Tá Brón Orm is a metaphoric narrative rooted in the context of historical Ireland. Performed by Ahmed Ghareeb, Sara Gabr, and Shady Abdelrahman, the work expresses a global grief over the loss of language and culture brought about by extreme social and political upheaval. It draws inspiration from the Children of the Famine novel trilogy, is set to music by the contemporary Irish band ØXN, and features original short stories by Michael McEvoy.
In Irish, Tá Brón Orm is how one apologises, though its direct translation is “Sadness is upon me.” This sadness sits heavy on the body, a weight passed down through generations. It can be shed, like an item of clothing: not as sorrow for personal actions, but for the transformations of the land once called home.
Tá Brón Orm is one of three works under Our Voice Together Now, an international project funded by the British Council and comprising the Belfast International Arts Festival, the Ramallah Contemporary Arts Festival, and D-CAF. The project commissioned choreographers Salma Ataya, Shaymaa Shoukry, and Michael McEvoy to each create a work in a city that is not their own.
Trigger warning: Strobe light effect. May not be suitable for those with epilepsy or light sensitivity.
Credits: • Choreography: Michael McEvoy • Performance: Ahmed Ghareeb, Sara Gabr, Shady Abdelrahman • Costumes: Nashwa Maatouk • Music: ØXN • Lighting Design: Sayed Naggar • Production: Orient Productions • Producer: Menna Walid •
English 
Arabic