A dance tribute to the art of Football
This accolade to the football phenomenon by the renowned Norwegian choreographer Jo Strømgren has been thrilling audiences around the world ever since its 1997 première.
A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football engages with football as a cultural happening, drawing on empathy, humour and a passion for the aesthetic to depict not just the fervour, the fellowship and yes, the craziness of football, but also the joy and the friendship. This is a performance for football fans and dance lovers alike whilst at the same time being a political commentary on the remarkable conflict that exists between sport and art - a kick in the ribs to the prejudices which surround both football and dance. A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football sets out to illustrate the common denominators shared by both disciplines - excitement, drama, entertainment value and explosive physical expression.
Jo Strømgren Kompani was founded in 1998 and is now one of Scandinavia’s best-established independent dance companies, showcasing its wide repertoire on perpetual world tour. The defining elements of the company are direct communication and a raw physicality combined with absurd humour in a distinctive “crossover” style. Jo Strømgren has enjoyed a wide-ranging career both as a freelance choreographer and director in addition to managing his own company and acting as producer for both stage and film.
Choreography: Jo Strømgren
Dancers: Sverre Magnus Heidenberg, Jan Nicolai Wesnes/Stian Danielsen, Mikkel Are Olsenlund og Maria Henriette Nygård
Music: Jørgen Knudsen / Flügshadel
Set design: Stephan Østensen
Costume design: Ingvild Hovind
Lighting design: Stephen Rolfe
Sound design: Lars Årdal
Produced by: Black Box Teater Oslo and BIT Teater Garasjen, Bergen
Duration aprox. 60 min
Supported by The Norwegian Council for Cultural Affairs, Norsk Kassettavgiftsfond, The Norwegian Foundation for Performing Artists, Oslo City Council, Bergen City Council, The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
http://jskompani.no/