ABOUT

When I commissioned the “Deeds Not Words” viola sonata from Libby Croad in 2022, I envisioned a work that would resonate deeply with the spirit of the suffragette movement—a cause that has always inspired me. As a violist, I am constantly searching for pieces that do more than just showcase technical skill; I want music that tells a story, that connects with something larger. Libby’s sonata, with its three movements—each named after a significant element of the suffrage movement—did exactly that.

The first movement, “Deeds Not Words,” captures the urgency and determination that defined the suffragettes’ campaign. When I play this piece, I feel as though I’m channelling the voices of the women who fought so fiercely for their rights. The second movement, “Emmeline,” named after Emmeline Pankhurst, is a tribute to her leadership and indomitable spirit. The final movement, “Derby Day,” reflects on the tragic death of Emily Davison, who sacrificed her life for the cause during the 1913 Epsom Derby. The piece is not just music—it’s a narrative, an embodiment of history.

But the project didn’t stop with the sonata. I had long wanted to collaborate with other art forms to explore how music can interact with movement and visual storytelling. Partnering with the talented choreographer and dancer Ali Clarke, we decided to transform the sonata into a dance film. With Rob Noonan directing and Noel McElligot’s evocative lighting, the film became something truly special—a multi-sensory experience that brought the suffragette struggle to life in a new and powerful way.

Premiering the film at the Wicklow Screendance Festival in 2023 was an incredibly moving experience. The festival provided the perfect platform to share this work, and seeing the audience’s reaction confirmed that we had achieved something meaningful. The combination of Libby’s music and Ali’s choreography created a dialogue between past and present, reminding us all of the ongoing importance of fighting for equality and justice.

This journey—from commissioning the sonata to seeing it transformed into a film—has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It’s a project that I hope continues to inspire, just as the suffragettes have inspired me.

– Beth McNinch

Trailer for "Deeds Not Words"

"Deeds Not Words" is a dance film of Libby Croad's "Suffragette Sonata" for solo viola. Performed by Beth McNinch, Viola and Ali Clarke, Choreographer/Dancer