The Cavanoids Dance

A troubling sound that has accumulated over many years suddenly stops. In the strange silence that follows, new beings emerge from the depths of Shannon Pot.

In this experimental film, you will experience the beauty of the Cavanoids, fictional creatures created by boredomresearch. The Cavanoids have been asleep in the rocks of the underworld for millions of years, during which time an insidious and disturbing sound has grown to fill the Cavan Burren in Ireland. In the depths of Shannon Pot, their song can be heard as the waters become infused with a vitality carried by this stream from the world above. The inky waters now come alive with sparkling particles, a message from Manannán mac Lir, calling to awaken the sleeping Cavanoids. Sensing the trauma being inflicted above ground the Cavanoids start to loosen themselves from the rock floor to commence a natatory dance. Accumulating in number they take on the shape and form of the plants, in the surrounding area, before swimming towards the light. As we arrive at the water's surface we break through, returning to a world that remains familiar. Taking with us the memory of these enchanted creatures, half animal, half delicate foliage. We draw back from the edge of Shannon Pot wondering what force awakened these creatures and for what purpose.

The research and development for this film was undertaken during a River Residency in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (2021). The Cavanoids Dance was commissioned by Ormston House, Ireland and the River Residency was funded by the Arts Council of Ireland's Invitation to Collaboration Scheme.