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COMRADES IN THE DARK

An exhilarating and visceral portrayal of one man’s attempt to maintain his identity told through poetry, dance and Irish music.

"Comrades In The Dark is contemporary dance for both hearts and minds: Socially relevant, fiercely political and choreographically awe-inspiring." The Recs UK

H Blocks. Belfast. 1981. Bobby Sands embarks on hunger strike in pursuit of political status. On day 66 he dies. Nine other prisoners would die before the strike is called off.

This highly physical, contemporary dance explores the brutality and humanity within the poetry and prose, written in secret by Sands whilst behind bars.
 

Accompanied live by the traditional Irish drum - the bodhrán,  and the voices of former  Republican prisoners, this socio-politically charged show looks at themes of oppression, resistance and freedom, bringing to the forefront the historic and complex relationship between Ireland and Britain.

Supported by Streatham Space Project; Bobby Sands Trust; Brixton House; Barnsley Civic, using public funding from Art Council England. Sponsored by Féile an Phobail.

Directed, Produced and Choreographed by

Caitlin Barnett

Dancers

Former Prisoner Voices

Alternate Cast 

Composer

Bodhrán player

Lighting Designer

Michael Kelland

Miles Kearley

Richard Pye

Sean Moss

Laurence McKeown

Colm Scullion

Rosie McCorley

Dakarayi Mashava

Naissa Nielsen

Jean Loup Pinson

Joe Danks

Charlotte McAdam

"Caitlin Barnett's intense male quartet 'Comrades in the Dark' is both powerful in content and economical in execution. Strong work from a promising talent."
Donald Hutera - dance and arts writer (The Times)

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