Dances Like a Bomb

A powerful, uplifting duet exploring ageing and care, blending visceral imagery, dance and music.

Celebrating the strength of mature bodies and challenging the cult of youth, the show is a reclaiming of the ageing body created by dance-theatre innovators Junk Ensemble. Featuring acclaimed actor Mikel Murfi and leading dance artist Finola Cronin (formerly of Pina Bausch's Tanztheater Wuppertal) the performers are heroic, vulnerable, comedic, and completely themselves in the work. They care fiercely for each other and defend their independence. As they hold each other up and push each other down, the 'performance' of age is unpacked as a reminder of ourselves: our worst and our best.

Running time: 60 mins

THE LIST ★★★★★
‘Triumphant’
‘Thoughtful, curious passages of elegy’
‘Surreal, beautiful and extraordinarily human’
‘This is a piece whose beauty and complexity demonstrate exactly why older artists, whatever their discipline, should never be underestimated’

THE TIMES (London) ★★★★
'Big, powerful'
'Pithy and pitiless honesty
‘No motions are wasted, half-hearted or unclear’
‘These two people own the stage and have earned the right to be there.'

THE STAGE ★★★★
‘Intriguing … clever … poignant’
‘A tender piece … outstanding’

THE GUARDIAN
‘Arresting’
‘Inspired’
‘Macabre and comical … a delight’
‘In this dance theatre show, age also gives cause for reflection, some regret and a healthy dose of ceasing to care what anyone else thinks of you’
‘Unsentimental straightforwardness’

THE SCOTSMAN
‘Compelling’
‘Real poignancy … compelling’
‘Wonderful to see older bodies move, older minds share and, crucially, older people being listened to’

THE IRISH TIMES
“Superb performers… a heartfelt celebration of two people growing old together.”

Funded by The Arts Council of Ireland Touring Award
Original production funded by The Arts Council of Ireland | An Chomhairle Ealaíon Arts Grant Fund and Dublin City Council and supported by Mermaid Arts Centre, Dance Ireland and Shawbrook Dance.