Photo: Christine Fentz
t h a n k s f o r 2 014
T ha n k yo u f o r 2014!
The sun has turned, Solstice, X-mas and New Year are celebrated. The days
are growing longer, and we can look back at a fruitful year, sending a big
THANKS to all our collaborators, contributors, funders and friends! On the
next pages see what happened in 2014, and the plans for the new year.
Major news in 2014 was that the Arts Council of Aarhus Municipality granted
Secret Hotel three years funding, 2014-2017, and the Danish Arts Council
supported the majority of our work.
2014 has been very productive: Premiered our new performance B.O.D.Y. –
to have or to be, co-produced an Italian version of our successful old timer
Head & Tail – from amoeba to human being and broadened our network
both locally and internationally. Most important we have delved deeper into
the investigation of our surroundings in the interdisciplinary project, Landscape
Dialogues, creating new ideas and formats to try out, preparing future concepts
and performances within this framework.
Thank you, each and everyone, for contributing to our work through presence,
thought or funding. Our work is based on your participation and together we
create pleasantly awkward and surprising meetings with and within landscapes,
people and ourselves.
Would you like a residency in the beautiful surroundings at Mols Hills?
Or do you have an idea that fits our theme? Sign up for our newsletter to be
up to date with our various events, and please get in touch!
Photo: BAS III workshop/Lotus
See you all in the future landscapes.
Christine Fentz, Artistic Director of Secret Hotel
And the rest of the team: Line Rostrup Henningsen and Aina Wilhelmsen
[email protected] / +45-40843386 (Christine) / +45-50556263 (office)
www.secrethotel.dk
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s ec r e t ho te l
– what do we do?
Secret Hotel creates participatory performing arts for all ages: Experiences,
which are sensuous as well as stimulating for the intellect – innovative, but
always accessible. We expand the notion of ‘theatre’ partly by viewing the
audience as guests and co-creators, partly by exploring new areas, sites and
formats.
Secret Hotel is a spacious ”place” with multiple ”rooms”, which host our many
diverse activities: own productions and co-productions, guest plays, as well as
new productions developed by other artists using our facilities, or networking
activities, artistic research and development.
Secret Hotel has toured abroad and in Denmark for many years and has a large
international network. Since 2013 we focus more on making the world come
to us. We have an office space in Aarhus at Brobjergskolen, a part of the large
cultural production center Godsbanen, but we also have access to work space
in The Mols Bjerge National Park, near Aarhus – here residencies, international
meetings and performances are organised – and you are invited.
Our work is very diverse with several “rooms” active at once, but everything we
do is rooted in the same core: investigating how we relate to our surroundings
and how we can reconnect – a theme we explore in our major project
Landscape Dialogues.
Christine Fentz is Artistic Director, Line Rostrup Henningsen project coordinator,
and Aina Wilhelmsen coordinates the project A WAY.
We work with a lot of different people – artists, other professionals and various
guests – and organisations in Denmark and abroad, in changing constellations.
Photo: Barbara Katzin
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/secret-hotel
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Reindeer Safari, September.
L an d s c a p e D i a l o gue s
These years the overall connecting framework is Landscape Dialogues.
This interdisciplinary project investigates the intersection between:
participatory performing arts (and other expressions)
sustainable approaches, and
landscapes.
At the core of Landscape Dialogues is a curiosity towards how art can
highlight people’s relation to their surroundings, and how we can stimulate
people to try different optics than what we use in our everyday.
Experiencing the world in new ways ...!
Photo: Christine Fentz
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/landscape-dialogues
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W hat Ha p p e n e d i n 2014
Own productions
K.R.O.P – at have eller være [B.O.D.Y. – to have or to be]
Premiere at Bora Bora, Aarhus
Hoved & Hale – fra amøbe til menneske [Head & Tail – from Amoeba to Human]
Touring Denmark + Italian version
A WAY
Preperational workshops Gellerup and Femmøller
In the Field
Performed at Nordic Performing Arts Days, at the festival CPH STAGE, a.o.
