Eclipse of The Heart – an intense solo dance performance that explores the eight stages that often precede intimate partner homicide.
The performance is based on the research of British criminologist Jane Monckton-Smith, who has identified eight predictable stages in an escalating cycle of violence that frequently leads to partner homicide.
Through song, text, music, and dance, we follow the female protagonist through each stage, as her inner monologue interweaves with the voices of other women who have been – and are – in the same situation. Step by step, we move from the first dizzying infatuation to the early signs of the partner’s controlling behaviour, through escalating violence, and ultimately to the killing.
With dance and music as its focal point, the performance highlights a serious societal issue – both in Denmark and globally.
Eclipse of the Heart is a new dance performance by choreographer and artistic director Nønne Mai Svalholm. The work is the second in her RED series, which is based on research into violence against women and femicide. The solo is performed alternately by the two internationally acclaimed dancers Julia B. Laperriére (Canada) and Hilde I. Sandvold (Norway).
DURATION 45 min.
RECOMMENDED AGE 12+
LANGUAGE English
STAGE Foyer Stage
CONCEPT, DIRECTION, CHOREOGRAPHY, LIGHT DESIGN Nønne Mai Svalholm
LIBRETTO Nønne Mai Svalholm, inspired by Ida Marie Hede’s prose text (2024)
LIBRETTO CONSULTANT Ida Marie Hede
PERFORMERS Julia B. Laperriere, Hilde I. Sandvold
COMPOSER (Electronic Composition) Olga Szymula
COMPOSER (Choral Works) Matilde Katinka Böcher
CHOIR Fredensborg Castle Church Girls' Choir
CONDUCTOR Cille Buch
VIDEO ARTIST Magnus Pind
CHOREOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Lenka Vořechovská
ARTISTIC ADVISORS Kasper Holten and Marie Dahl
DRAMATURGICAL CONSULTANTS Maja Munk Johansson and Maria Sandholdt Schultz-Christiansen
COMPOSITION CONSULTANTS Kirstine Fogh Vindelev and Katinka Fogh Vindelev
PRODUCER Art & About
PHOTO Peter Ravnsborg
SUPPORTED BY
The Danish Arts Foundation Project Support Committee, The Danish Arts Foundation Committee for Music Drama, Aage and Johanne Louis Hansen Foundation, Augustinus Foundation, William Demant Foundation, Knud Højgaards Foundation
TRIGGER WARNING
Eclipse of the Heart explores the themes of violence against women and intimate partner homicide through a fusion of dance, text, music, and song.
Women exposed to violence and their relatives can seek help and advice from Danner. Call the 24-hour hotline at +45 33 33 00 47.