Vital and gripping, BLKDOG is Botis Seva’s Olivier award winning Hip-Hop dance theatre production.
In an emotionally charged hip hop dance performance, BLKDOG reveals the vicious connection of how self-discovery leads to self-destruction. Through haunting childhood memories and adult life traumas, how do we fight through our vices to find a sense of peace.
With a pounding, brooding score the music adds layers of meaning highlighting the inner working of the characters’ minds. The music has grown from a long standing collaboration with Torben Lars Sylvest and includes a mixture of original music and words performed by Botis’ powerhouse company Far From The Norm and guests. 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. BLKDOG searches for coping mechanisms in the ultimate hunt for acceptance.
“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; spent my childhood never speaking about my emotions and now at the age of 30 I can finally speak up.
I let my art do what it needs to do. Use your art for the right reason and reflect the times we are dealing with. There are broken humans all around us who are trying their best to cope; we need to show each other more love and humility”
— Botis Seva
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BLKDOG transcends cultural boundaries and ignites conversations on a global scale. Its ability to resonate with audiences from different backgrounds and regions is a testament to the universal themes and artistry embedded within it.
Since its inception in 2018, when Botis was commissioned to present a piece of work celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sadler's Wells, London, BLKDOG has gone on to become a critically and publicly acclaimed production, with prestigious industry recognitions including Best New Dance Production at the Olivier Awards, nominated for Best New Dance Production at the Black British Theatre Awards and nominated for Best Modern Choreography at the National Dance Awards Critics Circles 2022.
BLKDOG's remarkable journey has cemented it as a seminal production rooted in Hip Hop form.
