The Cold Sings explores themes of female identity and mental health, drawing from Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, her poetry and personal letters. The work captures our struggle with the inner self, our private strengths and societal entrapment through Plath’s personal mythology.

Mirroring the many selves of Plath, The Cold Sings blends dance, text, music and a 1950s setting into an intimate, visceral experience for the audience. Performed by an exceptional cast of Irish and international dancers, singers and musicians and created by multi-award-winning dance innovators.

Direction and Creation Jessica Kennedy and Megan Kennedy

Choreography Jessica Kennedy and Megan Kennedy, in collaboration with the cast

Performers Walé Adebusuyi, Robyn Byrne, Kevin Coquelard, Lucia Kickham, Julie Koenig, Sean X

Scenography Valerie Reid

Dramaturgy and Collaboration Jo Timmins

Music and Sound Design Denis Clohessy

Lighting Design Sarah Jane Shiels

Costume Design Sarah Bacon

Costume Assistant Laura Fajardo Castro

Musicians Mary Barnecutt, Caitriona Frost, Katerina Speranskaya

Song Lyrics Dennis Kennedy, John Dryden (The Cold Song by Henry Purcell)

Vocal Coach Danny Forde

Stage Manager Jennifer Aust

Assistant Stage Manager Liusaidh Hopper

Production Managers Adam Nolan and Baz O’Donovan

Line Producer Michelle Cahill

Producer Gwen Van Spÿk

Photography Fionn McCann

Contains loud music and potential reference to self-harm.

Funded by The Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon Arts Grant Fund. Supported by Dance Ireland.