most recently seen in the Hugh Lane Art Gallery in Dublin. Audience responses include:

" What a special night! I highly recommend … a total Gem "

" This is a very original piece combining installation art and storytelling … Gorgeous … inventive and moving, don ' t miss it! "

" This is a wonderful show, full of heart, invention and beauty. Go see! "

" What a beautiful piece of Art "

"Outstanding show, brought back so many memories, very emotional, laughed and cried, great".

"What a beautiful piece…it came from the heart and touched my heart… it hit all the senses"

"Compelling…dancing with life and death and the shadows… Massive round of applause"

Abbey Theatre New Work Associate Rían Smith gave this feedback:

" We were captivated by the highly atmospheric mood created by The Holding Bones. The play's interaction with belief and mythos, reporting dreams and urban tales, builds an ethereal and expressionistic sensibility, with the workshop-like setting allowing the themes of togetherness and being remade to feel present and powerful.

The specific characters of the piece – Uncle Cyril, Aunty Barnie, the father – are conjured via thoroughly enjoyable details, the writing evoking both their simple and extraordinary natures, as well as their importance."

Writer / Performer Niamh Lawlor

Director Emma Finegan

Production Manager, Stage Management and Operation Aimee Crilly

Lighting Design Colin Doran

Producer Púca

Created in collaboration with Dramaturg / Director Veronica Coburn; Artist Lian Bell; Sound / Music Composition Sinead Diskin

Since 1997, award winning Púca have been producing shows for adults and children from Ballymun to Bangkok, in theatres, canals and other ordinary and extraordinary places.