Little did I know…
Little did I know that I, ere or since, ever should speak mouthless (2011) examines the possibilities of dealing with politics in an artistic work. This without representing a specific political issue in too obvious a way, without illustrative images and opinions. The solo suggests a dance that wants to function as a protest song. This "protest dance" embodies and communicates the energy of the protest. The desire and necessity to speak one's mind, to speak loudly, to be heard and evoke an echo in the collective. By viewing the body as a site of resistance, with a capacity to open a space for the political voice, choreographer Frédéric Gies and musician Daniel Jenatsch seek to create a union of intensity in which the spectator can be enveloped.
Dance & Choreography: Frédéric Gies
Music: Daniel Jenatsch
Program
19.30: Doors open
20.00: Show
20.45: Discussion with the artist
In 2011, Frédéric Gies arrived in Sweden. They did not arrive empty handed as they brought with them almost 20 years of choreographic work as well as a solo that was presented in a place that would soon become an important artistic partner. Little did I know… was therefore created by Frédéric Gies in 2011 and presented at Weld (Stockholm) almost exactly 9 years ago, on June, 7th 2012. More than 10 years later, Frédéric brings this work forward again and reexplores the artwork that marked their first steps in Sweden as they take a new step forward.
"And so, this remarkable solo jumps, kicks and shadowboxes ahead, with minor variations, for forty minutes. And is, indeed, spellbinding. Perhaps it is the most rigorous and tightly executed performance-choreography this spring. With its organically pure, minimalist idea the solo manages to portray the clearly deliberate, but at the same time say so much more, and not in the least the unexpected.” Örjan Abrahamsson, Dagens Nyheter
"When Gies finally blows air into a large shell, with a sound reminiscent of a foghorn, it works as a prompting for other ways of listening to the world and to the body. The pink form is reminiscent of both ear and vagina. Perhaps it is essentially life that Gies’ energetic solo is all about. Be that as it may - physically intelligent it is." Anna Ångström, Svenska Dagbladet