Chora – Bord Gais Energy Theatre – Review

Chora – Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company with the Irish Chamber Orchestra – Part of the Dublin Dance Festival

It was a big night for Dance in Ireland with the introduction of Luail, Ireland’s National Dance Company. Their first production, Chora, was performed in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin. It will later travel to Wexford, Belfast and Cork. The night included a triple bill of new works, all performed with musical accompaniment of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. It was also the opening night of the Dublin Dance Festival, which runs from the 13th to the 24th of May with events around the city.

The production includes three short works by several different choreographers: Invocation by Mufutau Yusuf, Constellations by Liz Roche, and I Contain Multitudes by choreographers Guy Nader and Maria Campos.

Mufutau Yusuf is a rising name in Dance in Ireland. He is a Nigerian-born Irish artist who is a dancer and choreographer. Choreographer Liz Roche is a name that should be familiar to anyone who has an interest in contemporary Dance in Ireland. Liz is known for her work with the Liz Roche Company and is now the Artistic Director of Luail. The final choreographers are Guy Nader and Maria Campos, who are based in Barcelona. The Lebanese and Spanish artists have collaborated since 2006.

It is often said that one of the main issues with dance productions in Ireland is the limited time they have for rehearsal. In France or other countries where dance is more established, they may have months to work on the complexities of a piece, whereas in Ireland, rehearsal time is compressed into a tighter period. This work felt like a substantial change, with the size and scale of the production being something not seen previously from Irish productions.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra were positioned on a raised platform at the back of the stage, visible through a layer of fabric depending on the lighting. The first piece was Invocation, which created a dark and brooding atmosphere, with the dancers performing in flowing black clothing. Only one dancer’s face was visible, as the others performed with hoods. After a well-worked set change, the next piece was Constellations by Liz Roche, which was a more joyous affair, with the dancers holding and hugging each other in a piece that explored ‘the tension between constancy and change.

After a short interval, we were treated to the final piece of the night: I Contain Multitudes.  It was a dazzling affair. The dancers started moving slowly in circles until they touched and hit each other. This then developed into more expansive motion, as they lifted and held each other in repeating forms. The piece grew in complexity to a hugely impressive level during its 35-minute stage time.

It was an exciting night that showed what Irish dancers and choreographers are capable of with the increased funding that Luail will provide. One of the delights of the Dublin Dance Festival is the opportunity to see the best of work from around the world. This production was on a level footing with these productions and only bodes well for the future of Irish Dance.

Chora – with the Irish Chamber Orchestra
13th May 2025 – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
16th May 2025 – National Opera House, Wexford
18th May 2025 – Lyric Theatre, Belfast
28th May 2025 – Cork Opera House