“BLKDOG” is a tale of frustration, anger, and depression. In dark and poetic images this impressive production tackles different coping mechanisms and takes a closer look at the parallels between childhood and adulthood: can the lightness of being a child persist into adult life, particularly if the latter is characterized by brutality and violence?

British choreographer Botis Seva and seven dancers of his company “Far From The Norm” examine the inner battle that begins with the slow but sure paling of youth.

The award-winning production, which was originally commissioned by Sadler’s Wells in London, fuses the hyper-energetic core of hip hop dance with other genre-bending dance forms. Inspired by Sally Brampton’s “Shoot the Damn Dog”, a novel concerned with depression and its effects, “BLKDOG” offers a haunting commentary on human vulnerability.

The performance is for the voiceless, says Seva, for everyone who has faced grief and trauma. His art, he adds, reflects the time we live in. Every day terrible events take place all over the world that we must bear – individually and collectively.

The performance gets under your skin, seeps into your bones; it is touching and rattling. “BLKDOG” is an electrifying response to current psychological challenges posed by society and takes a close look at our world. It is an urgent call for mutual love and humility, and a reminder that we do not have to shoulder our burdens alone.

Simply put: Seven dancers stand on a dark stage. They combine hip hop with other dance styles. The piece engages with the world.

Info

Duration: 65 minutes, no intermission
Spoken language: Text as part of the musical score. Text is available as a transcript here.
Age recommendation: 12+ (accompanied by an adult)
Trigger/content warnings: Abstract depiction of depression, of sexualized and physical violence; loud music and haze
World premiere: 19.7.2021 Kalamata Dance Festival Greece
Further information: farfromthenorm.com

Follow-up talk
 Hora recommends “BLKDOG”: “for nerves of steel – entertaining, dark, gnarly”

A workshop with Victoria Shulungu from Far From The Norm will take place for professional dancers at Equilibre Fribourg on May 5th. Info.

For the performance on May 7 at the Kurtheater Baden, Steps offers an accompanied visit to the performance for people with congnitive disabilities. PDF with information (in German).

Credits

Director & choreographer: Botis Seva
Dancers: Jordan Douglas, Shangomola Edunjobi, Larissa Koopman, Joshua Nash, Joshua Shanny-Wynter, Victoria Shulungu, Naïma Souhaïr
Costume designer: Ryan Dawson Laight
Costume makers: Jordan Goertz, Julie Sayers, Kelsey Vickery, Kingsley Hall, Lou Petty
Lighting designer: Tom Visser
Music composer: Torben Lars Sylvest
Mix engineer: Pär Carlsson
Executive producer: Lee Griffiths
Senior production manager: Andy Downie
Tour & marketing manager: Siân Gilling
Research & development rehearsal director: Ekin Bernay
Contributing artists: Charlotte Clark, Clarissa Shulungu, Ezra Owen, Isaac Ouro-Gnao, Savanah Anais Rowe, Shiloh Seva, Tyrone Isaac-Stuart

Co-produced by: Far From The Norm, Norrlandsoperan and Sadler’s Wells
Supported by: Arts Council England, Kingston University, Laban Theatre, Siobhan Davies Dance and UEL Dance: Urban Practice Department

Botis Seva

Botis Seva grew up in London and first encountered dance at the age of 15. Only two years later he left Barking Broadway College and has been pursuing his career ever since – undeterred by its unconventionality. He was only 19 years old when he founded his own interdisciplinary company Far From The Norm, whose portfolio includes live theatre productions, open-air shows, immersive experiences, and film productions. In 2016 Seva won both the Copenhagen International Choreography Competition and the choreography competition in Hanover. Two years later “BLKDOG,” which had been commissioned by Sadler’s Wells in London, received the Olivier Award for best dance production. By now, the British artist has become an internationally renowned choreographer and director that moves between hip hop, physical theatre, and contemporary dance. He devises pieces for dance companies as well as theatres and has been touring the world with Far From The Norm to great acclaim. His works exhibit autobiographical traits and are fuelled by social and political concerns. Picture © Helen Maybanks