What connects us to the stars, to one another, and to the unseen?

This November, Cork artists Gabriela Mayer and Regina Crowley invite audiences to step beneath the dome of Blackrock Castle Observatory for NOVUM: the dark space in between — an immersive 40-minute experience bringing together layered piano music, poetry, science and moving images. 

Running from 7–15 November 2026, NOVUM transforms the Observatory's Planetarium into a space for reflection, curiosity and wonder. Audiences are surrounded by sound and imagery as the work moves between the vastness of the cosmos and the deeply personal experience of being human.

Gabriela Mayer describes the mystery behind this new work in these words: 

“ The universe remembers … as we do.  NOVUM is an imagined space where unseen traces resonate and science becomes poetry. A tapestry of music, words and visuals create a unique moment in time, and space - for anyone to stop and dream.” 

NOVUM is the fourth collaboration between pianist Gabriela Mayer and theatre maker Regina Crowley, following Time and Time Again, Notes to a Star and Prometheus Now. They are joined by London-based architect Anastasia Karandinou (UEL), who has created the visual elements. Original photographs of Cork night skies taken by astronomer Alan Giltinan from the Blackrock Castle Observatory are incorporated into the visual counterpoint to the music and text.

The work brings together music by Schubert, Scriabin, Ginastera, Shostakovich and J.S. Bach, with words by Mary Oliver, Carl Sagan, Carlo Rovelli and Rebecca Elson, alongside new writing and live piano improvisation.

For a little while, there is nowhere to go and nothing to do but listen. 

A small audience. A darkened dome. A sky above. 

And the chance to be lost in an infinite embrace of sound and light. 

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/novum-the-dark-space-in-between-tickets-2002888231617?aff=oddtdtcreator
More information: Blackrock Castle Observatory

Supported by the Cork City Arts Office Project Grant and Blackrock Castle Observatory.

About The Artists

A creative dialogue between pianist Gabriela Mayer and theatre artist Regina Crowley opened new avenues for engaging audiences in surprising ways. The resulting interdisciplinary projects encompass the creation of original piano music interwoven with spoken text, in sound installation, theatrical setting and film. They have established a strong creative synergy, inspiring and informing new ways of working for both.  

Performance Details

7 -15 November 2026 

Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork
40-minute timed performances 

Maximum 15 people per show 

Planetarium shows at 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. - 7-8 Nov and 13-15 Nov

Accessible shows at 2 p.m. - 8 and 15 Nov - BCO Lecture Theatre (ground floor) 

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/novum-the-dark-space-in-between-tickets-2002888231617?aff=oddtdtcreator
More information: Blackrock Castle Observatory

Please note that access to the BCO Planetarium involves walking up the spiral staircase in the Blackrock Castle. Seating will be on cushions on the floor of the Planetarium - max. 15 participants per show. Accessible shows are offered in the BCO Lecture Theatre and can be booked separately.