THE
CHURCH DANCER
THE CHURCH DANCER
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VESTRE PORSGRUNN CHURCH (Vinterscena), 2022
ÅLESUND CHURCH (Høstscena), 2021
KRISTIANSAND CATHEDRAL (Ravnedans), 2021
TVEIT CHURCH (Ravnedans), 2021
GRØNLAND CHURCH (Black box teater), 2020-2021
LADEMOEN CHURCH (Rosendal teater), 2020
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​The church Dancer is a dance piece where you as an audience member can book yourself time in a church, and dance without spectators. The dance is accompanied by live organ music. The church Dancer is an opportunity for each of us to be alone and take center stage in this sacred space. Besides our own baptism, our own wedding, and most of all, our own funeral, we rarely stand out as individuals and main characters in the church. Many of us would never visit the church space on our own, and hardly ever do we let go of our inhibitions and on a physical level, let loose.
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All kinds of movements and ways of dancing are welcome in The church Dancer, and you can also just sit, stand, walk around, shake loose, sway to the organ tones or lie down.
Choreographic idea: Marie Bergby Handeland
Organists: Elsebeth Lutcherath (Kristiansand cathedral), Ruth Loland Sandvik (Tveit church), Olav Rune Bastrup (Grønland church), Magnus Leite (Lademoen church), Arne B. Varmedal (Ålesund church), Hildegun Haukenæs/Dagfinn Olsen (Vestre Porsgrunn church)
Co-production: Black box and Rosendal teater
Photo: Picture 1 - Alvhilde Naterstad, picture 2 - Kristiansand cathedral, picture 3 - Ålesund church
Supported by: Municipality of Oslo and Municipality of Kristiansand
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"2020 may feel like a hopeless year, but in the midst of pandemics and protests, there is also, clearly and unequivocally, a desire for a better world (…). With The Church Dancer, Marie Bergby Handeland has created a room for individual reflection. And in thought there is hope. I think."
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"Although my participation in this performance is required, the work is experienced as complete before I enter the church. All the elements are so overwhelming and fully established. Both the room and the music are exalted, sacred - filled with meaning. " - Norwegian Shakespeare Magazine
