Rebellious Hope – Dublin Theatre Festival – Review
by Brian Merriman

Created, Choreographed and Directed by: Philip Connaughton
Venue: Project Arts Centre, 2 Oct, 5pm, 3 Oct, 12pm & 7.45pm, 4 Oct, 1.15pm
Duration: 65 minutes.

Rebellious Hope is the latest creation of Philip Connaughton’s company, directly after a successful collaboration in the Dublin Fringe Festival, once again hosted by the Project Arts Centre. Connaughton assembles some of the household names, on which much of the success and endurance of the contemporary dance scene we enjoy today can trace its creative heritage.

The cast is aged between 46 and 86, and the opportunity to see such evocative performances, from the integrity of Joanna Banks to the light-comedic talents of John Scott, is not to be missed.

Dancers are often the hardest physical workers in the arts scene. What they achieve with their younger bodies is time-lined and often reflects what they know as young, agile people.

What happens after their limbs begin to show their many physical tolls, despite the fact that the performer has learned and experienced a lot more? Many go into teaching, many create through other younger dancers, so to bring together this wealth of experience and talent once again on a stage is as welcome as it is positive.

But Rebellious Hope does not rely upon past glory to entertain us; it welcomes us into the spectacular present. There is joy, speed, poetic movement and awe at the energy and precision of the seamless teamwork of a troupe that leaves you yearning for more.

There are beautiful vignettes and solo works. Joanna and Ashley’s duet is so moving. Montse and Magali pack a rhythmic punch, while Amy, John, Matthew and Mel maximise their solo work with skill.

In this fine work by Connaughton, we witness hope; it is in front of our eyes, full of energy, warmth and positivity. This is an opportunity for those to inject what life has taught them into their craft again, and clearly they have a lot of wise learning to convey. It really is admirable in its concept, humour, poignancy and delivery.

Music by: Mel Mercier
Lighting Design: Sebastian Pizarro
Costume Design: Valentina Gambardella
Associate Director: Luca Truffarelli
Performed by: Joanna Banks, Magali Caillet Gajan, Ashley Chen, Montse Colomé, Matthew Morris, John Scott, Amy Swanson, and Mel Mercier
Production Manager: Brendan McLoughlin