Siamsa Tire's dancers, singers and musicians deserved their standing ovation from Thursday's capacity audience for Oisin: His legendary journey to Tir na nOg. Although artistic director and choreographer Oliver Hurley's background is in Irish folkdance, having been with Siamsa Tire since the age of seven, he has continued the blending of contemporary dance with Irish traditional dance, so successfully undertaken by Mary Nunan in last year's Clann Lir.
Perhaps the legend of Oisin does not provide as great a choreographic opportunity as the four swans battling storms over the Sea of Moyle, but it is clearly and movingly told through dance, mime and song.
Dance Master Jonathan Kelliher is a fine Oisin, leading the Fianna in athleticism and entranced by Anne O'Donnell's other-wordly Niamh, who appropriately introduces the non-Irish traditional style of dance. Her voice is well sung by Claire Doyle, whose shadowing movement at the start shows they are one.
Founder member Sean Ahern is a noble and strong-voiced Fionn, with Geraldine Hurley as his wife, while father Pat Ahern's choral arrangements are a delight. Ben Hennessy's settings are versatile and imaginative, especially the under-wave episodes, while Leonor McDonagh's costumes help the dancers successfully evoke rollers breaking over the riders.
Until Saturday at 8.30 p.m. To book phone 066-7123055
