Holy Ground (Appearances Project) 2000

Performance at the 11th Century ruins of St. Saviours, Glendalough, Wicklow

Holy Ground  is part of the innovative Appearances Project 1999- 2000. Cummins worked with Sandra Johnston and Frances Mezzetti with invited artists Fergus Byrne and Breeda Mooney to perform in Saint Saviour’s Priory near Glendalough, Wicklow. This work made in 2000, looks at the effects of Christianity on Ireland, the loss of the Irish Christian Church, and it’s replacement Roman Catholic religion. Saint Saviour’s was built by Deirmuid Mac Murrough linked to the 11th Century Norman invasion. The work was designed with an original soundtrack that echoed through the woods. The audience were bused from Dublin to the site and were guided by Mooney to the central ruin where the performance took place. Cummins recreates her version of Adam and Eve in this garden of Eden and the performance looks at what we have lost with the destruction of our early beliefs. Supported by the Arts Council, Projects Art Centre and The National Museum of Ireland.

Sandra Johnston and Pauline Cummins perform at Saint Saviour’s Priory

Live performance still of Pauline Cummins