What keeps us going? In the face of physical change, financial uncertainty, and the passing of time, Rebellious Hope is an attempt to stay in motion — not out of habit, but from a deep need to connect. These dancers don’t just inspire; they sustain. Their presence, their history, and their refusal to disappear offers hope that feels both grounded and urgent.
Ahead of Luail - Ireland’s National Dance Company's performance of Philip Connaughton’s dance work TROJANS in Dublin, Galway, and Lisburn this Spring, the acclaimed choreographer will share a screening of his short dance film Rebellious Hope (2025), created with filmmaker Luca Truffarelli and composer Mel Mercier. Featuring acclaimed performers from Ireland and France (aged 46—85), the film explores the enduring artistic drive, growth, learning, and the relentless pursuit of creative evolution.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Philip and Luail’s Dance Deputy, Edwina Guckian.
Philip Connaughton
Philip Connaughton is an acclaimed Dublin-based choreographer known for blending creativity, collaboration, and artistic innovation. After training locally, he honed his craft at the prestigious Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London. Philip has held notable positions such as artist in residence at axis:Ballymun, associate artist of Dance Ireland, Platform 31 Artist for Dublin City Council, and was a Next Generation Artist for the Arts Council of Ireland in its inaugural year. He is currently an associate artist at Project Arts Centre and a company artist with THISISPOPBABY.
Edwina Guckian
Edwina Guckian hails from outside the village of Drumsna in Co. Leitrim. Coming from a family steeped in the tradition of music and dance, her style is greatly influenced by the style of local music she grew up with across Leitrim and Roscommon. Edwina is the artistic director of Leitrim Dance Project, annually hosting events in the county such as Leitrim Dance Festival and the Effrinagh Crossroads Dance. In April 2022, Edwina was awarded the Gradam Comaoine TG4 for her outstanding contribution to culture. In 2023, she was selected for the Markievicz Award by the Arts Council and Department of An Taoiseach.
Luail
Luail is Ireland’s national, all-island dance company, established in 2024 to embody, embed and empower dance across the island of Ireland, and to lead into a future that transforms how we make, know and experience dance. With a full-time ensemble of eight dancers, a collective of resident creative artists, and a managerial and administrative team of nine, Luail embraces the values of fearlessness, inventiveness, joy, and attentiveness to the needs of our community and audiences.
Supported by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, we produce exceptional dance works of all scales and for all audiences, led by choreographers from across the island and internationally. Through our dynamic programme of new creations, revivals, national and international touring, and long-term artist development, Luail expands the visibility and impact of dance across Ireland and beyond.