Dancers Explore Masculinity's Fragile Core

The London-based artistic partnership Bullyache, comprised of Courtney Deyn and Jacob Samuel, creates distinctive hybrid works merging dance and theater with self-composed scores. Their latest production, "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," which premiered at Sadler's Wells East from May 7-9, 2026, is a powerful commentary on the 2008 financial crash. The show delves into the 'gross' masculine bravado of financiers, exploring themes of ritual humiliation and eroticism through high-octane choreography.

The piece, set in a shattered boardroom, was developed through extensive research, including observations of the TV show "Succession" and interviews with investment bankers. Bullyache's aesthetic is described as "Pina Bausch cosplaying as Dua Lipa," reflecting their blend of avant-garde and pop culture influences. Their work, commissioned by the Venice Dance Biennale, challenges audiences to interpret ambiguous imagery, moving beyond traditional narrative structures.

Bullyache's creative process involves extensive research and performer improvisation, encouraging dancers to integrate their own experiences. This maximalist approach, embracing diverse art forms, resonates with a younger generation of artists and is gaining recognition in contemporary art spaces. The duo's art is characterized by its "hyper-bastard" stage works that push sensory boundaries and explore societal issues.