Theo is a contemporary dance performance for public space that tells the story of an introvert whose behaviour begins to change under the influence of the environment. The main character gradually delves into people, into attention, into the environment. However, a paradox happens – the more he becomes entangled in these addictions, the freer he becomes. Is this freedom of expression real, or does it still arise from the need to feel safe in one’s environment? While the themes within the piece already give much to consider, its success lies in the quality of movement, and the temporality of the location in which it takes place.
The show is designed to be performed in public, at the bus stop, so even the simplest act of watching Theo’s is already performative in itself. Spectators can watch the show from two places: from the bus stop itself, where it takes place, or from the other side of the street, from where the show is watched with a retreat, somewhat voyeuristically. In any case, the staging engages the viewer in the performance, and the bus stop continues to perform its function throughout the performance: it contributes to the movement generated by passing buses, which keeps hiding the stage, and keeps bringing and taking out from it passengers who know nothing about the show.
We presented the show for the first time at STHLM DANS in 2022 and are so pleased to have him back in the streets of Stockholm. Don’t miss his other performance at Frihamnstorget May 13!
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Lukas Karvelis (1997) is a Lithuanian dance artist currently based in Amsterdam. Upon graduating from Codarts in 2019 on a Jiri Kylian Foundation scholarship, he began to collaborate with Royal Danish theatre, Münich Kammerspiele, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani, Dansatelier’s crew and Korzo Theater. In his artistic work, Karvelis seeks to find this crucial point at which change occurs within the body as it diverges away from trauma within society and oneself. This point leads to research on the social phenomenon of addiction, correlating to the body and mind. His own choreographic work has received multiple residencies at O Espaço do Tempo, Atelier de Paris/ CDCN, the Arts Printing House, Cetro Coreografico Gomera and Teatri Di Vita. Karvelis was nominated for the Piket Kunst Award in 2020 and received the young artist award from the Ministry of Culture of Lithuania in 2023.
Choreographer and performer: Lukas Karvelis
Producer: Be Kompanijos
Country: Lithuania/Netherlands
Music: Eric Magnée
Supported by: Lithuanian Council for Culture and Lithuanian Dance Information Center
Photo: Dainius Putinas
