one4review | On 10, Aug 2016

Choreographed by the ex-Riverdance principal dancer Breandán de Gallaí, Lïnger is a work in which contemporary Irish stepdance is used by two male dancers to tell a story of gay masculinity, desire and suppressed emotion. The duet conveys powerful emotions by two dancers at opposite ends of their dancing careers.

The piece combines Irish step dancing with film segments, tango, contemporary dance and live sketching on an easel at the side of the stage. The sketching was shown on the screen as a backdrop to the dance in the opening section, and was an interesting element.

The two dancers, de Gallaí and Nick O’Connell are very powerful and the physicality of the choreography was impressive. Irish dancing is fast, intricate and amazing to watch at close quarters. The rapid footwork is stunning in its complexity. As well as exceptional technique, the two men portrayed very believable, raw emotion throughout this very physical performance.

Simply staged, and boldly lit, this was an arresting production.

Reviewed by Shiona

Dance Base (Venue 22) – Grassmarket
5-21 August 19:45 (45min)