Download Is money the answer to everything? What happens to the individual

Is money the answer to everything? What happens to the individual in a bullish and
volatile global economy?
I Hit the Ground Running, a first-time collaboration between Scenkonst Sörmland (Sweden)
and the Baxter Theatre Centre, is a cutting-edge dance and music performance piece at the
Baxter Flipside for one week only from 29 August to 7 September at 7.30pm nightly, with a
matinee on 7 September at 2pm.
The global economy and its effect on the individual come under the spotlight in this
contemporary dance piece which has been developed over a year by the Baxter and
Scenkost Sormland. Following its world premiere at the Baxter, I Hit the Ground Running will
embark on a national tour of Sweden.
The best of Swedish and South African talent come together in this unique creative
collaboration. Five dancers under the direction of South African choreographer Ananda
Fuchs and five musicians playing music by Swedish composer Tebogo Monnakgotla will
bring the power, terror and the complexity of economic growth to the stage in a groundbreaking, unique artistic explosion that promises to hit the ground running.
Through a process of research and development the artistic process began with a
continuous dialogue between Fuchs and Monnakgotla as well as two reference groups from
Cape Town and Eskilstuna, made up of unemployed young adults.
The five Cape Town dancers are Grant van Ster, Shaun Oelf, Andile Vellem, Bernice
Valentine and Leilah Kirsten and the five Swedish musicians are Åsa Karlberg (flute),
Johannes Thorell (saxophone), Camilla Arvidsson (violin), Hanna Dahlkvist (cello) and Jonny
Axelsson (percussion). The musicians were carefully selected because they have extensive
experience working with contemporary chamber music and also performing on stage in the
dance, music theatre and theatre genres. Design for the production is by Marcel Meyer and
lighting is by Benever Arendse.
“The echoing theme for me is the idea that the average citizen lives either on the periphery
or the outside of the economic growth spiral,” explains choreographer Ananda Fuchs. “There
seems to be a resounding sense of alienation from the mainstream or even the expectation
in society of an upward spiral in order to attain success. With an ever-increasing financial
pressure on human beings today, the emergence of a very fragile and often illusive sense of
belonging seems to have been created. We hit the ground running until we cannot keep up
any more – it is, quite simply, the human response to the economic monstrosity.”
Composer Tebogo had the following to say: “Through the music I wanted to musically
capture the different impressions that came up during the workshops with the unemployed
young adults from the two countries. It does not, nor is it intended to, present solutions to
this complex challenge that we face. The sound images are merely a reflection of the
emotions which came from these young people who shared their innermost feelings and
thoughts on the subject of economic growth.”
Scenkonst Sörmland is a regional Swedish organisation for the performing arts which covers
music, theatre, dance and film. Annually the organisation produces over 1 200 performances
through collaborations with professional musical ensembles of all genres, independent
theatres and dance groups, and municipal cultural authorities. This joint venture with the
Baxter Theatre Centre is a three-year project with a view to create and develop a new and
different work each year.
I Hit the Ground Running opens at the Baxter Flipside on 29 August and runs until 7
September at 7.30pm nightly, with a matinee on 7 September at 2pm. Tickets cost R80 and
booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket or at any
Shoprite Checkers outlet.
For discounted group block or school bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Sharon Ward
on 021 680 3962 or email [email protected] or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or
email [email protected].
Ends
For further media enquiries or pic requests contact Ally Patterson on [email protected] or 021 680 3974 or Fahiem Stellenboom on 021 680 3971, cell 072
2656 023 or email [email protected].
Production Information
I Hit the Ground Running
Presented by Baxter Theatre Centre and Scenkonst Sörmland
Choreography by Ananda Fuchs
Music composed by Tebogo Monnakgotla
Musicians: Åsa Karlberg (flute), Johannes Thorell (saxophone), Camilla Arvidsson (violin),
Hanna Dahlkvist (cello), Jonny Axelsson (percussion)
Dancers: Grant van Ster, Shaun Oelf, Andile Vellem, Bernice Valentine, Leilah Kirsten
Sign Language Interpreter: Mpotseng Shuping
Design: Marcel Meyer
Lighting: Benever Arendse
Booking: Through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.baxter.co.za or at any
Shoprite Checkers store
Venue: Baxter Flipside
Date: 29 August to 7 September
Times: 19:30 nightly; 14:00 on 7 Sept and 11:00 on 5 Sept
Ticket price: R80
Duration: 45 minutes