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“I think people want to dare again, to release so
mething, to let go of something” are very engaged and committed to bring a different lens to maintain that expression, that dance can be a place where we can recalibrate a little bit what is happening and to reconnect with values that they are close to humanity, empathy, being together, revisit history, and then imagine a new future. So this relationship, and the incredible thing about dances is the universal language, in a way that can go beyond frontiers and so the history of one can be the history of many. As someone who has danced on the streets of Trinidad in Cuba and, more regularly (a lot more regularly), in a sweaty basement at some choice Dublin raves in the 90’s and 00’s I wondered if we losing a little bit of that kind of communal dance experience, especially since dance clubs in Dublin at the moment are kind of struggling. “For this year’s festival, we are actually bringing not only shows to the theatres, but we are bringing this sense of gathering to dance. We have Donal Dineen’s Backstory and Qudus Onikeku will DJ in the Abbey Bar after his performance on Tuesday 21st. Byron Vincent is bringing his brilliant Disco Nuerotico to the Project Arts Centre. It focuses on inclusivity, individuality and sensory-friendly experiences and there are sensory-friendly areas, gaming and UV art as well as a DJ set by Byron, which will have a ‘silent disco’ vibe, dual channels for different moods and needs. We are trying to bring that sensation that dance can be something shared in a safe environment. I think people want to dare again, to release something, to let go of something. COVID did restrict a lot of things but I always have this wonderful feeling with Irish audiences that there is a sense of curiosity and openness that is rare. Because when you travel a lot and you see other audiences’ behaviour, sometimes they are, do you know, a little bit more judgmental or cold so there is something very wonderful about the Irish reactions.” Boris Charmatz’s Somnole, Photo: Marc Domage The programme is dazzling in its breadth and diversity and for the uninitiated I ask Jazmín for her recommendations, fully prepared for the “everything” answer. In good spirit she manages to whittle it down to four for the purpose of editorial space constraints. “Re:INCARNATION is a fantastic show to discover the energy of dance because it is the Nigerian spirit coming to stage. Oona Doherty’s show Specky Clark is very much about our history, is very dramatic and features the music of Lankum. I’m hoping their involvement will open us up to new audiences. For the ones that want to discover something quite intimate and very different I recommend SOMNOLE by Boris Charmatz. He’s a choreographer and director of the renowned Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch and he brings a very dynamic, very skilled and intimate performance. It’s something a bit more challenging in a way, but also very human. Luke Murphy’s Scorched Earth will finish up the Festival and it’s one I’m really looking forward to. Luke’s journey so far has been incredible – the multi award winning Volcano being a particular standout – and I think this could be a real hit. It’s very accessible in terms of the language and it will be perfect on the iconic Abbey stage.” 18