Junk Ensemble’s Dances Like a Bomb

A powerful and uplifting duet exploring ageing and care.

Dances Like a Bomb is the latest work by multi-award-winning dance innovators Junk Ensemble, performed by acclaimed actor Mikel Murfi and leading Irish dance artist Finola Cronin (formerly of Pina Bausch’s Tanz Theater Wuppertal).

Celebrating the strength and beauty of mature bodies and challenging the cult of youth, the performers are heroic, vulnerable, comedic, acerbic, and completely themselves. They care fiercely for each other and defend their independence. As they hold each other up and push each other down, the universality of ageing and the ‘performance’ of age is unpacked, alongside the limits of love and care.

Blending visceral imagery, dance, text and music, Dances Like a Bomb is a reclaiming of the ageing body.

“Superb performers… a heartfelt celebration of two people growing old together. Michael Seaver, The Irish Times on Dances Like a Bomb

‘Junk Ensemble’s superb new dance… a funny, tender dance about ageing’ Substack, Chris McCormack ★★★★

Running time 1hour

Creation and Direction Jessica Kennedy, Megan Kennedy
Choreography created in collaboration with the cast
Performers Finola Cronin, Mikel Murfi
Set Design Sabine Dargent
Music Denis Clohessy
Lighting Design Stephen Dodd
Redesign (Dance Limerick): Alan Mooney
Costume Design Saileóg O’Halloran
Text Finola Cronin, Mikel Murfi
Voice Coach Andrea Ainsworth
Set Construction Ger Clancy
Stage Manager Jennifer Aust
Chief LX Alan Mooney
Production Manager Simon Bird
Producer Gwen Van Spÿk
Assistant Producer Michelle Cahill

Additional props on loan from The Abbey Props Department

Supported by Mermaid Arts Centre, Dance Ireland and Shawbrook Dance. Funded by The Arts Council of Ireland | An Chomhairle Ealaíon Arts Grant Fund and Dublin City Council.