A century after finding independence, the ghosts of our history linger and question: What connection do we have to our land? And to our neighbours we share it with? Inspired by John B Keane’s seminal work The Field, Scorched Earth imagines the aftermath of a murder, with the new owner of a piece of land found dead and the former tenant the prime suspect. Psychological thriller meets primal physical fantasy as themes of ambition, entitlement and resentment lead to a poetic final chapter that reflects the cost of success and questions what right we have to the land beneath our feet.

Credits

• Direction, Writing and Choreography Luke Murphy

• Cast Luke Murphy, Ryan O’Neill, Sarah Dowling, Tyler Carney-Faleatua, Will Thompson

• Set and Costume Design Alyson Cummins

• Lighting Design Stephen Dodd

• Composition and Sound Design Rob Moloney

• Audio Visual Design Patricio Cassinoni

• Rehearsal Director Stephen Moynihan

• Production Manager Simon Bird

• Chief LX Alan Mooney

• Audio Engineer Aidah Sama

• Stage Management Chris Hopcraft, Iain Synnott

• Produced by Gwen Van Spyk

• Associate Producer Miles Harrigan

Performances 2025

Dublin Dance Festival 2025

The Abbey Theatre

23rd May

24th May

Co-produced by Dublin Dance Festival and Galway International Arts Festival. Funded by the Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon Arts Grant Fund for Dance; additional support from Dance Cork Firkin Crane and Cork City Council Arts Office.