New Commission: Takeshi Matsumoto

New Commission: Takeshi Matsumoto

We are delighted to have kicked off R&D this week with choreographer Takeshi Matsumoto on an exciting new work for young audiences, set to premiere at Belfast Children's Festival in 2027.

Takeshi is no stranger to Belfast and those of you who have seen Club Origami and/or Sticky Dance will know what a special artist he is. What sets Takeshi apart is his deep commitment to children not just as audiences, but as active participants in the creative process. His background as a dance movement psychotherapist, alongside extensive experience in inclusive dance practice for children, is central to his approach.

Local children will be invited to be part of the journey from the very beginning helping to shape the work as it develops.

Joining Takeshi in the studio are Belfast-based musician and composer Fionnuala Fagan-Thiébot, performing live, and dancers Katie Albon, Roberta Ceginskate and Andrea Madore. Rounding out what we can only describe as a dream team, lighting and production design is by Ciarán Bagnall and costumes by Una Hickey — both longtime Maiden Voyage collaborators whose work has helped define the look and feel of some of our most loved productions.

We can't wait to share more as this work takes shape. Watch this space!