Welcome to Traumatraum

Created by Philip St John, Karen Gleeson, Michael McCabe and Matthew Ralli

PREVIEW - Mermaid Arts Centre: Sat Sept 5th, 8pm

DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL - Dublin Municipal Theatre at Smock Alley - Main Space: Thurs 17th - Sat 19th Sept, 6.15pm (and Sat 19th 12.30pm)

A broken dancer’s body won’t move the way it used to.

A boy’s limp threatens to end his dream of playing football for Ireland.

A banjaxed clown has more bulging discs than a weightlifter.

All three find themselves trapped in a warped trauma dream, where the only way out is head on.

A fusion of text, personal story and dance, Welcome to Traumatraum is an immersive dive into the effects of physical trauma on the psyche, how it can derail a life, but also jolt it onto an unexpected and exciting new path.

At some point in life we all suffer physical injury or trauma. Even something as simple as a sprained ankle can leave us feeling vulnerable and in need of care and assistance. Other injuries can be far more serious causing disability, long term mobility issues, or an inability to continue a career. The body can repair and through physical scarring may be visible, mental scars are often suffered in secret. Welcome to Traumatraum aims to engage with audiences to bring awareness to a deeply personal and uncomfortable topic.

Creative team:

Writer: Philip St John

Director: Matthew Ralli

Cast: Fiona Bawn, Fiachra Corkery, Róisín Harten, Michael McCabe, Noni Stapleton, Matthew Williamson.

Producer: Melissa Nolan

Choreographer: Karen Gleeson

Movement Director: Michael McCabe

Set Design: Marie Tierney

Sound Design: Cormac O’Connor

Puppet Making: Dee Armstrong

Trauma Consultant: Hilde Elbers

Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland; Kildare County Council; Dublin City Council. Supported by Mermaid Arts Centre.