The Dog Days Are Over

PRESS

“[…] Then they start to jump, hopping on the spot. At first in a neat row, they gradually start to shift. At some point a circle has been formed, then the first arm swings. Bit by bit, the positions become more complex, asymmetrical, and to some extent more individual. The performers generate their own soundtrack: the sound of stamping feet is later joined by squeaky steps, finger-snapping and claps on thighs. No, it doesn’t get boring. The whole thing, of course, is something to do with uniformity and waywardness; it is relevant and intelligent and virtuoso, and receives mega applause at the end. And just when it is dying down, somebody actually calls out ‘encore’.”
Neue Presse, 12 September 2016

preview TEXT

Flemish choreographer Jan Martens likes to explore areas of life and performance beyond conventions. In “The Dog Days Are Over” he gets his eight performers to jump to the point of exhaustion, thus breaking down the dramatic situation to a personal encounter. Inspired by US photographer Philippe Halsman’s statement that “when you ask a person to jump […] the mask falls so that you see the real person”, Martens consequently puts the theory to the test. In a mathematical-seeming, highly complex choreography, he pushes the performers to their limits as they strive for perfection and all masks fall. A trance-like atmosphere is created in which the definitions of artist and viewer are blurred and challenged. Following on from “Sweat Baby Sweat”, the highly acclaimed acrobatic duet Martens presented at last year’s festival, here is another piece which makes the sweat flow freely, and the thin line between art and entertainment compellingly tangible.

(approx. 70 Min.)

Watch a video on vimeo

cast & credits

Choreography: Jan Martens
With: Ilse Ghekiere, Nelle Hens, Piet Defrancq, Amerigo Delli Bove, Victor Dumont, Julien Josse, Laura Vanborm and Morgane Ribbens
Lighting design: Jan Fedinger
Dramaturgy: Renée Copraij
Technique: Michel Spang
Premiere: 20 of March 2014, Frascati, Amsterdam
International Sales: Line Rousseau, A Propic

Production: ICKamsterdam, Amsterdam and JAN, Antwerpen
Co-production: Frascati Producties, Amsterdam/ SPRING performing arts festival, Utrecht/DansBrabant, Tilburg/ La Briqueterie CDC du Val-de-Marne, Vitry-sur-Seine/ tanzhaus nrw, Düsseldorf and TAKT Dommelhof, Neerpelt

Financially supported by: Flemish Authorities and Performing Arts Fund NL
With thanks to: workspacebrussels and wp zimmer, Antwerp