Relive Light Ballet with Le Boat
Light Ballet light test at Cootehall.
EARLIER this year the night skies encompassing the River Shannon were filled with bright lights and sounds.
Light Ballet, with Light Sculptors, Waterways Ireland and Le Boat, in partnership with Culture Works is a successful creative project which transformed the landscapes of eight counties, covering 125 miles in eight days, with a dazzling display. Now you can relive a three-minute video of Light Ballet here: https://vimeo.com/582031332
Created by light artist Mick Murray and lighting designer Matthew Cregan of Light Sculptors, Light Ballet is an innovative project that travelled the River Shannon aboard a specially converted Magnifique boat, which normally accommodates Le Boat holidaymakers.
With additional support from Discover Ireland and its Hidden Heartlands programme, the display was visible each evening from up to four miles away and was accompanied by a newly composed soundscape by the musician David Kitt with lyrics by the poet Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe.
Light Ballet formed part of the Arts Council of Ireland’s Brightening Air/ Coisceim Coiligh, a festival of arts experiences throughout the Republic of Ireland. During the period, each evening from dusk, local residents were able to view Light Ballet from the banks of the River Shannon, with audiences accessing the soundscape via the Culture Works and the Brightening Air websites.
With many social activities on pause during the pandemic, Light Ballet provided a shared experience and spirit, which helped to reconnect the river communities along route, with fantastic engagement from the viewing public and the Irish boating community. There was also involvement by local schools, with students working with the project team, providing creative input that influenced the light displays.