We Solo Men

PRESS

“[…] The set, with microphones hanging down from the flies, conveys a contest atmosphere, like in a kind of ‘Germany’s Got Talent’. But the Flemish choreographer isn’t looking for hidden talent; she is examining and investigating behavioural patterns. Typical poses and gestures are subtly stylised, abstracted and repeated. On this […] evening Ann Van den Broek explores the world of those who want to be famous at all costs. In the case of ‘We Solo Men’ they are men, supposedly. In fact, in the last third, two of the six dancers […] turn out to be female […]. Both sexes are imprisoned in their ego-worlds. […]”

Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung, 15 September 2014

preview TEXT

To mark the festival’s finale, Ann Van den Broek presents an extremely virile piece that is guaranteed to touch many nerves. “We Solo Men” shows the paradox that arises from the urge to entertain and be in the limelight and the simultaneous inability to communicate. Four male dancers and two female dancers are “real” men, constantly seeking attention as they strike automated poses and perform familiar movements. Each member of the group is a soloist, performing alongside rather than with the others. All of them strong personalities, they even determine the sound: noises made by the dancers are transformed via computer into the rhythmic composition accompanying the highly entertaining piece. The stage is both an arena for power play and the scene of action and retreat, strength and weakness, confrontation and alienation. With “We Solo Men” the award-winning choreographer has created something rare: a work which is both minimalist and deeply moving.

(Approx. 70 Min.)

 

Watch a video clip from the production on youtube

 

cast & credits

Concept/Choreography: Ann Van den Broek
Dance: Louis Combeaud, Jan Deboom, Andreas Kuck, Cecilia Moisio, Francesca Monti, Dario Tortorelli
Music composition: Arne Van Dongen
Set design: Niek Kortekaas
Lighting design: Bernie van Velzen
Styling costumes: Ann Van den Broek
Advice costumes: Marc Vanrunxt
Makeup artist: Jos Brands
Sign language coach: Marie De Corte
Photography: Maarten Vanden Abeele
International sales: Line Rousseau - A propic
Première: July 5, 2009, Stadsschouwburg Rabozaal, Amsterdam

“We Solo Men” is a co-production of Stichting WArd/waRD, The Hague/ vzw WArd/waRD, Antwerp/ Korzo Production, The Hague and ccBerchem, Antwerp.

With the financial support from the Fonds Podiumkunsten, The Hague and the Government of Flanders, Brussels