The Ireland We Dreamed of is a new dance theatre production which explores the lasting trauma of the Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes. Directed by Sinead McCann and written by Dr. Louise Brangan, the production takes the stage at Smock Alley Theatre from 2-4 May.

Under McCann's direction, The Ireland We Dreamed of takes audiences on an emotional dreamscape featuring a brilliant cast of contemporary dancers and aerial performers.

Fiona Quilligan outside the Magdalene Laundry, Our Lady of Charity building on Sean McDermott Street in Dublin. Copyright Leon Farrell

"Through sound, dance, spoken word and aerial performance the human stories behind this shameful period in Irish history will be told in a truly unique and profound way," McCann remarks. "While familiar with the narratives of laundries, the imagery of lost infants, malevolent nuns, and uniforms, seldom have these tales been depicted in such a personal light. We hope that viewers may find themselves reflecting on these individuals' stories and the complexities of family dynamics and belonging."

Kate Finegan, Vitor Bassi and Fiona Quilligan outside the Magdalene Laundry, Our Lady of Charity building in Dublin. Copyright Leon Farrell.

With a narrative inspired by real-life accounts, the script is penned by sociologist Dr. Louise Brangan, known for her recent BBC audio essay The Legacy of the Laundries. Following extensive research spanning more than three years, this production delves into a topic of great personal significance to the writer.

Fiona Quilligan outside the Magdalene Laundry, Our Lady of Charity.  Copyright Leon Farrell

“All societies, even the most stable, can slip into extreme intolerance," Brangan explains. “In that way, Ireland was no exception in the 20th Century. But the scale of Ireland’s carceral system sets it apart. And in a regime distinguished by its excessive inhumanity, the Magdalene laundries were its deep end. How could this happen? What was it like to live like this?

These are questions which I have so long yearned for answers, and I don’t think I am alone in that need for clarity, as this generation has been forced to grapple with the legacies of the laundries. Joining forces with Sinead McCann and these other incredible artists, we explore through sound and dance all that went unsaid and unseen."

Kate Finegan and Vitor Bassi. Copyright Leon Farrell

The Ireland We Dreamed of will showcase compelling performances by contemporary dancers Vitor Bassi, Fiona Quilligan and the aerial performer and movement director Kate Finegan.

The production's title is inspired by a quote from Éamon de Valera in 1947, where he stated: “The Ireland that we dreamed of would be the home of a people... living the life that God desires.”

The Ireland We Dreamed of will take place at Smock Alley Theatre  from 2-4 May. On Friday, 3rd May author Dr. Louise Brangan and director Sinead McCann will host a discussion after the show.

Tickets are priced at €20 and can be purchased here.