MaisonDahlBonnema / Needcompany
(Belgium)
The Ballad of Ricky and Ronny
The famous Belgian Needcompany will present itself in Prague for the first time with a controversial image of contemporary love. Ricky and Ronny are members of the global middle class. They have everything, bar a reason to be happy; theirs is the first generation that has separated sex from reproduction; instead of ‘love you’ they say ‘fuck you’. In the chamber pop-opera genre they surf with dialogue, hallucination, introspection, from the sentiments of the musical eighties to David Bowie and rock duets, to Nico meeting Leonard Cohen.
Needcompany is a truly unique ensemble. Since its formation in1986 it has presented performances whose genres defy classification, typically with texts in several languages, use of dance, acrobatics, design and extreme provocation. Founder and artistic director Jan Lauwers profiles himself not only as a theatre director but also as a screenwriter, novelist, artist and film-maker. His ensemble’s productions are hailed as inspiration and contribution for all of contemporary art.
Anna Sophia Bonnema and Hans Petter Dahl are associated artists of Needcompany, who perform in their parent company’s projects and present their own productions under its wings. For this purpose these multitalented artists set up in 2005 a virtual house for fashion, art and concepts: MaisonDahlBonnema.
“The primary for Bonnema and Dahl never seems to be to challenge the limits of performing arts – it sort of happens along the way – but to present their ideas through the intimacy of the human meeting. That´s precisely why "The Ballad of Ricky & Ronny" is both a humorous and touching depiction of the abundance society and the hunt for the individual happiness.”
Dagens Nyheter, 5 October 2008
(Dagens Nyheter is a daily newspaper in Sweden. It has the largest circulation of Swedish morning newspapers.)
Duration: 70min
In English with Czech subtitles
Conceived and performed by: Anna Sophia Bonnema and Hans Petter Dahl. Libretto: Anna Sophia Bonnema. Music: Hans Petter Dahl. Costume and light:
MaisonDahlBonnema. Animation: Jan Bultheel. Production director:
Luc Galle. Subtitling and assistance: Eva Blaute. Support: A Needcompany / MaisonDahlBonnema production,
With the support of the Flemish authorities,
With the cooperation of the Kaaitheater (Brussels),
and ImPulsTanz (Vienna International Dance Festival).
