Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre’s new production The 5th Province, is a conceptual piece, creating a provocative space for participating performers and audiences to explore multicultural, social and political identity in a changing society.

Collectively the creative team and performers provoke discussion about a time and place beyond physical geography, a place rooted in the individual.

More recently, the first female President of Ireland, Mary Robinson reflected upon the ideals of such a place during her term in office from 1990 to 1997.

Dylan Quinn, Choreographer and Director said: “We are genuinely excited to have this opportunity to really question, through performance, the possibilities of a place where history stays at the door and where identity is acknowledged but does not hinder progress. The development of the production has been from the roots up, it is truly reflective of where we have been and where we could, as a society, go. Through the medium of dance we are engaging audiences in the crafting of endless possibility.” Whilst devising the piece, Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre worked closely with Community Dialogue (Belfast), initiating a series of discussions and debates with a broad range of community leaders to explore the changing nature of identity in contemporary Northern Ireland. A company well known for their unflinching exploration of what many may consider contentious or challenging themes, Dylan Quinn Dance theatre premieres The 5th Province at The MAC, Belfast tomorrow night (Friday), before visiting the Ardhowen Theatre in their home town of Enniskillen at the beginning of next month, opening on February 7.

Gilly Campbell, Arts Development Officer at The Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “It is the passion and originality that Dylan and his company bring to the stage which make their performances so special. The 5th Province creates a genuinely exciting opportunity for both performers and audiences members to release their imaginations and allow them to run free.” Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.