A few words from Ravnedans: In an encounter with Liv Hanne Haugen, the audience experiences both raw power and vulnerability. Through live music, voice, and body, Soul’O takes root within us as we watch. In this way, the work provides access to the physical experience that is so unique to dance—an art form that doesn’t really need to be described in words, but which can carry us away when we open ourselves up.
She lifts the pieces
Ties them to her hands
Gathers strength
(Enheduanna)
Inspired by Enheduanna (c. 2285–2250 BCE)—poet, high priestess, and princess—who wrote poems on clay tablets 4,300 years ago, Soul’O explores power, desire, and our innate ability to rise again and again with renewed strength.
Enheduanna’s poem tells the story of how she was cast from the throne and down into the underworld. It is the story of overcoming the trials life throws at you, only to emerge transformed. Instead of asking who she is, she concludes with “I am,” and at the same time challenges dualistic thinking by insisting that matter, too, contains a soul. For human beings are perishable and constantly in flux.
Drawing on a handful of heartfelt, self-composed songs, live music, movement, and 300-million-year-old coal stones from Svalbard, Liv Hanne Haugen creates a sensory and deeply penetrating solo performance. She is committed to listening to the body’s signals, something that largely guides her work. But how much of oneself can one bear? How unique can one actually be—and how unique does one truly want to be?
When creating Soul’O, it can be beneficial to work as a trio. Participating in this project and on stage are guitarist and composer Alain Kawczak and electroacoustic musician and composer Louisa Palmi. The contrast in these musicians’ styles creates a multifaceted and spatial soundscape.
Suitable for: Adults and teenagers. The performance contains some nudity and loud singing.
Concept, text, song, and dance: Liv Hanne Haugen
Compositions, guitar, and pedals (live): Alain Kawczak
Compositions, electronics (live): Louisa Palmi
Lighting: Anniell Olsen, Øystein Heitmann (first version)
Direction supervision: Mari Vatne Kjeldstadli
Choreography and voice supervision: Silje Solheim Johnsen, Siri Jøntvedt, Anne Katrine Haugen, Anneli Drecker, Therese Øvstebø Markhus
Costume supervision: Rune Hennum Nilssen
Photo: Tale Hendnes
Production: Liv Hanne Haugen AS
Soul’O is supported by the Arts Council Norway, the Fund for Performing Artists, Dansens Hus, and Davvi – Center for Performing Arts
After the performance, there will be a discussion with the choreographer.
Ravnedans wants to make its performances accessible to everyone. If financial circumstances make it difficult for you to purchase a ticket, please contact the Ravnedans team and we can arrange a free ticket for you. Email us at: ravnedans.info@gmail.com
Video introduction
Before the performance, there will be a “Moving Introduction.” Moving Introductions are a physical way to gain insight into some of the methods and principles explored in the performance. A dance educator will introduce you to some of the exercises the choreographer has worked on. It’s a simple and fun way to get to know the piece through your body rather than your mind!
The introductory session is open to everyone, and no prior experience is necessary. You won’t break a sweat, and you don’t need to wear workout clothes, but please wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely. Shoes must be removed. The introductory sessions are free, and no registration is required.
Location: The dance hall at Kilden
Time: 6:00 PM
Duration: 30 minutes
"Moving Introductions" is inspired by an initiative from Dansens Hus, Oslo and is supported by Cultiva.
Ravnedans Discussion Group
When: June 17 at 8:00 PM, right after the performance
Location: We’ll meet at Kilden walk to a nearby studio
Duration: 60 min
Suitable for: Anyone who’s curious!
Languages: Scandinavian and English
Ticket (free): https://www.kunstgavekortet.no/produkt/17-juni-kl-20-00-ravnedans-samtaleklubb-soulo/
Would you like to practice putting your experiences into words? Following four performances at Ravnedans, you’re invited to join the Discussion Club. Here, a small group of audience members gathers to discuss what they’ve experienced. Each audience member’s encounter with a performance is always unique, as we all bring our individual experiences, associations, and perspectives when we view art. Having a shared conversation about the experience can be a fun way to open up the artwork—it can reveal the diversity of understandings and effects a performance can have, and can help you see nuances and reflect on why some things resonated and others did not.
The discussions will be facilitated by critic Anette Therese Pettersen and will take place immediately after the performance. The group will move to a private room, enjoy some snacks, and engage in an informal conversation for about an hour. Since we want to create a safe environment for the discussion, the group is small and limited to 8 people. If you sign up, it is therefore important that you attend or let us know if you are unable to make it.
The initiative is supported by Cultiva and is a collaboration with the House of Literature in Kristiansand and Anette Therese Pettersen’s initiative Porøse Kunstmøter – We should be dreamers.
