A DANCE TRIBUTE TO PING PONG

Choreography, costumes, props, text: Jo Strømgren
Cast: Sverre Magnus Heidenberg, Mikkel Are Olsenlund, Jan Nicolai Wesnes, Maria Henriette Nygård/Caisa Strømmen Røstad
Sound design: Lars Årdal, Audun Melbye
Lighting design: Stephen Rolfe
Puppet design/maker: Stephan Østensen
Photo by: Knut Bry
Production: Jo Strømgren Kompani v/ Sunniva Steine and Kristin Skiftun
Co-producers: Dansens Hus (N), Riksteatret (N).
Costumes and props are produced in collaboration with Riksteatret.
Supported by: Norwegian Arts Council, Spenn.no

Table tennis is not just a sport. It is a philosophy. An Asian guru leads his students through the minefield of modern life, showing the way to happiness ever after.

A Dance Tribute to Ping Pong is an independent sequel to Jo Strømgren Kompani’s massive success A Dance Tribute to the Art of Football. In addition to an abundance of entertaining dance and tricky situations, the production creates associations that are far more complex than the title might imply. Table tennis is for all appearances simple, but you will perhaps be surprised to learn how complicated and difficult it actually is. That’s right, like life itself. Jo Strømgren has once again dived into the seemingly inexhaustible pool of ideas that he possesses. VG, Norway A playful cultural collision. Dagbladet, Norway

Jo Strømgren Kompani was founded in 1998 and has from its base in Oslo, Norway, grown to become one of the most stable independent groups in Scandinavia. The company presents 100-200 shows in 10-20 countries each year. The touring list covers 50 countries so far, frequented by a repertory of 23 stage productions and 2 movie productions. The company operates through widespread networks and performs both in large national theatres and small alternative venues. The style is characterised by a mix of dance and theatre, with puppet theatre, film, and live music often added. Jo Strømgren also has a steady career as a freelance choreographer, theatre director, and playwright.