BENCH #5 | Mufutau Yusuf
"This work contemplates the fragility of human life and the quiet strength found in its impermanence. By using the body and the language of dance, it offers a meditative space to engage with notions of mortality with reflection and curiosity. It embraces themes of decay, transformation and renewal, inviting people to consider death not as an end, but as a vital part of existence, as a cycle within the force of nature. Set against the backdrop of global unrest and personal reflection, the work is a meditation on how we live, what we leave behind and the legacy we shape." - Mufutau Yusuf
The premiere performances took place in Dublin's Georges Dock area on the afternoons of 10, 11, 12 July 2025.
Mufutau Yusuf was selected as an Aerowaves #Twenty26 Artist with this work, with the title "Proses on neither here nor there". The #Twenty26 artists will present their work at the Spring Forward Festival from 6 – 9 May 2026 in Guimarães, Portugal, hosted by Centro Cultural Vila Flor in collaboration with O Espaço do Tempo. This year’s festival is part of the European Green Capital programme.
Aerowaves is a hub for dance discovery in Europe. Its network of partners in 34 countries seek to identify the most promising new work by emerging dance artists and then promote it through cross-border performances - enabling these younger choreographers to bring brand new dance to brand new audiences.
Gallery
PERFORMANCES
World Premiere | Double-Bill
George's Dock
Dublin 3, Ireland
10 - 12 July 2025
A double-bill presentation with BENCH #6.
Credits
CHOREOGRAPHER/PERFORMER MUFUTAU YUSUF
CURATOR DAVID BOLGER
FILMMAKER LUCA TRUFFARELLI
MUSIC TRAVELLING TATARS - SERGEY STAROSTIN'S VOCAL FAMILY
COSTUME DESIGNER MARYAM YUSUF
PRODUCTION MANAGER BARBARA HUGHES
TECHNICIAN SARAH KEANE
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ELIZABETH JANNETTA
PRODUCED BY SARAH LATTY AND BRIDGET WEBSTER
Music courtesy of Jaro medien
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
PRODUCTION TEAM
ABOUT
Curated by David Bolger, BENCH was born from a unique two-year pilot partnership between CoisCéim Dance Theatre and Waterways Ireland. It began in summer 2023 and has seen commissions to Jessie Thompson, Favour Odusola, Sibéal Davitt, Tobi Omoteso, Mufutau Yusuf and Alex Vostokova. In 2024 the project was awarded the prestigious Business To Arts Kmend Arts Partnership Award. Find out more here.
