Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre brings ‘Anything to Declare’ to Féile Derry 2026
’Anything to Declare’ links the Verbal Arts Centre, Playhouse, and New Gate Arts Centre in a unique walking arts experience
Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre brings “Anything to Declare” to the Féile Derry 2026 on August 13 and 14.
An impressive multifaceted arts project.... that offers no fixed viewpoint but presents four different artistic impressions of the Border”. **** Irish Times.
Featuring a new commission from Derry based composer, Caolán Austin, who joins Choreographer and Dancer, Dylan Quinn and Film Maker Róisín Loughrey in the presentation of four complimentary, but unique contemporary performances and installations exploring the border that has divided the island of Ireland since 1921.
Over 90 minutes audiences will experience the multi-disciplinary performance of Anything to Declare, visiting three creative locations in a unique part of the city of Derry. Moving over, across and under the walls, from the Verbal Arts Centre, to the Playhouse Theatre they will culminate their journey in the New Gate Arts Centre in the Fountain estate.
Dylan Quinn, Artistic Director intends for the work to generate conversation, whilst encouraging reflection on the invisible line which has defined this island and its people for more than 100 years. Dylan said “We are extremely excited to have commissioned Caolán to create a new piece of work for “Anything to Declare”. His experience of living in Derry, in conjunction with the high quality of his compositional expression places this new presentation of Anything to Declare clearly in its locality.
With is close proximity to Donegal, almost straddling the border with Letterkenny, Derry understands the impact of its existence more than many. From the change of currency to the change of tarmac, the city’s history has been shaped by the border, its presence and indeed discussions of its future.
“Anything to Declare” is not seeking to make a comment on whether the border should or should not exist, it does and as a result there has been a significant impact on the people living on this island and specifically for those living in the border hinterland. Its presence has directly and indirectly impacted on the opportunities that have and continue to exist for the communities who live either side of it.
The original concept for “Anything to Declare” began with a Creative Artists Residency in Swanlinbar, County Cavan in May 2024. Commissioned by Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre and facilitated by leading Irish Choreographer, Liz Roche, the residency involved six dance artists from across Ireland and the UK, four border based musicians, Choreographer, Liz Roche, Dance academic, Jenny Roche Limerick University and Artistic Director, Dylan Quinn.
In the second phase of the project four artists were commissioned to present their work in a variety of creative spaces throughout the border village of Swanlinbar, in what one audience member described as “a festival symphony engaging all the senses in a mesmerising manner while at the same time having a location and cultural coherence…a triumph of the imagination”
Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this new project, led by Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre, thanks to funding from the National Lottery players. We are committed to investing in an arts sector that is better supported to develop through experimentation and innovation, and this project combines contemporary dance, film and music to create four incredible installations for audiences to experience across three sites in the heart of Derry~Londonderry’s city centre. I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy this exciting new work this August!”
“Anything to Declare” will be presented on 13th and 14th August at 7.30pm. Tickets and further information are available via Feile 2026 Eventbrite page. Advanced booking is essential as limited spaces are available. The audience will be guided across three venues (Verbal Arts Centre, Playhouse, New Gate Arts Centre) and includes walking between locations. If you have any mobility or accessibility requirements, please get in touch before booking.