In Sessions, choreographer-director Carl Knif asks whether a performance setting can induce the same level of trust as that of a relationship of care. The piece also centers the relationship between music and movement as well as the interaction and kinetic communication and empathy between dancers.
The musical starting point of Sessions is Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C Major. In addition, the performance examines the relationship between the performers and the audience. It discusses the contemporary human and their longings, shortcomings, needs, fears, and hopes. The performance addresses the encounter and the non-encounter, as well as the human and societal implications of these.
Sessions asks if dance and performance could be seen as a healing ritual. In which ways could a performance enhance the life of its spectator? Can moving into the space of a gaze be an empowering experience? And how could a performance be more vital, how could it inch closer towards its audience? The performance assumes the form of a dreamlike wandering where the stage is not reserved for the performer nor is the seating assigned only to the audience.
The performance format hosts both actors and dancers. Sessions is a collaboration of three organisations: Carl Knif Company, Zodiak – Center for New Dance, and West Kowloon Cultural District.
Working group:
Choreography: Carl Knif
Performers: Jonna Aaltonen, Olli Lautiola, Riku Lehtopolku, Anne Pajunen, Anna Stenberg, Terhi Vaimala
Choreographer’s assistant: Jonna Aaltonen
Costume design: Karoliina Koiso-Kanttila
Set and light design: Jukka Huitila
Sound design: Janne Hast
Production: Carl Knif Company, Zodiak – Center for New Dance, West Kowloon Cultural District Hong Kong
Performances at Erkko Hall in Tanssin talo
Thu 5.5.2022 at 19:00 (premiere)
Fri 6.5.2022 at 19:00
Sat 7.5.2022 at 15:00
