86-year-old dancer Joanna Banks returns to stage in Luail's 'Trojans'

At 86 years old, Joanna Banks, a dancer who debuted in Northern Ireland in 1958 with the Royal Ballet, is once again gracing the stage. She is featured in the production 'Trojans' by the Luail dance company, with choreography by Philip Connaughton. This contemporary piece reinterprets The Aeneid, addressing themes such as war, migration, and displacement, accompanied by electronic music and captivating visuals. Banks shares the stage with Clara Kerr, a younger dancer who admires her. The performances are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn, following shows in Dublin and Galway. Banks credits her enduring career to her 'obstinate love of being on stage' and an open-minded approach to new experiences. Kerr, hailing from Holywood and trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, urges aspiring dancers to chase their dreams despite the challenges.