Oona Doherty’s first solo work in 2016 was inspired by her observation of the streets of Belfast. She was particularly drawn to the gangs of young men who hid their unspeakable fragility behind an exaggerated facade of masculinity. Initially, she choreographed the work for a friend and male dancer, then later, unable to find another male dancer for the role, she took it on herself, augmenting the work with her own, strikingly unique style of movement. Years later, she taught it to the brilliant Sati Veyrunes, who has in turn made it her own. For Focus Ireland, Oona Doherty has agreed to return to the stage for a few special evenings. To mark the occasion, she has invited young dancers to learn her electrically charged movement and, for one burning moment, embody the youth of Belfast, with its screaming rage and unquenchable hope.

Claire Verlet