COMRADES IN THE DARK

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.

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

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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.
 

COMRADES

Choreographer/Director/Producer - Caitlin Barnett

Dancers - Michael Kelland, Miles Kearley, Richard Pye, Sean Moss

Bodhrán player - Joe Danks

Former prisoner volunteers - Laurence McKeown, Colm Scullion, Rosie McCorley

Composer - Jean-Loup Pinson

Lighting Design - Charlotte McAdam

Poetry consultant - Danny Morrison

Original devising cast - Dakarayi Mashava, Michael Kelland, Richard Pye, Sean Moss

Photography - Fabio Santos

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

"Deeply moving. A truly thought-provoking piece."

- Audience feedback

"Very poignant, very touching. The whole choreography was just stunning."

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- Audience  feedback