DDF News — 22 May 2025
DDF Blog: OFFSTAGE with SCORCHED EARTH
As Scorched Earth prepares to ignite the Abbey Theatre stage for its world premiere on 23 & 24 May, we’re lifting the curtain on the making of this bold new dance theatre production by Luke Murphy’s Attic Projects.
Blending crime drama with psychological thriller and visceral choreography, Scorched Earth promises to be one of the most gripping highlights of DDF2025. With a powerhouse creative team and a narrative rooted in land, legacy, and identity, it’s a work that speaks to both the past and the present.
This production marks a major moment for Irish-made dance at the festival. As part of our Originate Programme, which champions ambitious new work by Irish and Ireland-based artists. And fittingly, it comes from Luke Murphy, our Artist in Residence 2023 - 2025, whose bold vision continues to expand what’s possible in Irish dance theatre.
We recently had the chance to step behind the scenes for a day of rehearsals in Cork. It was our first time seeing the work in motion with the full cast, and the energy in the room was electric. We captured a few moments on camera. Head over to Instagram to see what we saw.
What drives an artist like Luke Murphy?
In a behind-the-scenes interview, Luke shares the emotional and creative sparks behind the piece, from the haunting inspiration of The Field to the collaborative magic that happens in the rehearsal room.
Watch the full video here:
RTÉ Radio 1, 20 May 2025
In a recent interview on RTÉ Radio 1, Luke Murphy spoke about building narrative through movement, collaborating with his creative team, and why this story needed to be told through dance.
The Sunday Times, 20 April 2025
Luke Murphy was featured in a compelling print article that explores his creative process, his thematic fascination with power and place, and what Scorched Earth reveals about Ireland today.
Totally Dublin, 07 April 2025
In a feature interview with our Artistic Director Jazmin Chiodi about the bold vision behind DDF2025, Scorched Earth was front and centre—its powerful imagery landing on the cover of Totally Dublin.
Performed by a formidable cast and shaped by a world-class design team, Scorched Earth is dance theatre at its most cinematic and raw. Luke Murphy residency with DDF continues to push boundaries and provoke thought.
Scorched Earth will take place at the Abbey Theatre on Fri 23 & Sat 24 May 2025 at 7:30pm.