The Ireland We Dreamed Of is a new performance by visual artist Sinead McCann in collaboration with sociologist Dr Louise Brangan based on her research into The Magdalene Laundries. Using dance and aerial performance the silence, secrecy and shame is expressed in a series of dreamscapes which explore not only the laundries themselves but the society that allowed them to exist. The set was inspired by the concrete megachurches of the 1970’s as well as the materials of these institutions and Ireland’s bungalow bliss. This resulted in a series of doors allowing secrets to be hidden or revealed and the imposing nature of the church’s influence over daily life to be ever imposing throughout the piece.

Conceived and Directed by Sinead McCann
Movement Director: Kate Finnegan
Set Design: Ciara Murnane
Set Design Assistant: Alessandro Molina
Lighting Design: Sebastian Pizarro
Costume Design: Laura Fajardo Castro
Music Composition and Sound Design: Jack Foster
Cast: Vitor Bassi, Kate Finegan, Fiona Quilligan
Photography: Gemma Bovenizer