Tanke Gange [Think Walk]
Performed in Mols
Collaborations and Guest plays
Reindeer Safari
Finnish walking performance revisits Mols
Sensescapes
Collaboration for product thesis. Mols and Aarhus
Network and development
Info meetings and Dinners in the Dark
Network dinners exploring dusk. So far Mols
Photo: Christine Fentz
Debate Weekend
How to work in the cross field of art, sustainability and landscape? Mols and Aarhus
Barn Art Symposium III
Competence exchange across professions. Mols
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2 014 Ac t iv i tie s
In 2014 we have delved deeper into the landscape, both via Secret Hotels
own productions created together with great colleagues, via guest plays and
collaborations.
We have explored bodily inner and interpersonal landscapes in B.O.D.Y. and
Head & Tail. We have deepened our sensuous knowledge of the relations
between humans and landscape in Reindeer Safari, Sencescapes,
Think Walk, and worked on preparing our future production A WAY.
We have nourished our intellectual understanding of all this work through
debates and sharing with artists and other professionals.
Photo: Christine Fentz
Get a glimpse of our 2014 activities on the next pages.
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K .R . O . P.
– at hav e e l l e r væ r e
[B.O.D.Y. – to have or to be]
In May, at Bora Bora, Aarhus, we premiered a new performance lecture
exploring the human body through evolution, across time and geography,
via body ideals, gender identities and visions of the future body.
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/k-r-o-p-at-have-eller-vaere
Photo: Malle Madsen, Lene Riggelsen
K.R.O.P. tours Denmark from 2015 and onwards.
Creators of K.R.O.P.:
Adelaide Bentzon, Christine Fentz, Kasper Daugaard and Pernille Koch.
Supported by:
The Danish Arts Council, Aarhus Municipality,
Aage & Johanne Louis-Hansens Foundation, Tuborgfondet.
Co-produced with Bora Bora – Dance and viual theatre.
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H ov e d & H a l e
– fra amøbe til menneske
[Head & Tail – from Amoeba to Human]
Although the body has not evolved radically for several thousand years, our
thoughts on how it should look and behave has radically shifted again and again.
A performance lecture for the 9-11 year olds.
Our successful old timer Head & Tail – from amoebae to human being has
toured Danish schools all year and has now reached almost 100 shows.
This December the Italian version TestaCoda, co-produced with Scarlattine
Teatro, premiered in Rome. We hope it will visit many Italian schools in the future!
This spring we develop a shorter Danish version of Head & Tail, and both
versions are available through 2015 and onwards.
Head & Tail is created by Adelaide Bentzon, Christine Fentz and Kasper Daugaard.
Original cast Kasper Daugaard and Christine Fentz. Now Merete Byrial travels
the roads with Kasper.
Photo: Lene Riggelsen
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/hovedoghale
Watch the trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcyVYydfl7o
www.scarlattineteatro.it/page.asp?load=1895&title=TestaCoda
Supported by:
The Municipality of Aarhus, Aage & Johanne Louis-Hansens Foundation,
Bikubenfonden, Danmarks Nationalbanks Jubilæumsfond of 1968,
and the Danish Arts Council.
Part of the Dance-For-Children Programme of Dansehallerne.
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Photo: Jonas Kjærsgaard, Christine Fentz, Karl-Bend Karwasz
A WAY – O n i t s way
Together with Uta Plate – director and theatre pedagogue, engaged at
Schaubühne Berlin for 15 years – we are preparing a big pro-am project, A WAY,
an autobiographic walking performance in Mols, premiering Spring 2016.
Through the second half of 2014 we have organized preparational workshops
in Brabrand and at Femmøller Efterskole.
Workshops and other preparational activities continue through 2015.
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/a-way
Supported by:
Danish Arts Council, Gellerup Kulturmidler
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I n t he F ie l d
In the Field has toured the world since 2008. This spring we performed in
Aarhus, during Nordic Performing Arts Days, at the festival CPH STAGE in
Copenhagen, and other places.
After touring for six years it is still relevant to ask: How do we relate to our
surroundings; to place, space and time – in different landscapes and cultures?
In the Field investigates our perspective on the role of humans in the world in
a mixture of performance and lecture, thoughts, pictures, tea, talks and beautiful
surprises.
Photo: Dmtriv Lagochev
Get a glimpse: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Byr8hL_I5bA&feature=youtu.be
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/in-the-field
Supported by:
Danish Arts Council, Aarhus Kommunes Kulturudviklingspulje,
Nordisk Ministerråd (Nordscen/Nordic Resort), Kulturhus Århus
og Högskolan för Scen och Musik v/ Göteborgs Universitet
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Tan k e Ga n ge
[Think Walk]
Tanke Gange – or Think Walk – is a sensorial and philosophical walking
performance from 2012, which we repeated in April, and will give again in
April 2015.
