An Evening of Illusion and Play – Maya Lila

On Friday November 23rd an evening of illusion and play will take place in DanceHouse, at the opening of mixed media installation and launch of an original book by Joan Davis entitled Maya Lila - Bringing Authentic Movement Into Performance.

Maya Lila, the Sanskrit for illusion and play, is a research arts and performance practice that has been developed by Joan Davis in collaboration with artists from a variety of arts disciplines, over the past 6 years. It has been a progression of many years work by Joan, exploring dance, movement, body, nature, art, therapy, community and spirituality. Now the process and research of this important work has been documented in this unique publication and installation. Its originality offers an important contribution to the diversity of dance in Ireland and has been grant aided by the Arts Council.

Central to the evening is the ancestor tree, an installation by Joan Davis. This tree is a symbol of, and tribute to our ancestry on many levels; all that has gone before us and has informed us, in our existence and expression here and now. During the launch guests will have the option of experiencing the installation through a process of participation.

Joan Davis has been exploring the nature of creativity most particularly from a body- based perspective for over 30 years.She pioneered Contemporary Dance in Ireland in the 1970s and 1980s and has consistently experimented with collaborative art as a professional artist and therapist. The installation, supported by Dance Ireland, opens at 7.30pm on Friday November 23rd and runs until Sunday November 25th in DanceHouse.

For further information contact Mari Kennedy (087)9150264;

email: [email protected]