LINGER, BY BREANDÁN DE GALLAÍ

Thurs 04 February | 8pm | Dance Limerick Space | €12/€10
***SOLD OUT!***

A contemporary Irish step dance work for two male dancers, Linger is an immersive theatrical experience which unfolds through a rich tapestry of movement, music, photography and film.

Choreographed and directed by Breandán de Gallaí, former Riverdance principal dancer, Linger explores the poetic potential of Irish dance and examines topics rarely dealt with through the genre, such as identity, sexuality and ageing.

A duet performed by Breandán de Gallaí and Nick O’Connell, two Irish dancers at opposite ends of their dancing careers, Linger explores and celebrates this contrast, prompting the audience to reflect on the passage of time and who we are at various junctures of life.

Linger is accompanied by an original score incorporating elements of jazz, classical and traditional music.

Although Irish dance is a choreographic starting point for Linger, de Gallaí is influenced by many dance genres, resulting in a new style of Irish dance that is both contemporary and provocative. His overarching artistic ambition is to explore the expressive potential of the traditional Irish dance form and to use this potential to engage with issues rarely explored in traditional dance.

De Gallaí’s artistic ethos is inspired by renowned choreographer Pina Bausch and her perspective on dancers: “I’m not so interested in how they move as in what moves them” (Pina Bausch). By simultaneously maintaining the traditional Irish dance legacy and emphasising the expressiveness of the dance, de Gallaí desires to bring a fresh perspective to the art form.

Breandán de Gallaí is a former principal of Riverdance. His previous works include Noctú, nominated for two Drama Desk Awards (Outstanding Choreography and Unique Theatrical Event), and Rite of Spring. He has, according to critics, “left thousands spellbound” and, with Noctú, “created arguably the most challenging Irish dance work ever seen on a New York stage” (The Irish Voice, New York) and “one of the best shows of the 2011-2012 season… should definitely be seen by all – and as many times as possible.” (Stagebuzz, New York)

Announcing details of this performance, Jenny Traynor, Director of Dance Limerick, said “We’re delighted to present this new work by Breandán de Gallaí at Dance Limerick. Breandán is a well-known and highly accomplished performer who is pushing the boundaries of his artform in very exciting ways. We had an early taste of Linger during Breandán’s residency at Dance Limerick last summer, so I would really encourage people to some and experience the full performance – You won’t be disappointed”.

Linger is a Dance Ireland Commission, a legacy fundraising award of DI21, presented in partnership with Dance Ireland, Dance Limerick, Firkin Crane Cork and Project Arts Centre, Dublin.

Performed by Breandán de Gallaí, Nick O’Connell.
Choreography: Breandán de Gallaí
Original Music: Zoe Conway
Sound Arrangement: Paddy Mulcahy

**THIS PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT**
Thank you Limerick for supporting this performance in such numbers!