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.

Cast & Creatives

Rehearsal Director: Stephen Moynihan

Directed & Choreographed by: Luke Murphy
Performed by: Luke Murphy, Rosie Stebbing, Ryan O’Neill, Sarah Dowling, Will Thompson
Script: Luke Murphy
Set Design: Alyson Cummins
Set Construction: Triangle Productions Ltd.
Composition & Sound Design: Rob Moloney
Producer: Gwen Van Spÿk

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. The full work will premiere in 2025.