Direct from box-office breaking seasons and 5 star rave reviews at the world renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the New Victory Theatre on Broadway, TAPEIRE continues to electrify audiences around the world with its unique combination of dance, percussion, music and video. In its 5-star review The Herald declared, "If hip-hop did tap, this would be it. TAPEIRE is pure beat box with feet."
Punk rock collides with centuries of Irish dance in this multimedia work (dance, music, percussion, and archival film footage) as Devine explores the vast historical spectrum of Irish dance presenting the dance as innovative expression not confined by the codified restrictions of ensemble line dancing in Irish shows.
Honoring past traditions, but blasting them feet-first into the 21st century, Devine takes the twin worlds of Irish dance and rhythm tap and blends them into one dynamic form "Urban Celtiic Tap" in an electrifying performance of raw, fresh and invigorating energy and talent - STOMP with a Celtic brogue. Devine's breakneck tap dancing, combined on stage with hip-hop, jazz and punk-rock interpretations of traditional Celtic music, tribal rhythms, fiddle, percussion, electric harp, and video projections, create "one rhythmic spectacle after another." (The Scotsman, UK).
Teaming up with a motley crew of mind-blowing musicians, they join Devine at the crossroads-that is to say, where Celtic rhythms meet funk beats-in a fusion of sound that celebrates the past, present and future of Irish dance.
Exploring the history of Irish dance from a modern perspective, TAPEIRE travels from the early sean-nós culture, through Ireland's 17th-century "dancing masters" to 1980s compettitions and modern shows with a "freestyle" ending during which the artists see where their hands and feet take them in a fast paced and exhilarating jam session.
Irish tap, fiddle, drums and electric harp with a unique live video mix to leave audiences gasping.
"A Delight!"
The New York Times
"Phenomenal!"
The Scotsman
See the company perform on: Live with Regis & Kelly (ABC Studios, NYC)
Official Website: www.tapeire.com
Running time: approx 90 minutes
No. of Performers: 6 (2 Dancers, 3 Musicians, 1 VJ)
Created, directed & choreographed by: James Devine
Music by: Duncan Wickel
Visual Design: Tim Redfern & Tom Cassetta
Live Visuals: Tom Cassetta
Photography: Helen McLennan
Lighting Design: Brett Maughan
