An intimate film giving a unique insight into the creation of Michael Keegan-Dolan’s MÁM

Acclaimed director Pat Collins’ (Song of Granite, Silence) documentary was filmed in 2019 in the run up to Michael Keegan-Dolan’s show MÁM and was premiered at the 65th BFI London Film Festival in October 2021. MÁM brought the virtuoso concertina player Cormac Begley, the European musical collective ‘s t a r g a z e’ and twelve international dancers to the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. This immersive and meditative film follows this process over eight weeks from the first day of rehearsals to the opening night performance at the Dublin Theatre Festival.

‘MÁM’ is a unique confluence between soloist and ensemble, classical and traditional, the local and the universal. This timely production acknowledges how life’s polarities can on occasion come together and find resolution.

As Keegan-Dolan says “… each rehearsal is about discovery, revelation and connection – and these moments of discovery are a revelation to everyone present.”

Michael Keegan-Dolan is considered one of the most innovative modern dance choreographers and theatre makers working today. His singular approach to creating a piece of dance theatre is centred on collaboration and creating an environment where a ‘collective energy’ is harnessed to make something beautiful and emotionally resonant.

Following the film screening, Michael Keegan-Dolan will be joined on stage for a conversation with Sir Alistair Spalding, Artistic Director and CEO of Sadler’s Wells. This discussion will be supported by a BSL interpreter.

Header image © Colm Hogan