Nothing
Personal

Cinematic dance theatre 

Expect nothing less than the imaginative and dystopic when Alan Lucien Øyen once again fuses dance and theatre to create dramatic scenery. ‘Cinematic’ is a word often used to describe Øyen’s art and this time, he has engaged Oscar-winning film composer Alexandre Desplat to write the music and Solrey to conduct the Opera Orchestra.

Photo: Kristian Vaage, M12 Studios

Destiny in a desert of trees 

In typical Øyen style, there is an abrupt shift from vast tableaus to up close and personal in a realistic world in which hidden rooms and human fate materialise. The characters we encounter struggle to relate to modern life.  

“Being human requires ever higher demands: We need to ‘do’ and ‘be’ and it needs to happen right away, be fantastic and preferably inspire everyone else. The dystopias of the future are becoming reality,” says Øyen. 

On stage, the dancers and performers of the Norwegian National Ballet find themselves in an immense tree landscape, featuring the distinct style of set designer Åsmund Færavaags.  

This tidal wave of a performance hits you right in the heart 

– Sidsel Pape, Aftenposten about The Hamlet Complex Redux  

Can we pull it off? 

After the premiere of The Hamlet Complex Redux, a rumour spread about an utterly unique stage experience – and suddenly there were no longer any tickets available. This production is also receiving attention beyond Norwegian borders. There was both booing and cheering following Øyen’s new, full-length production Cri de cœur for the prestigious ballet at the Paris Opera. 

We are anxious here at the Oslo Opera House, as the visions of Øyen and his team always challenge us to think outside the box when it comes to scenery, stage and lighting. Will we be able to pull it off this time? Those who come to watch the performance will find out.