A performance and dance show exploring the relationship between a Gen X mother and her Gen Z daughter, addressing themes of identity, race, disability, class, and neurodiversity.
On 10th May 2026, the Brighton Dome will host Gen X Gen Z, a performance and dance piece written and performed by Tink Flaherty and Abra Flaherty. The show centres on a conversation between a mother from the Gen X generation, who spent time raving at the Hacienda, and her daughter, who belongs to Gen Z. Rather than following a traditional parenting model, the piece explores the process of becoming oneself and the complexities of their relationship as they navigate life without a pre-established guide.
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The performance touches on a range of personal and social themes, including racial identity—specifically the experience of being brown with a white mother—as well as disability, class, queer identity, and neurodiversity. Throughout the show, the pair navigate topics such as breastfeeding, homophobia, transphobia, racism, and sexism, while also referencing cultural touchstones like Tom of Finland. A central part of the dialogue involves the question: "How does it feel being brown with a white mum? How do you know you've done a good job as a parent when you left home at 15?" These questions frame the broader discussion about how they have navigated their lives and their connection to one another, moving beyond simple generational tropes.
This event is part of caravan assembly, a three-day programme featuring contemporary performances from across England. The assembly is organised by Farnham Maltings in association with the Brighton Festival. By bringing these performances to the Brighton Dome, the festival provides a space for work that examines contemporary social dynamics through a personal lens. The production credits and the development of the piece have been supported through various artistic commissions, which have allowed the creators to refine the narrative structure of the performance. It offers a look at how generational gaps and shared histories shape individual identity within a family unit, providing a space for the audience to observe these real-life conversations as they are translated into dance and theatre. The show serves as a reflection on the lack of a pre-established model for parenting and the ongoing process of navigating life as a mother and daughter in a changing society.
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