Dancing On The Brink Of Brexit

Northern Ireland's leading commissioning dance company is to mark Brexit through the medium of dance with its latest performance.

Maiden Voyage's 'Brink' reflects the ongoing climate of insecurity around the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

Performed on a 1.5 metre high table, it comes at the end of 47 years of European Union membership.

The UK will officially leave the EU at 11pm tonight, Friday 31 January.

While Brexiteers hold celebrations and pro-EU demonstrators mark the occasion with a candlelit vigil, this local dance company has chosen to reflect on the past three years of uncertainty through the medium of dance.

Specifically, 'Brink' explores how Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland became one of the key sticking points of Brexit negotiations.

Eileen McClory's topical and innovative take on the matter is to be presented as part of the Maiden Voyage Double Bill at The MAC on Friday 07 and Saturday 08 February.

Describing her creation, the artist said: "Since the Brexit referendum result, we've been in a state of constant, stressful negotiation - this feeling like we're on the brink of something, but we don't know exactly what it is and have no control over it. As the negotiations got smaller and smaller and boundaries got smaller and smaller, we ended up - instead of having a seat at the table - being on the table.

"Choreographically, the restriction on space presented by our high table has created a lot of obstacles, but also a lot of possibilities. We have really stripped back the choreography and ended up with two human beings laid bare as they try to negotiate and build a future together.

"There's a lot of risk in the piece - reflecting how one wrong word can throw a negotiation the wrong way. For us, it's one wrong move and you could be off the edge of the table!"

In a co-production with Dublin's Liz Roche Company, a leading light in the development of contemporary dance in Ireland whose work has toured worldwide, the second part of the double bill is The Here Trio. Bringing together dancers from Northern Ireland, France and Spain, The Here Trio challenges preconceptions about site, history and the right to belong in a place.

Maiden Voyage is principally funded by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery and supported by Belfast City Council.

Tickets for the Maiden Voyage Double Bill at The MAC are priced at £18-£12.50 and can be purchased online or by calling 028 9023 5053.

The performance will also make its way to The Market Place theatre in Armagh, from 8pm on Wednesday 12 February. Tickets are priced at £7 and can be purchased here.



(JG/CM)