T E N S I O N | Art of Spectra production
What happens when we are restricted by our rooms? When our bodies are charged with energy and tension in relation to each other? How do we experience the relation between space and the body on a purely physical plane or through a philosophical perspective? What happens to that relationship in a social and political context? What is the conflict between the physical and the mental? - does it exist?
Peter Svenzon has created almost 40 dance works since he started Art of Spectra in 1998. His works are characterized by strong physical and multifaceted expressions where dance, music, video projections and visual art are combined in a near cinematic flow.
Tension is no exception. Once again, Art of Spectra delves into the big and difficult questions that
characterize our time. Tension challenges and stresses the laws of physics and the phenomenal
artists let the spectators partake of moments that vibrate from fragile proximity in the powerful
physical presence.
“After more than twenty years with Art of Spectra, the energy in Peter Svenzone's choreographies is diminished. His sense of the street dance is still like a driving engine at the bottom, but today the choreography enhances the expressions; Svenzon not only creates strong pressure in the movements but is also handled subtly with their details and sharpness.”
Göteborgs Posten
“Peter Svenzon does not weigh in on the difficult topics“
“The anxiety is great but it never screams. It is expressed low-key, quiet, painfully beautiful;”
“This is a dance of our time.”
Norrbottenskuriren
“Peter Svenzon is known for his ability to give dance art additional dimensions, where it tells and entertains with his cinematic expression, in "Tension" he surpasses his own reputation.”
"Tension" has an important message to convey to those who are swallowed up by its lively yet sterile inhumane world - society has a responsibility to care for those who have fallen ill as a result of its harsh conditions.”
NSD
Art of Spectra
"Peter Svenzon and Art of Spectra`s artistic expression imbued with a strong physicality and direct communication with the audience. Together with dancer and artist Ulriqa Fernqvist, he works towards an expanded, multi-faceted expression, with dance, theatre, music and graphic art melting into a new hybrid form to reach almost cinematographic quality. "
Since its inception in 1998, Choreographer and composer Peter Svenzon has created over 40 works for the company and collaborated with a substantial number of artists, musicians, directors and actors from many differing theatrical genres.
Together with dancer and artist Ulriqa Fernqvist, both with backgrounds in music and dance, he have with the formation of Art of Spectra, searched for an open multi-facetted form of expression where dance, theatre, music and graphic art become a new hybrid form of theatre with a quality almost within the realms of the cinematographic sphere.
AOS work contains visual and conceptual connections with the 1960’s experimental work of those such as Robert Ashley, John Cage and Yvonne Rainer. Svenzon’s early life as hip-hop dancer, interest in martial arts and his musical compositions push the envelope of early 60’sradicalism even further. His language is informed by this subculture and alternative scene and the cross fertilization of past and present modernism ties together two apparently disparate worlds into a new meaningful idiom.
His own musical compositions, often electronic in form, provide the basis onto which invited musicians can play in real time. The company has placed great importance on its peripatetic collaborations and residences both at home and abroad.
AOS has in recent years toured extensively internationally, hosting residencies and more. Modes of expression develop and widen, new impulses are acted on, impressions change and are processed in a new practice which deals not only with the choreographic language but also includes fieldwork and research in the form of interviews and documentation in both words and pictures.
Art of Spectra have had regular support and funding since -99, by Swedish Arts Council, Cultural Department of Stockholm and Swedish Arts Grants Committee.
In 2013, Peter and Ulriqa Fernqvist were honoured with the prestigious award; STENA FOUNDATION CULTURE PRICE
Peter Svenzon - Composer, choreographer and AD of AOS. Peter has also created dance works for institutions all over Europe. His work has been shown by GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Ballet Chemnitz, Ballet Greifswald, Norrdans and Dansens Hus in Stockholm, among others.
He also works as a movement director for theatre, working alongside such directors as Lars Norén, Vibeke Bjelke, Niklas Hjulström, and others.2016 Peter achieved a master in dramaturgy and directing for movement-based art at Stockholm University of the Arts.
As a composer Peter also creates music for AOS as well as for theatre productions, artists and for International film and Tv. As a composer he creates works for theater and dance productions, artists, TV and films. During the 1990s and early 2000s he played, among other things, also an important role within the Hip hop culture in Gothenburg. Peter has created over 40 works for the company. Peter was rewarded in 2013 with a 10-year grant from Swedish art grants committee.
CREDITS
Choreography, idea, director: Peter Svenzon
Composer: Peter Svenzon
Video, visuals: Joakim Envik Karlsson and Peter Svenzon
Lightdesign, video programming: Robert Jadenfeldt
Setdesign and costume: Nack Creative and Joakim Envik Karlsson and Ulriqa Fernqvist
Dancers: Lewis Cooke, Ulriqa Fernqvist, Harlan Rust, Evan Schwarz, Jennifer Wallén.
Poster photo by Carl Thorborg
Pressphoto by Malin Arnesson
Production: Art of Spectra, Nack Creative
Construction: Ludde Falk, Hede Atelje
Produced in Recidency at Teater Halland
TENSION | 52 minutes | 5 artists on stage | Middle scale stage/ ALTERNATIVE SPACES
CONTACT
Contact person: Ulriqa Fernqvist, artist and manager
+46 703 331774
A.O.S. production AB, Lasarettsgatan 7a, 411 19 Gothenburg, Sweden
c/0 Nåck Studios Stockholm, Frejgatan 51, 113 49 Stockholm, Sweden
