Interdependence

Interdependence is the first independent solo work by dance artist Elen Øyen. The performance is a personal portrait of the relationship between a dancer and her wheelchair.

Elen Øyen was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair in her everyday life. The wheelchair is often portrayed as a symbol of something limiting or sad. For her, however, it is the key to an independent, creative, happy and free life.

Through dancing with and in her wheelchair, she tells the story of how her movements have evolved through life. From a child playing in the mud and being introduced to a wheelchair for the first time, to a grown woman dancing with her life and dance partner.

The wheelchair becomes a part of her, and she becomes a part of it, while they exist independently of each other. A friendship of muscle, metal, bone and wheels. We and I at the same time.

Dance and choreography: Elen Øyen
Producer: Ingeborg Dugstad Sanders
Music: Luis Della Mea
Technical coordinator: Stig Berg
Dramaturgy: Ásgerður Gunnarsdóttir

Photo credit: DansiT Choreographic Center