Lorcán MacMathúna, who has been described as one of the most progressive talents in contemporary folk music, presents his reinterpretation of this ancient Irish epic. The Tain will see Mac Mathúna, bring together outstanding contemporary dance artist, Fearghus Ó Conchúir, with traditional musicians; using Louis LeBrocquy’s iconic paintings of The Táin from The Niland Collection as an inspiration and a backdrop.

This unique and exciting reinterpretation of ancient Bardic texts brings a 1st century mythological tale to life for contemporary audiences across the disciplines of dance, Sean Nós song and traditional music.

From the creator

"Louis Le Brocquy said that the words of The Táin cast shadows on the page, shadows that he cast himself in ink. Forms and figures unmistakably cast in deed and action.

Action is the essence of story, and a story as deeply formed in the primordial hunger of human nature casts striking shadows of deeds done, and their implications. These shadows are the relief of all the hunger that drives mankind’s ambitions; a portrayal in stark relief not of persons but of their unbridled inner hunger.

An Táin evokes all of this. It is a story too powerful to remain static on a page. It is a complex and many layered story of intrigue; also an unsustainable drama that leaps from the page with a narrative style that brings the pulse and watched tension of the ancient court before our eyes."

Followed by

The Tain: In Conversation

This very special performance will be followed by a discussion with MacMathúna and Ó Conchúir led by composer and musician Emer Mayock