MÁMM: A Journey Through the Senses
In the heart of artistic innovation lies Michael Keegan-Dolan’s masterpiece, MÁMM, a performance that transcends conventional dance to become a profound exploration of human connection. The creator himself describes this work as a piece about meeting accordion player Cormac Begley and the geographical space that separated their homes – a “mám” or mountain pass. This metaphorical passage creates an otherworldly atmosphere that could be interpreted as a wake, a transition to the afterlife, or perhaps even the fevered dreams of the young girl who appears at its center. The beauty of MÁMM lies in its openness to interpretation, inviting each viewer to discover their own meaning within its intricate movements and haunting melodies.
From the moment the performance begins, the audience is swept into a sensory whirlwind driven by Begley’s extraordinary accordion virtuosity. Placed deliberately at center stage throughout the entire show, Begley becomes both the anchor and the heartbeat of the production. His instruments produce an astonishing range of sounds – from haunting melodies to percussive rhythms and ethereal wheezes – all perfectly synchronized with the dancers’ movements. Around him, the performers utilize every inch of the stage, their bodies creating a visual symphony of twirling and flailing limbs that express the full spectrum of human emotion. Joy, despair, intoxication, and camaraderie are all conveyed with equal conviction through the dancers’ impeccable timing and unwavering commitment. Most striking is the evident joy on their faces – a clear indication that they understand the significance of their participation in this remarkable artistic endeavor.
The performance opens with an image that immediately establishes its dreamlike quality: house lights up, Begley wearing a ram’s head mask, looming over a young girl in a white dress lying motionless on the floor. His accordion emits ominous, breathy sounds that create an atmosphere of suspense and foreboding. This transitions into a scene featuring masked figures performing a percussive routine that seems to reference Ireland’s troubled past. Perhaps this is the true meaning of the “mám” in the title – suggesting that Ireland has passed through a difficult period and is moving toward a brighter future. However, the brilliance of Keegan-Dolan’s work is that it never imposes a single interpretation, instead allowing multiple meanings to coexist and enrich one another.
The Berlin-based musical collective stargaze joins the performance for its second part, providing an inventive jazz-based soundtrack that complements Begley’s accordion playing without ever overshadowing it. This musical collaboration creates a rich auditory landscape that perfectly supports the dancers’ emotional journey. Their movements tell stories of celebration, conflict, reconciliation, and mutual support – reminiscent of a wake or festive gathering where all of life’s experiences are condensed into a single event. What’s remarkable is how the dancers convey such intense emotions through movement alone, with each gesture of a hand or foot carefully chosen to communicate meaning without the need for words. This physicality speaks directly to the audience’s emotions, creating an immediate and visceral connection.
MÁMM’s power stems from its ability to blend traditional Irish cultural elements with contemporary dance in a way that feels both innovative and deeply authentic. The performance doesn’t merely showcase technical skill – though there is plenty of that on display – but rather uses movement as a language to explore human connection across divides, whether geographical, cultural, or metaphysical. The interaction between Begley’s traditional accordion playing and stargaze’s contemporary musical approach mirrors this bridging of worlds, creating something that honors tradition while pushing boldly into new artistic territory. This balance perhaps explains why the production was nominated for an Olivier award and continues to captivate audiences wherever it travels.
For those fortunate enough to have the opportunity, MÁMM represents a rare theatrical experience that must be witnessed firsthand. It challenges preconceptions about what dance can express, delights with its technical brilliance, and enthralls with its emotional depth. As the performance moves beyond its current run to tour nationwide, it carries with it an invitation to enter a space where music, movement, and meaning converge to create something truly transcendent. In a world often divided by language and culture, MÁMM reminds us of art’s unique ability to communicate across barriers, touching something universal in the human experience. Like the mountain pass that inspired its name, the performance offers passage to somewhere extraordinary – a journey well worth taking while the chance remains.
