“With this commission I felt very independent in my creative choices and not pressured to make any choices for the likes of an indoor venue/festival environment. It was amazing having a consistent rehearsal space and access to this as an artist whose time and creativity fluctuates, that support really suited my process for this creation.

...the canal is a connection route for me – along the way I'm watching and meeting people. I'm getting a moment to breathe and be in nature. What I found interesting about Spencer Dock is that it is surrounded by concrete and city noise so I wanted to take on the challenge to see what the water in that space can offer me and what I can give back... [so] what I've been doing [in the rehearsal process] is sitting, and allowing the noise to come in and give me inspiration..."
– Jessie Thompson, Choreographer/Performer

We’re delighted to announce that BENCH #1 will return as part of a double-bill of lunchtime performances with the world premiere of BENCH #7 by Simone O’Toole from 12-14 July 2026 in Dublin City Centre. 

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Gallery

ABOUT

At the beginning of the Summer in 2023, Jessie Thompson was announced as the inaugural choreographic commission bringing together CoisCéim Dance Theatre and Waterways Ireland. BENCH #1 features music by Jack Foster and was developed at the CoisCéim studio in Fairview before being performed by the Royal Canal at Spencer Dock in late August that year.

Choreographer/Performer Jessie Thompson
Curator David Bolger
Music Jack Foster
Filmmaker Neil O’Driscoll (2023), LUCA TRUFFARELLI (2026)
production manager sean dennehy (2023), barbara hughes (2026)
Technician Laura Rainsford (2023), danny nolan (2026)
PRODUCED BY SARAH LATTY AND BRIDGET WEBSTER

About the artists

Jessie Thompson

Jack Foster

Neil O'Driscoll

Luca Truffarelli

David Bolger

Waterways Ireland

Waterways Ireland is the cross-border navigational authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and promotion of over 1,000kms of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. These waterways comprise of: Grand Canal; Royal Canal; Barrow; Shannon, Shannon-Erne; Erne; Ulster Canal and Lower Bann navigations. Waterways Ireland assets contribute approximately €560m in economic, societal, and environmental value annually. In 2021, the waterways estate received 3.2 million visitors.

In Dublin, Waterways Ireland is responsible for the historic Grand and Royal Canals, which have been a source of great inspiration for artists in the city. Through arts programming, engagement and collaboration, we support the development of creative places in Dublin and contribute to making the areas along the Royal and Grand Canals better places to live, work, and visit.

Find out more at www.waterwaysireland.org