MÁM

CPH STAGE opens this year’s theatre festival with the spellbinding and musical dance production "MÁM" by the Irish company Teaċ Daṁsa.

At the foot of Ireland’s mountain Cnoc Bhréanainn, at the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, stands a community hall. From here, "MÁM" takes us on an otherworldly journey deeply rooted in Ireland’s remarkable landscapes and captivating culture.

In a whirlwind of mystique and magic, twelve international dancers take the stage alongside seven musicians from the Berlin-based collective s t a r g a z e and the virtuoso concertina player Cormac Begley. With intensity and humour, the dancers’ movements are woven into both classical music and local folk traditions to explore the encounter between national narratives and established systems.

The word mám carries several meanings – from “an obligation” to “a handful of sweets”. “Mountain pass”, however, most beautifully encapsulates the performance, and the word comes from the local language Corca Dhuibhne in West Kerry, Ireland, where choreographer Michael Keegan-Dolan created it. "MÁM" is thus a passage connecting nature and culture.

The dance company Teaċ Daṁsa was founded in 2016 with the aim of creating deeper connections to Ireland’s traditions, language and music. The name Teaċ Daṁsa (House of Dance) reflects Michael’s journey of creating dance and theatre works that clearly embody the place they come from.

‍The performance is curated by CPH STAGE and presented in collaboration with the Royal Danish Theatre.

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Opening party May 27

Join us for a celebration when CPH STAGE 2026 kicks off on May 27!

19:00: CPH STAGE offers a glass of wine in the Foyer of the Royal Danish Playhouse

19:10: Welcome speeches

20:00: The performance ”MÁM"

21:30: After talk with the founder of Teaċ Daṁsa Michael Keegan-Dolan in conversation with the British theatre critic Sanjoy Roy. Read more about the talk HERE

After the artist talk, the evening continues in the foyer of the Royal Danish Playhouse, where DJ Tia Turn Tables will provide the musical atmosphere. The bar and dance floor are open until 23:00.

Please note that participation in the opening party is free but the performance and talk require a ticket.