BLKDOG

Welcome everyone,

Tonight, we are pleased to present BLKDOG by Botis Seva and his company Far From the Norm. Botis Seva embodies a unique voice in the dance scene: young, bold, and rooted in his time, he does not hesitate to confront today's harsh realities through poignant works.

Recognized with an Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 2019 in the UK, BLKDOG has left a lasting impression thanks to Botis Seva’s unique approach, positioning him at the forefront of hip-hop dance-theater in his homeland and abroad.

BLKDOG delivers a striking portrayal of the choreographer’s experiences growing up in South London. The performance speaks of the violence and tensions that shook his youth, all the while offering a glimpse of hope. Tonight, 11 incredible artists will commit body and soul to translating all this duality into movement. An extraordinary experience, both visceral and deeply human.

At Danse Danse, we are dedicated to giving a voice to these artists who dare to reveal what lies beneath the surface, as we believe that dance should both move and inspire reflection on the world around us.

Enjoy the show!

Pierre Des Marais — Artistic and Executive Director, Danse Danse.
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Territorial Acknowledgement

Danse Danse acknowledges that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka Nation. We honour the continued presence of Indigenous peoples on the Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal) territory, which has long served as a meeting place for exchanges between nations. With respect for the links to the past, present and future, we thank the Indigenous peoples for reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with ourselves, with each other and with nature, and we are grateful for the opportunity to present works of living art at Tiohtiá:ke.

BLKDOG has been on a journey since its inception in 2018. I would never have imagined six years later it would be presented with Danse Danse in Montreal! It is just unreal. This work has allowed me and the company to grow but also to understand life a bit better. Through BLKDOG I share personal childhood experiences & feelings which still follow me to this day. My hope for making BLKDOG was to find healing but also to connect with people who are struggling with daily life and to encourage them to hold onto faith.

Thank you to everyone at Danse Danse that has been involved in supporting Far From the Norm to be here. I want to wish everyone who is coming to experience BLKDOG to let the work speak to you and allow it to grow with you."

With love, Botis Seva.
Choreographer and artistic director, Far From the Norm.

"BLKDOG is for everyone who has dealt with trauma and grief. For anyone who has had to watch family members go through depression or loss. We live in a society where speaking about our emotions may never be understood; I spent my childhood never speaking about my emotions and now at the age of 30 I can finally speak up" — Botis Seva.

Through haunting childhood memories and adult life traumas, BLKDOG questions how we fight through our vices to find a sense of peace and reveals a vicious connection of how self-discovery can lead to self-destruction. The music has grown from a long-standing collaboration with Torben Sylvest and includes a mixture of original music and words that add layers of meaning, highlighting the inner working of the characters on stage minds. Tom Visser’s lighting brings a dark smog of disillusion as the choreography delves into the underbelly of life, while the hooded caps and padded costumes by Ryan Laight echo the protection and comfort of childhood.
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TEXT SPOKEN DURING THE SHOW

28:56 (Jordan & Naima duet)

If you are a monster and you know it with your arms… if you are a monster and you know it with your arms… If you are a monster and you know it then your arms they should be showing it. If you are a monster and you know it, with your arms. Truth, love, alone, Eve, Adam, God, crown, hate, lack, we, to, you, to, wide speak, sleep, lie, move, pain, funny, joke, knock, stop, health, baby, born, Christ, do, you, see, eyes, wide. Ba ba black sheep. Have you been in war? Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full. One for the master and one for the Dame, one for the little boy who lives down the lane.

32:29 (Shango solo)

Shadows on the wall. Noises down the hall. Life doesn't frighten me at all. Bad dogs barking loud. Big ghosts in a cloud. Life doesn't frighten me at all. Dragons breathing flame. On my counterpane. That doesn't frighten me at all. I go boo. Make them shoo. I make fun. Way they run. I won't cry. So they fly. Life doesn’t frighten me at all

48:01 (Vicky solo)

Let’s start from the bottom. What happened that day wasn’t your fault. And how much you care. This is the same thing we speak about every time. The loop never changed, we just fast forwarded it.

Hmm.. From the place safe.. Eh.. Standing, yep. Those who watch are also caught up in the drunk of life.

Don’t look back. Don’t look back. Don’t. Look. Back. Just go.

1:01:16 (Outro)

It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay.

You’re just like me. Someone in this room. It’s okay.

You’re just like him. It’s okay.

You’re just like her. It’s okay.

You’re just like me. It’s okay.

It’s just like God

BLKDOG

Director & Choreographer Botis Seva.

Music Composer Torben Sylvest.

Lighting Designer Tom Visser.

Costume Designer Ryan Dawson-Laight.

Performed by Far From The Norm Dance Artists.

Rehearsal Director Hayleigh Sellors.

Executive Producer Lee Griffiths.

Senior Production Manager Andy Downie.

Production Manager & Relighters Chris Burr & Andrej Gubanov.

Tour Manager Gabija Cepelyte.

Costume Makers Jordan Goertz, Julie Sayers, Kelsey Vickery, Kingsley Hall, Lou Petty.

Mix Engineer Pär Carlsson.

Research & Development Rehearsal Director Ekin Bernay.

Contribution Artists Charlotte Clark, Clarissa Shulungu, Ezra Owen, Isaac Ouro-Gnao, Savanah Anais Rowe, Shiloh Seva, Tyrone Isaac-Stuart.

Co-produced by Far From The Norm, Norrlandsoperan and Sadler’s Wells.

Supported by Arts Council England, Kingston University, Laban Theatre, Siobhan Davies Dance and UEL Dance: Urban Practice Department.