the importance of shepherds
Choreography & Performance: Maria Svensson
Assistant Director: Tonya Sheina Costume Design: Anke Laerenbergh Music: Zvonko Bogdan, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Emmylou Harris, Kaoma and Maria Svensson. The Importance of Shepherds is a slightly humorous and autobiographical solo created during a residency with Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company in 2015. The solo is an attempt to celebrate women and especially Maria's granny Mary Henic and her journey as a refugee from the Balkans to Sweden in the mid 1960's. In the complexity of this it is also a reflection on Maria's own relation to society, growing up in the Swedish welfare state, and how she would have organised herself in order to exist in this world. |
Photos by Living Witness Photography
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Audience Feedback:
“It is the most powerful performance – so moving – an absolute gem, if such a term can be used for something so devastating. Simplicity masking amazing depth.”
“Powerful, painful, funny journey. Maria you are one clever, talented, honest woman. It was the most powerful, soft, light and then “Hard Punch” of pain repeated again and again, so craftfully performed.”
“Wonderful, I loved the wonder of exploring a life and history in Shepherds and the humour.”
“Very touching, while humorous.”
“It is the most powerful performance – so moving – an absolute gem, if such a term can be used for something so devastating. Simplicity masking amazing depth.”
“Powerful, painful, funny journey. Maria you are one clever, talented, honest woman. It was the most powerful, soft, light and then “Hard Punch” of pain repeated again and again, so craftfully performed.”
“Wonderful, I loved the wonder of exploring a life and history in Shepherds and the humour.”
“Very touching, while humorous.”
Performances:
TOCH International Dance Festival 2017 Siamsa Tíre The National Folk Theatre of Ireland
Quarter Block Party 2017 as part of Triptych
St John's Arts Centre Listowel
Tech Amergin Waterville
Echo Echo Movement & Dance Festival 2015
TOCH International Dance Festival 2017 Siamsa Tíre The National Folk Theatre of Ireland
Quarter Block Party 2017 as part of Triptych
St John's Arts Centre Listowel
Tech Amergin Waterville
Echo Echo Movement & Dance Festival 2015
Triptych - Triple bill as part of Quarter Block Party 2017 with performances by Maria Svensson, Cathy Walsh & Laura Murphy.
The Importance of Shepherds was made possible thanks to Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company and Kerry County Council.
© 2024 Maria Svensson. All rights reserved