Interview with Fearghus O Conchuir

Cloture Girl got a preview of acclaimed Irish choreographer Fearghus O Conchuir’s short film, Mo Mhorchoir Fein, which will be showing this Saturday at the Capitol Irish Film Festival. They discussed his film, his appreciation for Glee and the West Wing, and his recommendations on seeing the best part of Ireland.

Tell our readers about your film and what inspired it?
It’s pronounced “mo voor cur feign.” It’s Latin for “my mistake” or “my most grievous fault.” It’s that part of the Catholic Church service – that prayer.  I actually began my career as an altar boy. You have this physical action, these moves you have to get right.

Fearghus O'Conchuir

Does Catholicism inspire most of your work?
This is actually the first time I’ve addressed religion in my work and I wanted to explore that. I wanted to express through dance what maybe we haven’t said. I’m usually inspired by bodies and buildings and how we fit into these spaces. By the people, the dancers, I work with. I’m not an old-fashioned choreographer where you tell the dancers exactly what to do. I give them tasks, ask them to help and interact with me. I’ve also been inspired by my travels. I’ve gone all over the world and have studied the cultures, the languages. It gives me a different perspective and helps me to understand these other cultures I’ve been exposed to.

Why the jump into film from choreography?
We actually use film a lot in choreography so we’re very used to it. It’s a tool to remember steps and movements. Film is also an opportunity to bring contemporary dance to a national audience. My film “Match” has been widely successful – it aired right after CSI: Miami on Primetime Irish TV so it was exposed to a huge audience. It’s a duet with two men and we filmed in Croke Park, Ireland’s stadium. I wanted to take them on a journey in a place that’s very familiar and relatable. There was actually a live piece tour that came out of the film and I’ve been able to travel all over the world exposing new audiences to my work.

What’s better, film or live performance?
Live performance will always be close to my heart. There’s something magical when you’re there with the audience – they give back and make the performance happen. But with live performances, you can have many takes on it. With film, you can direct the audience to exactly what you want them to see.

What can the audience expect at the screening of your film at the festival this weekend?
I’m really excited to be involved with the festival – many thanks to Solas Nua for giving us all this opportunity. The most important part to me is having conversations about my work with the audience. To learn I need to hear what they are thinking, their feedback. What’s great about this festival is that it is a brand new audience, a brand new culture. Even though Ireland and America have many commonalities, I’m excited to have that conversation with people – so bring on your questions!

Anything you are looking forward to during your trip to D.C.?
This is my first time traveling to D.C. It’s iconic – the American seat of power. I immediately think of the West Wing, the monuments. I’m hoping to see the museums and the monuments to appreciate the design. I’ve also been looking up all the good restaurant recommendations on Cloture Club. I’m hoping this is the start and I have the opportunity to come back.

Are you a fan of Glee now that your fellow Irishman, Damian McGinty has a starring role?
I am! I haven’t seen much of his performances on the show, but I did follow the Glee Project where he was selected. What I really appreciate about the show is that it is about the performances. And it’s about making space for all kinds of people and really celebrating the parts in all of us that don’t quite fit in. I really appreciate that there is a space in prime time in America for it.

Okay, President Obama and Michelle are planning a trip to Ireland. What suggestions do you give them?
Well they’ve been before – he has distant relatives in Dublin. No American president cannot have a relative in Ireland. But I’d suggest they (or anyone else) visit the countryside. I grew up there and it’s the most beautiful place in the country. So visit the country and visit the shore.

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