Think Walk is a generous offer to explore your memories about injuries,
your needs regarding A Home, and your courage to survive on your own in
a true wilderness.
Tanke Gange is created by Christine Fentz, Maria Petri and Johan Forsman
(Skogen, S), performed by Britt Svejstrup Jochumsen and Christine.
Photo: Maria Petri, Christine Fentz
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/byvandring-udviklingsprojekt
Supported by:
Aarhus Municipality and Region Midts Kulturmidler
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S en s e S c a p e s
During spring 2014, Secret Hotel facilitated the creation of a series of sensorial
walks by performer and student Lotus Lykke Skov, as a meeting place between Landscape Dialogues and Lotus’ master thesis in Aesthetics and Culture at
Aarhus University. Lotus now finished her Master, and offers the walks again in April 2015,
together with Christine.
Photo: Rasmus Skov
Read more:
www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/sensescapes
www.sensescapesblog.wordpress.com
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R ein d e e r Sa fa r i
A different landscape-experience – a walk through the hills in a human
reindeer herd.
In September Secret Hotel invited the Finnish collective Other Spaces to
perform their award winning walking performance Reindeer Safari in Mols
Bjerge National Park again.
Like in 2013, the first time Reindeer Safari visited Secret Hotel (both Aarhus
and Mols), the participants found the walk a mind opening sensorial
and social experience.
In 2014 Reindeer Safari in Denmark was realized by:
Lauri Kontula, Minja Mertenen, Kati Korosuo and Veera Tusunen.
Read more:
www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/reindeer-safari
www.toisissatiloissa.net
Supported by:
Danish Arts Council, and Mols Bjerge National Park
Photo: Christine Fentz, Other Spaces, Jesper Bonde Hansen
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Photo: Vitalis Červiakov
D eb ate W e e k e n d
How does a growing awareness of a need to reconnect with our physical
surroundings affect art practices and other work practices?
Our Debate Weekend in May (both Mols and Aarhus) offered presentations in
various formats, workshops and interdisciplinary dialogues. It generated new
insights and will be repeated in 2015.
On the picture you see the participants in an assignment given by biologist and
photographer Inger Kjærgaard, as part of her talk on local based learning.
Participants: Carsten Friberg (DK), Charlotte Mors (DK), Henk Keizer (NL),
Henrik Vestergaard Friis (DK), Helle Trap Friis (DK), Jacob Knudsen (DK),
Jonas Fritsch (DK), Jonas Kjærsgaard (DK), Kirsten David (DK), Kjetil Sandvik (N/DK),
Kristine Bjerre (DK), Leon Aahave Udh (DK), Lone Hedegaard Kristensen (DK),
Lotus Lykke Skov (DK), Melanie Thompson (UK), Minja Mertanen (FIN),
Mohammed Simouri (B), Siff Erdmann (DK), Thomas Rosendal (DK),
Trine Rytter Andersen (DK), Trine Vestergaard (DK), Vitalis Červiakov (LIT),
Zoltan Imely (HUN) and Line Rostrup Henningsen and Christine Fentz.
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/debate-weekend
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B ar n A r t Sy m p o s i um III
In August we held our third Barn Art Symposium:
Secret Hotel’s annual meeting point situated in Mols. A melting pot for artists
and other professionals who meet to share thoughts, creative processes,
presentations and response on the shared work.
In 2014 the participants were: Annette Høst (DK), Claudia Mayer (D),
Dagmar Dachauer (A), Katerina Kokkinos-Kennedy (AUS), Katrine Faber &
Aksel Striim (DK), Kilian Immervoll (A), Lotus Lykke Skov (DK),
Mohammed Simouri (B), Ragnhild Freng Dale (N/UK), Roland Schild (D) and
Line Rostrup Henningsen and Christine Fentz.
In 2015 there will be one year without BAS; instead we host a two week
Summer Lab.
Photo: Lotus Lykke Skov, Claudia Mayer, m.fl. Červiakov
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/barn-art-symposium
Watch the dokumentary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YODB8a4bh9o
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I nf o m e e t in gs a n d
D i n n e r s in the Da r k
In January we held Info Meetings in Mols, inviting people from different walks
of life to hear about Landscape Dialogues – and possibly participate.
