Botis Seva / Far From The Norm: BLKDOG

His piece is for those without a voice, says choreographer Botis Seva, “for all those who are trapped inside themselves, even when their heart tells them it wants to find love.” In dark images, the work tells of growing up, of frustration, anger and depression; humor and moments of great tenderness recall a carefree childhood. Why does violence come into our lives when we grow up? Is it inherent in us from an early age? Can the tough young men retain their inner child, save it in the face of the harsh world outside? In a mixture of hip hop and free forms, a wild fight breaks out in which the figures fight against each other and against themselves… The London choreographer and his company Far From The Norm present theatrical, experimental hip hop in a highly personal way, performing pieces about hooligans, nomads and Black Lives Matter. BLKDOG was created in 2018 to mark the 20th anniversary of London’s Sadler’s Wells theater and promptly won the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production. Winston Churchill described his experience of depression as his “black dog,” a notion to which the title of this piece may allude.

BLKDOG is a deeply compelling work about trauma. The images throughout are of being felled, hobbled and tripped, restrained or shackled. – The Guardian

It draws the audience in, demonstrating despair and hope with an infectious energy, while tackling head-on some pertinent current issues. – www.londontheatre1.com

Here the struggle for understanding and reconciliation between the inner child and the adult self became a battleground of agitation and confusion. – Wonderful World of Dance

Choreographer: Botis Seva
Creative Producer: Lee Griffiths
Music Composer: Torben Lars Sylvest
Lighting Designer: Tom Visser
Costume Designer: Ryan Dawson Laight
Production Manager: Andy Downie
Touring Production Manager & Relighter: Pete Maxey
Mix Engineer: Par Carlsson
Assistant Producer: Gabija Cepelyte
Marketing Manager: Siân Gilling
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Victoria Shulungu, Naïma Souhaïr, Hayleigh Sellors, Jordan Douglas, Joshua Nash, Shangomola Edunjobi and Ezra Owen

BLKDOG is co-produced by Far From The Norm, Norrlandsoperan and Sadler’s Wells and supported by Arts Council England