PROGRAMME
For Mufutau Yusuf, all attempts at doing justice to the violent and still intact projections of the Western world onto Black people lead into an Impasse. The same goes for the conscious or unconscious demands of a mostly white audience for a “performance about racism”. Even the term “audience” doesn’t sit right with the Nigerian-born, Ireland-based performer-choreographer: “They are witnesses. It’s a ritual.” Yusuf isn’t aiming for straightforward communication; he wants to create striking images that resonate precisely in their intangibility. In a set designed by Yusuf himself and accompanied by a vivid soundscape (by Tom Lane and Mick Donohoe), a duet unfolds between visibility and seclusion – in these bodies, there are forces at play that reach far beyond them.
Choreography, performance and set design: Mufutau (Junior) Yusuf
Performance: Lucas Katangila
Composition: Tom Lane
Sound design: Mick Donohoe
Lighting design: Matt Burke
Costume design: Alison Brown
Text: Ikenna Anyabuike
Production management: Lisa Mahoney
Stage management and set consultant: Lisa Krugel
Photography: Pato Cassinoni
Impasse was commissioned by Liz Roche Company (IE) and supported by Solstice Arts Centre (IE), Dance Cork Firkin Crane (IE), Irish Arts Centre New York (US), Ultima Vez (BE), Dublin Dance Festival (IE), Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre (IE), Maison de la Danse Lyon (FR), Le pôle européen de creation (FR) and Centre National de la Danse (FR). The creation of Impasse was funded by The Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon (IE).
The tour of Impasse is produced by Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company (IE) and supported by Culture Ireland (IE).