She lifts up the elements
She binds them to her hands
She 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 poems tell 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 humans 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 be—and how unique does one actually want to be?
When creating Soul’O, it can be good to be a trio. Joining this exploration on stage are guitarist and composer Alain Kawczak and electroacoustic musician and composer Louisa Palmi. The contrast in these musicians’ expressions creates a multifaceted and spatial soundscape.
Suitable for: Adults and teenagers. The performance contains partial nudity and loud vocals.
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)
Directing supervision: Mari Vatne Kjeldstadli
Choreography and vocal 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, Davvi – Center for Performing Arts
