Dialogues II

The present and future of dance 

Imagine an entire evening of duets by Mats Ek, Akram Khan, Sharon Eyal and Samantha Lynch. The four choreographers behind Dialogues II define both the present and future in modern dance. Each is now contributing a unique work to a full-length production to premiere at the Oslo Opera House before travelling on. 

Mats Ek and Akram Khan 

Ballet’s master storyteller Mats Ek has enchanted the world with his precise and truly unique language of movement. In this production, we see a duet from A sort of ... – a burlesque reverie in a Magritte-inspired universe. The two dancers originate from the Berlin State Ballet is and L-E-V Sharon Eyal. 
 
With his unique combination of Bangladeshi kathak and contemporary dance, Akram Khan is widely known as one of the most innovative choreographers in the international dance scene. In the work Sacred Monsters, he explores the dark side of stardom: having to live up to audience expectations of perfection. 
 
He originally created the work as an encounter between himself and the prima ballerina Sylvie Guillem, and introduced audiences to this fascinating dialogue between feet and pointe shoes. During the evening performance, two soloists from the Royal Ballet of Flanders are taking on the challenge. 

Sharon Eyal and Samantha Lynch 

Sharon Eyal has a background in the movement language of Gaga and a rare choreographic expression: packed with passion yet utterly distinct. Both alone and together with the live music star Gai Behar, she has created works for major companies around the world, including their own: L-E-V. 
 
During this performance, we get to see the duet OCD-Love, co-created by Eyal and Behar, which explores how obsessive-compulsive disorders can pose challenges in both love and life in general. A powerful piece danced to pulsating techno rhythms. 
 
Last but not least is Samantha Lynch’s energetic and humorous COUCH – created for the Norwegian National Ballet in 2023. Lynch debuted as a choreographer with A Boléro on the Main Stage in 2021. Several leading ballet companies have since commissioned work by this National Ballet soloist.