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Colin Dunne: Concert

Part of Dance Umbrella

— ,The Pit

Two artists united by a deep appreciation of tradition yet compelled by their desire to break it apart: Colin Dunne takes on the ‘undanceable’ music of the enigmatic Tommie Potts (1912-1988).

Armed with a turntable, portable speakers and sheets of flooring, Dunne invites you to experience the genius of Potts as he enters into a creative dialogue with The Liffey Banks (1972). The only commercial recording left by the virtuoso Irish fiddle player, this rhythmically deviant, melodically resplendent album presents a singular challenge to Irish dance’s most celebrated contemporary artist.

Responding physically, percussively and conversationally to these irregular, richly textured tunes, Dunne draws on his extraordinary technique and deep engagement with the music to illuminate it afresh in a negotiation of old and new. His last appearance here was in the Olivier-nominated Out of Time (2009), another solo show since described as ‘an unprecedented achievement’ by the New York Times.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Dance

Duration: 55 mins, no interval
Age guidance: 12+

Thu 18 Oct
Post-show talk

Presented by the Barbican and Dance Umbrella

Original co-production by Once Off Productions, CND Centre National de la Danse Paris, MA Scène Nationale-Pays de Montbéliard, La Comète Scène Nationale de Châlons-en-Champagne and Dublin Dance Festival

Supported by Culture Ireland as part of GB18: Promoting Irish Arts in Britain

Creative team

  • Colin Dunne, Sinéad Rushe, Mel Mercier   Creation
  • Colin Dunne   Choreography
  • Sinéad Rushe   Direction
  • Mel Mercier   Sound
  • Colin Grenfell   Lighting
  • Jeffrey Weeter   Film

Reviews

‘Warm, funny, respectful and irreverent‘
Irish Times

Discover

liffey potts album cover

Listen: The Liffey Banks

Listen to the music of Tommie Potts that Colin Dunne will be dancing to.

With thanks

Culture Ireland logo

The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.