Presented by Dublin Dance Festival and the Abbey Theatre
BLKDOG
17 - 18 May 2024
Directed and Choreographed by Botis Seva
Booking Information
Dates: 17 – 18 May
On the Abbey stage
Times: 7.30pm
Tickets: €22 – €42 (concession rates available)
Running time: 60 mins (No interval)
Age Guidance: 14+
Please note: The performance features loud music and haze. For thematic content advice, please read the specific show content advice here.
The Irish premiere of an award-winning and emotionally charged hip hop dance performance
Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 2019, Botis Seva’s highly acclaimed BLKDOG is a beautifully brutal commentary on how the youth of today navigate a world not built for them.
In this emotionally charged performance fuelled by the potent physicality of hip hop, BLKDOG reveals the viscous connection of how self-discovery can lead to self-destruction. Through haunting childhood memories and adult trauma, it questions how we can fight through our vices to find a sense of peace.
With a pounding and brooding score that includes a mixture of original music and spoken words, the soundscape highlights the inner working of the characters’ minds. The lighting brings a dark smog of disillusion to the stage as the performers, dressed in hooded caps and padded costumes that echo the protection and comfort of childhood, delve into the underbelly of life.
Intense and provocative, BLKDOG is for everyone; those who have faced trauma, dealt with grief, or witnessed loved ones grappling with depression and loss. It is a call to speak out and it champions the transformative power of acceptance.
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.
Reviews
'A powerful evocation of alienation, oppression and memory'
The Guardian
'Botis' political, theatrical and experimental take on hip hop might just make him the next big thing'
Evening Standard
'It's rare to find young choreographers developing a distinctive movement language and Seva is certainly one of the most original emerging talents in the UK - if not European – choreography'
DanceTabs
Post-Show Talk
There will be a post-show talk after the performance on Sat 18 May.
Performance Trailer
Credits
- Director: Botis Seva
- Choreographer: Botis Seva
- Music Composer: Torben Sylvest
- Lighting Designer: Tom Visser
- Costume Designer: Ryan Dawson-Laight
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Jordan Douglas
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Shangomola Edunjobi
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Penelope Klamert
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Larissa Koopman
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Margaux Pourpoint
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Rose Sall Sao
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Joshua Shanny-Wynter
- Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Naïma Souhaïr
- Rehearsal Director: Victoria Shulungu
- Executive Producer: Lee Griffiths
- Senior Production Manager : Andy Downie
- Production Manager & Relighter: Andrej Gubanov
- Production Manager & Relighter: Chris Burr
- Tour & Marketing Manager: Siân Gilling
- Costume Makers: Jordan Goertz
- Costume Makers: Julie Sayers
- Costume Makers: Kelsey Vickery,
- Costume Makers: Kingsley Hall
- Costume Makers: Lou Petty
- Mix Engineer: Pär Carlsson
- Research & Development Rehearsal Director: Ekin Bernay
- Contribution Artists: Charlotte Clark
- Contribution Artists: Tyrone Isaac-Stuart
- Contribution Artists: Joshua Nash
- Contribution Artists: Isaac Ouro-Gnao
- Contribution Artists: Ezra Owen
- Contribution Artists: Savanah Anais Rowe
- Contribution Artists: Hayleigh Sellors
- Contribution Artists: Shiloh Seva
- Contribution Artists: Clarissa Shulungu