The Belfast performance last Wednesday night of Chantecler - a Medieval Fantasy by the Swiss Tanz Ensemble was a triumph.
Drama, which was so central to early contemporary dance in the work of Martha Graham and Ballets Jooss, seems no longer fashionable, and last year's Irish tour by this company was the first time for years that choreography in the dramatic tradition has been seen in Ireland.
Cathy Sharp has this time created a full-length piece in which superb dancing from all eight company members - perfectly fitted to a remarkable fusion of 12th-century troubadour music, excerpts from the original version of Carmina Burana and a score by Peter Maxwell Davies - conveyed drama, pathos and comedy with an evocation of 12th-century courtly love and intrigue.
Claudia Castrischer suggested the court scene with only gauze and wall hangings, while Monica Rudin's costumes had a rich period feel while permitting the dancers to move fluidly from amorous courtiers via a troupe of players to the mocking tormentors of the mad king's fantasies. Dirk Poschidajew conveyed the king's madness wonderfully, while Kendra Walsh had truly royal dignity as the queen.
Michael Langeneckert conveyed sinister charm as the king's minder and Ismael Lorenzo was an acrobatic jester, both joining the king at the end for a breath-catching trio. But the women also deserve the highest praise, each contributing unique characterisations in solos and duets. Next year's tour must include Dublin.
The tour continues at the Backstage Theatre, Longford, tonight and moves to the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, on Tuesday.