REBELLIOUS HOPE
by Company Philip Connaughton

Choreographer Philip Connaughton brings together seven internationally acclaimed dancers aged 46 to 86 and renowned composer-musician Mel Mercier for a striking new live performance charged with presence, urgency and defiance. Combining dance, live music and personal testimony, Rebellious Hope offers a rare encounter with performers whose vulnerability and virtuosity are shaped by decades of lived experience. Rebellious Hope explores endurance, desire, memory and asks what remains, what endures and what compels us to carry on.

Premiered at Project Arts Centre as part of Dublin Theatre Festival 2026.

Funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Supported by CoisCéim Dance Theatre and originally supported by Bealtaine Festival.

★★★★

- The Irish Times [read full review here]

“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.”

- No More Workhorse [read full review here]

“Immensely uplifting work populated by older people who are seen to be reflective, encouraging younger listeners, dancing against powerlessness, and from within-and-around frailty.”

- Chris McCormack [read full review here]

Photos by Luca Truffarelli

Created, Choreographed, and Directed by
Philip Connaughton

Music by
Mel Mercier

Produced by
Once Off Productions

AVAILABLE TO TOUR

For touring details contact producer Maura O’Keeffe at maura@onceoffproductions.com

PAST PERFORMANCE DATES
30 September - 4 October at Project Arts Centre as part of Dublin Theatre Festival

Lighting Designer
Sebastian Pizarro

Costume Designer
Valentina Gambardella

Associate Director
Luca Truffarelli

Performers
Joanna Banks, Magali Caillet Gajan, Ashley Chen, Montse Colomé, Matthew Morris, Amy Swanson, John Scott, Mel Mercier

Producer
Maura O’Keeffe

Line Producer
Kathleen Aleton

Company Manager
Morgan Steele

Production Photographer
Luca Truffarelli