Discover incredible dance performances from world-renowned artists in Dublin this May with Dublin Dance Festival’s 2023 Edition. From large-scale ensembles and heartfelt solos to immersive installations and experimental new works, experience superb dance in all its forms on stage from the 16 – 28 May.
The Abbey Theatre will be home to three outstanding shows that foreground music from diverse genres:
Opening the 2023 Edition, The Köln Concert from celebrated American choreographer Trajal Harrell and Schauspielhaus Zürich Dance Ensemble is a brave and tender celebration of genres, gender roles and personal triumph. Interpreting the most famous solo piano recording of all time, The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett, this elegantly subversive piece seeks to unite people with different world views, languages, identities, and beliefs.
Oona Doherty, one of Europe’s major choreographic talents, returns to DDF and the Abbey stage with Navy Blue, her most ambitious work to date. Featuring music from Sergeï Rachmaninoff and Jamie xx, this compelling new work, created by Doherty in collaboration with a cast of twelve exceptional dancers, explores crisis, redemption, and re-birth. Referencing the power structures that contain us, Navy Blue is a brutal and beautiful search for meaning and purpose.
LOVETRAIN2020 by Emanuel Gat Dance Company is an exuberant contemporary “musical” for 13 dancers, set to the hits of 80s duo Tears for Fears. Gat, one of the most renowned choreographers of his generation, returns to DDF with this feast for the senses, with sumptuous baroque-style costumes and dramatic lighting adding layers of texture and colour to his exhilarating celebration of connection, life and love.
At The Complex, acclaimed Irish choreographer Emma Martin presents KING | SHRINE, a ceremonial performance and installation work celebrating the end of the world as we know it and imagining a new beginning. In this dual work, KING is a performance created for dancer Mufutau Yusuf (Junior) and sound artist/ DJ, Mick Donohoe. SHRINE, the accompanying installation, evokes a grotto-like space through sculpture, light and sound.
Project Arts Centre will be home to five exceptional artists:
Award-winning Irish choreographer and current DDF Artist in Residence Luke Murphy premieres [The Prometheus Project]: The Archivist. Adapting the classic story of Prometheus, the god who gave fire to humans, and anticipating the moment when Zeus took it away, in this immersive piece we accompany the protagonist as they await Zeus’ inevitable retribution.
Best Regards by Italian dancer and choreographer Marco D’Agostin is a touching and clever tribute to his beloved mentor – Nigel Charnock, co-founder of DV8 Physical Theatre. In this heart-warming, energetic and highly entertaining one-man show, D’Agostin takes a light-hearted and original approach to tenderly consider grief, memory and the passage of time.
Pan Pan presents the world premiere of The Sudden. Exploring everything in reverse, The Sudden starts with a closing night party. By all accounts, it hasn’t gone well. The cast of dancers use the audience to put together the final scene in an innovative experiment in live direction, authorship and choreography.
The Pretty Things from Compagnie Catherine Gaudet is a cathartic journey to liberation via repetition and revolt. In this critically acclaimed work for five dancers, the award-winning Canadian choreographer examines the false pretences of the show business apparatus and seeks out a space where desires can be reborn.
Yes and Yes from Liz Roche Company is an evocative contemporary response to James Joyce’s Ulysses. Featuring four exceptional dancers, this piece explores the sensuality, absurdity, release, and resignation of Joyce’s masterpiece through movement, film, sound and design.
Explore the full programme and & Book Tickets at dublindancefestival.ie
Lead Image – LOVETRAIN2020 by Emanuel Gat Dance Company © Julia Gat
