In The Ark’s latest show, “The Last Moth,” performer Niamh McAllister, enacts the life of a moth, wrapping her in a white, gauzy fabric representing a chrysalis caught in a wooden tree’s branches. This children’s play is a collaboration between artist Jesse Jones and UCD student Naomi Moonveld-Nkosi, who began the project at age 16 as a transition year student. Their unique partnership marks The Ark’s first commission involving an adult and a youth for a professional performance.
The show, for children aged four and up, explores themes of transformation and empowerment. It’s described as a story about a caterpillar on a quest to save the moon and find itself. The creative process began with Moonveld-Nkosi’s studies of witch representations, leading to a metaphorical connection between moths and witches. The performance is enriched by music composed by Irene Buckley and the evocative recitation of moth names.
During development, McAllister performed for young audiences whose feedback shaped the show’s ending. Moonveld-Nkosi reflects on her growth alongside the project, underscoring the learning experience of transitioning from the feedback to the creative side of theater production. “The Last Moth” runs at The Ark from March 5th to 15th.