The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Butterflies and Bones bares all at Banna Beach
A DAY long dance celebration took place on Banna Strand last Saturday for one of the county’s most unique 1916 commemorations – and unique itwas.
Advertised as a suitable event for all the family, Féile Fáilte has been criticised for the presence of some “nudity” in one of the evening performances.
Hundreds gathered from all over Ireland and abroad for the one day event which featured music and dance performances from Catherine Young, Siamsa Tíre and Alma Kelliher.
However, the most memorable performance was Fearghus Ó Conchúir’s ‘Butterflies and Bones: The Casement Project’ in which dancers shocked some of the parents and children in attendance.
Local Sinn Féin representative Toiréasa Ferris attended the event with her family and insisted that the interpretation was not offensive but may have been considered unsuitable for children.
“I’m not very cultured but the people next to me explained that the purpose of the production was possibly to place emphasis on Casement’s alleged sexuality. It was effective in showing how the courts tried to discredit him and the significance of the black diaries,” she said.
“The dancers were wearing full brief underpants with two holes cut out on the backside. It wasn’t so uncomfortable that I felt I should take my kids away,” she added.
Some parents around the county were disgusted with the outfits however and slammed the performance as inappropriate.
A modern dance interpretation of Roger Casement’s landing on Banna Strand with ammunition for the Easter Rising, the display was the finale of the one day festival and was rounded up with a disco afterwards.
Despite the controversy, festival organisers are delighted with the response to the commemoration event and paid tribute to the performers and the people of Kerry.
“We understand that some people had difficulty with the content of the work. However, a bare bottom is not legally defined as nudity and it was late at night,” said Artistic Director Cian O Brien.
“It’s a dream that became reality, a hope not only that an event would happen but that together we could be a shifting, diverse collective of bodies that could celebrate our connectedness in that beautiful location on a blessedly glorious day.”
This was the first display of Butterflies and Bones in Ireland following its world premiere in London recently and tied up the jam-packed day of céilís, music and song.