Oona Doherty/OD Works

A rapidly rising star in contemporary dance, Oona Doherty made her Jacob’s Pillow debut in 2023 as the first headlining artist from Northern Ireland to perform at the festival. Based in Belfast and now touring internationally, Doherty—Doherty is not afraid to ask pointed questions of art and society. She is known for her “gritty realism, visceral movement style and fearless attitude to confronting controversial topics” (“Frieze”)—a combination that has left an indelible impression on audiences. In 2023, Doherty brought Pillow audiences the U.S. premiere of “Navy Blue,” her largest work yet, driven by a thrilling in-your-face mash-up of ensemble dance, spoken word poetry, political candor, and eclectic music. This work begins with a unison dance set to music by Sergei Rachmaninoff and deconstructs as the music shifts to the pulsing sounds of Jamie xx. The company also performed “Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus.” Program: “Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus;” choreography: Oona Doherty; music: Maxime Jerry Fraisse. “Navy Blue;” choreography: Oona Doherty with the collaboration of the dancers; music: Jamie xx, Sergei Rachmaninoff. Includes the outdoors section of “Hope Hunt,” curtain speech given post-intermission by Pamela Tatge, and Post-Show Talk with Oona Doherty (via Zoom), Magdalena Öttl, Thibaut Eiferman, and Mathilde Roussin moderated by Maura Keefe. This performance was filmed live on July 28, 2023 in the Ted Shawn Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Video by Nel Shelby Productions. Full-length performance films are copyright of Jacob’s Pillow. No part of this video, in whole or in part, may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, adapted, or otherwise used without prior written authorization from Jacob’s Pillow.