Open House Dublin Edition
Step inside one of Dublin’s most dynamic creative hubs and discover the kinetic heritage of 42 Fairview Strand. Explore the ground floor of the building and experience how the embodied energy of this former An Post Sorting Office built in 1889 is being constantly enriched to shape an ever-evolving site of artistic innovation and collaboration.
This year, the programme includes a special edition of CoisCéim Cinematheque – a celebration of dance and discovery – in person and up close in 180 degree virtual reality (VR). Aligning strongly with the Open House Europe theme of Future Heritage, CoisCéim's first VR edition of Cinematheque aims to provoke discourse around how we harness / connect with our physical heritage and its lived experience in ways relevant to now.
Curated by film director, Enya Belak, the programme features the Irish VR Premieres of David Bolger's DANCEHALL BLUES – which sees this iconic space transformed into surreal dancehall – and two highly lauded European dance works, Anastasia Valsamaki's BODY MONOLOGUE, situated in a Greek quarry and Cécile Da Costa's ROSELYNE from the Czech Republic.
CURATOR'S NOTE
"Every monologue is a dialogue: with yourself, your imaginary friend, the space surrounding you, or the world around you.
I believe that space influences our state of mind; it’s like a reflection of the current time. Some spaces carry layers of memories, others merge with nature, and some are like a blank page. Space is never just a shape; space is defined by light, smell, sound, and the body. With this in mind, I have selected three choreographic works in virtual reality that immerse the viewer in a three-dimensional experience of dance across different environments.
BODY MONOLOGUE by Anastasia Valsamaki is set in the vast hall of a marble quarry, once used for mining the marble that built the Acropolis. The space is transformed by the presence of a single body, which explores the limitless possibilities of movement and regenerates how the body can be perceived, coexisting with the environment in an expansive, almost boundless imagination.
In contrast, the space in ROSELYN, choreographed by Cécile Da Costa, is defined by a different kind of place: her place in the room, her place in the eyes of others, her place in life. As Roselyn searches for her place, she encounters a plant. The dialogue between the two of them unfolds, creating a connection between human cohabitation and nature, exploring how nature shapes our spaces and influences our state of being—our emotional, mental, and physical presence in the world.
As twilight draws near, the dance floor opens to DANCEHALL BLUES by David Bolger, where two performers navigate a space where dreams and nightmares collide. The experience of watching VR increases the physical and emotional response, also called the ‘kinesthetic empathy’. Empathy of any kind is much needed in the current reflection of this world, full of divisions. On that note, DANCEHALL BLUES brings hope—a vision of a better place."
-Enya Belak, September 2025
Photo by Igor Crnkovič of BODY MONOLOGUE by Anastasia Valsamaki
Credits
About the artists
Partners
Open House Dublin
Open House Dublin is the Irish Architecture Foundation's annual festival of architecture. With a focus on public audiences and established in 2005, the Irish Architecture Foundation is Ireland’s independent organisation that fosters and advances the culture and communication of architecture.
HKD - Hrvatski kulturni dom na Sušaku
Founded in 2018, HKD is firmly established in the culture of Rijeka. It is a public institution for performing and visual arts, with the tasks of coordinating, preparing and conducting cultural programs in the field of performing and visual arts, artistic creativity and related activities. HKD has always been open for work with the community, through the numerous projects; its space and programs are open to diverse audience and organizers of various cultural programs. HKD is a member of Pan Adria, Aerowaves, EDN and MOST international networks.
Main activities
- organizing annual Port of Dance contemporary dance festival
- international and local collaborations and co-productions throughout the year
- residential programs for the dance artists
- educational programs for dancers and choreographers
- Production centre for virtual reality (VR) project in dance/performing arts
(Springback Ringside project) - promoting dance to young audiences in elementary schools through virtual reality performances and dance workshops in cooperation with CoisCéim Dance Theatre from Ireland and Croatian Ministry of Culture
- fostering inclusivity as one of its fundamental values, through its accessibility as a venue and programs, dance education and activities for people with different physical abilities
- promoting volunteerism through its Volunteering in Culture programme among the organizers of cultural programs and encouraging citizens to actively participate in the implementation and organization of dance programs in the community
- organizing annual meetings and conferences with partners from various networks
Infrastructure
HKD consist of a large hall with 520 seats, where numerous cultural, educational, conference and entertainment programs are held throughout the year, in the field of dance, drama, music, film, multimedia and visual arts. Another presenting venue is the Atrium, which can accommodate up to 200 visitors. This space is mainly intended for concerts, lectures, round tables and smaller scene forms. For exhibition purposes there is a gallery space, Kortil Gallery, with occasional stage programs also being held there. HKD has three rehearsing studios sized from 85 to 95 m2, two of them with dance floors, used by various dance and theatrical local groups, and also for residencies. The building also includes various size changing rooms and offices.
Pilot Media
Pilot Media is a creative studio, based in Rijeka, Croatia, specialising in digital media production; video and TV, cinematography, documentary work, VR, and interactive multimedia experiences.
Our passion lies in blending art, media, and technology—especially within the performing arts and other immersive experiences.
Using possibilities of modern technology we are exploring how to redefine and elevate traditional experiences of art and media. We developed a unique methodology for translating and screening theatre performances in VR, which we continuously develop further with CoisCéim Dance Theatre.
ABOUT 42 FAIRVIEW STRAND
A SPACE TO DANCE, A PLACE TO DREAM – 42 FAIRVIEW STRAND IS DISTINCTIVE. IT IS MEMORABLE. IT IS A DESTINATION TO INSPIRE.
In August 2021, CoisCéim moved into the landmark Victorian former postal sorting office, having transformed the space into a hub for creative experimentation with the generous support of the Arts Council of Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
CoisCéim's home was constructed in 1889 as a purpose-built Post Office. In 1909, it was extended to the front with a decorative limestone and red brick facade, identical as seen today. Read more about its history here.
The Studio and facilities at CoisCéim are all located on the ground floor of 42 Fairview Strand. There is a short step up to access the dance floor - a portable articulated wheelchair ramp is available for wheelchair users. Read more about visiting the Studio here.
