David Bolger, bestknown for his ability to express humour through dance for his company CoisCeim, has created his first major dramatic work in Ballads and it is a fine piece. The Famine is a subject which could easily lose its emotion in mawkish cliche, but here the use of symbols and multi-purpose props, combined with highly-imaginative choreography, results in excitement and catharsis.

Piles of books represent the weight of history one minute, a rocky outcrop the next. A wooden flat is a door, then a table bare of food, but is manipulated most effectively of all to create a terrifying storm at sea in which emigrants cling to wreckage. Boots suggest the jackboot of political domination and famine stalking the land. We see the pangs of hunger, the struggle for survival, the dishonesty of the desperate, the pain of parting, the wild rejoicing when hope is temporarily restored. This is brilliantly conveyed by exciting lifts and daring leaps into a partner's arms by the five fine dancers, who all deserve great praise.

As usual, Bolger integrates his musician/composer, Diane O'Keefe on cello, into the action. Bell Helicopter provides the collage of evocative sound effects, while Helen McCusker's variations in grey costuming and Paul Keogan's dramatic lighting contribute greatly to the work's success.

At Project @ The Mint up to and including Saturday, then tours to Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Cork.