This November we began a new reoccurring activity, Dinners in the Dark:
A mixture of play, performance, research, exchange and conversations, inspired
by the old Danish tradition of honoring the dusk: At holde mørkning.
Photo: Lauri Kontula
Secret Hotel collaborates with performer & choreographer Tina Andersen in
creating some of the dinners, which will continue through the winter 2015.
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Photo: Nini Julia Bang
What ’s U p i n 2 015 ?
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2 015
Hamlet Private – Coproduction with Gnab Collective (FIN)
February 20-22th, Mols
A Hamlet just for you, in a personal meeting. Experience how Shakespeare’s
Hamlet has connections to choices in your own life. Performer Nini Julia Bang.
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/hamlet-private
Intercultural Dance
March 5th, Kulturministeriet, Ebeltoft
Traditional Somalian dance meets modern dance when Gobaad, Shanghaiakademiet and Femmøller Efterskole performs at Kulturministeriet. Get an
intercultural infusion through a small exhibition with traditional Somalian
artifacts and a taste of local + Somalian specialities. Organised by Secret Hotel.
K.R.O.P – at have eller være [B.O.D.Y. – to have or to be]
March 4-6th, Warehouse9, Copenhagen
April 23-26th, April Festival, Frederikssund
A performance lecture exploring the body through evolution, across time and
place, via body ideals, gender identities and visions of a future body. Dance,
pictures and personal stories. Performers Kasper Daugaard & Pernille Koch.
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/produktioner/k-r-o-p-at-have-eller-vaere/?lang=en
15 year Anniversary for Secret Hotel
March 7th, Warehouse9, Copenhagen,
and Aarhus, time & place to be announced
Featuring K.R.O.P – at have eller være [B.O.D.Y. – to have or to be],
Hamlet Private and a Dinner in the Dark.
Walking Lab
Photo: Christine Fentz
Mid-March, Mols & Aarhus
Exploring walking and states of mind through various techniques.
A collaboration between Alkemistarne (S) and Secret Hotel.
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2 015
Sensescapes and Tanke Gange [Think Walk]
April 7-12th, Mols
Sensorial and intellectual walks through landscapes, history and childhood
memories. Guides: Sensescapes, Lotus Lykke Skov (performer) and Christine.
Think Walk, Christine Fentz and Britt Svejstrup.
Read More: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/sensescapes /
www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/byvandring-udviklingsprojekt
A WAY preparation workshop
18-20th May, Mols Bjerge
Uta Plate and Christine Fentz teach performance and dance techniques based
on autobiographic material and interacting with the landscape. Participate or
come as audience. The workshop is a method-mix experiment and preparation
for A WAY in Mols Bjerge, 2016.
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/produktioner/a-way
Summer Lab
August 20th-30th, Mols
10 days about the human body and/in landscapes. Workshops, lectures, exchange,
research time – and not just for artists! Call comes out during spring.
Main teachers: Other Spaces (FIN), and Meytal Blanaru (ISR/B) – to be confirmed.
The Walking Neighborhood
Photo: Christine Fentz
Autumn, Mols/Brabrand
Two Australian artists, two local artists, 1 month in Mols, 1 month in Brabrand:
Two walking performances where the local children guides the adults around
their hood. Tbc.
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R es i d e n c ie s
– you a r e in v ite d !
In the middle of the beautiful Mols Bjerge National Park, Secret Hotel is creating
a residency center. At present we offer shorter residencies, and tailor each visit
according to the artist in question.
The facilities are:
• A small rehearsal studio (6 add 9m, not-high ceiling, but heated wooden floor)
• A house with splendid view, total stillness and several guest rooms
• A sauna – not least!
During 2015 we establish an atelier flat, and a small theatre space
Read more: www.secrethotel.dk/en/residens-arbejdsophold
Photo: Said Armani
People joining us in 2015:
• Synne Behrndt (UK/DK) + Jochen Arbeit (D)
• The Collective Kurage (S)
• Melanie Thompson (UK), and assistant
• Alkemistarne (S)
• Ragnhild Freng Dale (NO/UK)
• Dagmar Dachauer (A)
• Other artists in negotiation
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Thanks to all of you, who in various ways, made all this happen in 2014.
Photo: Maria Petri
See you in the future l andscapes!
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