Konger is a follow-up—or mirror—of Dronninger, this time featuring male dancers. Once again, age, ageing, and the mature professional dancer are in focus. Both Dronninger and Konger form a "resistance movement," insisting that experienced dancers possess valuable, knowledge-based artistry.
In a time when parts of the cycle are eliminated, a boundary is reached—an age at which one is pushed aside. The personal aspect is the sudden relegation to second-class status. Author Margareth Gulette describes the "narrow focus on illness" as an overwhelming reduction of ageing individuals, as if human experiences could exist without a feeling subject.
"The problem with being seduced by the surface is that we are torn away from the connections that make life meaningful," writes art critic Kjetil Roed in Kunsten og døden – en bruksanvisning. Art can be a powerful weapon against the oppression that age and death stereotypes bring. In what he describes as art’s alternatives, the artist can reveal their vulnerability, allowing others to do the same. He also discusses the invisibility of what we choose not to see, challenging our perception of "beauty" and encouraging us to look beyond the surface.
Konger highlights the wealth of experience within the professional dancer’s body. How does the ageing dancer move, and what knowledge is embedded within?
Cast & Creative Team
Choreographer: Un-Magritt Nordseth
Dancers: Kristian Alm, Leif Hernes, Lars Jacob Holm, Jan Ivar Lund, Björn Sandberg
Composer: Rune Rebne
Scenographers: Maren Saedi & Sabina Jacobsson
Costume Designer: Maren Saedi
Video Artist: Sabina Jacobsson
Lighting Designer: Benjamin Fjellman
Dramaturgical Consultant: Hege Randi Tørressen
Producer: Cathe Sjøblom
Photography: Tale Hendnes
Supported by: Kulturrådet, Fond for utøvende kunstnere
Co-producer: Bærum Kulturhus – Dans i Sørøst-Norge
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Organiser: Stavanger konserthus IKS in collaboration with RAS