DOLORES gives voice to a once-silenced girl in this immersive feminist reimagining of Lolita.
Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s poetic and disturbing novel Lolita, DOLORES reveals three facets of the character: the neglected and traumatised orphan, the candy-fed girl filled with American hopes and dreams, and the Dolores who lived - a woman full of fire and retribution. Through darkly cinematic imagery, music, text and movement, DOLORES exposes the unsettling abuse and tragedy of a young girl.
The acclaimed cast of performers and musicians - including actors Derbhle Crotty and Mikel Murfi - lead the audience through intricately designed rooms visited in the novel: a 1950’s car, a girl’s cluttered bedroom, a cheap motel in mid-America, and a lonely highway road.
First performed in 2018 at Dublin Dance Festival
"Dolores combines visual eloquence with the gut-punch of a victim impact statement"
The Irish Times ★★★★
"There is simply no resisting “Dolores’” power. Provocative and unapologetically brilliant, “Dolores” offers a uniquely thrilling experience...One worth several revisits to make sure you don’t miss a thing."
The Arts Review ★★★★★
“A brilliant interference of Nabokov’s best-known work…compelling and mesmerising…the show is a string of highlights.”
Irish Independent
“Rivetingly dark: Junk Ensemble’s dance-theatre reimagining of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita is thrilling and revelatory."
Exeunt Magazine
Created and presented with funding from The Arts Grant Fund/Arts Council Ireland, with support from Project Arts Centre.
Concept and Direction:
Jessica Kennedy, Megan Kennedy
Choreography:
Jessica Kennedy, Megan Kennedy in collaboration with the performers
Performers:
Derbhle Crotty, Deirdre Griffin, Julie Koenig, Mikel Murfi
Musicians:
Berginald Rash, Daniel Luke
Scenography: Valerie Reid
Dramaturgy/Collaborator: Jo Timmins
Music: Denis Clohessy
Lighting: Sarah Jane Shiels
Re-lighter: Iris Liange
Costumes: Sarah Foley
Set building: Ger Clancy
Producer: Gwen Van Spÿk
Associate Producer: Ciara Lynch
Duration: 80mins (approx)
Age: 12+
Audience warning: this show includes references to sexual and emotional abuse.
Venue: Black Box Theatre – intimate setting
Attention: The audience will move around the performance space throughout the show. Limited seating will be provided for audience members with mobility access needs and some people may need to stand at different points of the show. Please avoid bringing large bags – they are not permitted in the performance space and there is no cloakroom available. We will not be able to safely accommodate the storage of large items.
The Black Box / 19th - 20th Nov