55 - Stacked Wonky

55 is an unlikely duet for Ernie, 19, and Gerard, 74. There are 55 years between them. The duet is Ernie’s idea, made possible by commissioners — Applause Rural Touring, Landmark Theatres etc — willing to get behind an intuitive young choreographer.

Audiences encounter Gerard carrying his “in memoriam” bench looking for a spot to rest… he is joined by Ernie and what follows is a mix of tender and explosive movement, light text and live sound (violin/saw). It is a non-sentimental, authentic, intimate and profoundly moving encounter for audiences.

Ernie says, "I was interested in exploring touch, strength and burdens: for example, how does an old person approaching the end of life touch a young person, and how does a young person touch an old person. In my world, physical meetings between young and old are hard to come by.

The duet touches upon what Gerard knows and I don’t; what I have and Gerard has lost; and what we both hold in common. I wanted to push past sentimental imagery. I’m imprisoned by my age, wild with a constant onslaught of emotions and feel pressure to be something in the future. He has his own version of this."