Arno Schuitemaker

Work

O S C A R

A portrait is more than a depiction. It is imbued with meaning, it mirrors, tells stories, and invites dialogue. Existing where the seen and the unseen, the outside and the inner world, the individual and the collective meet, a portrait goes beyond mere representation. Often considered as something static—a moment, frozen in time—it can also be a process of becoming, shaped by roots, scars, and unspoken dreams. Whether still or dynamic, it preserves the essence of someone while simultaneously transforming and being influenced by the viewer. It is both a reflection and a projection. But what happens in between, and what distance do we choose?

O S C A R captures a physical perspective on a portrait, of the three performers as well as of the audience. Bringing everybody together on stage, a mirroring floor and countless shadows open up a multidimensional encounter, merging performance and installation into one, inclusive expression of our singularity and what we share—and contribute. Tender, poignant, and propulsive, O S C A R unites embodied journeys of freedom and empowerment. No human is limited.

“One of the big highlights of the Biennale des arts vivants (...) Three dancers amidst the audience. And that is it. And it is brilliant.” — Culture Déconfiture (France)

Created during the Covid pandemic, O S C A R emerged from a desire for human connection, proximity, and the power of shared space in—and after—times of isolation. At its core, the performance encompasses three intertwining solos, which are occasionally also performed independently.

Photo: Bart Grietens

Photo: Bart Grietens

Photo: Bart Grietens

Photo: Bart Grietens

Photo: Bart Grietens

Image: Dammes Kieft

Photo: Bart Grietens

Calendar

Credits

Creation: Arno Schuitemaker
Performers: Ivan Ugrin, Mark Christoph Klee, Paolo Yao
Dramaturgy: Guy Cools
Music: Aart Strootman
Lighting design: Jean Kalman
Scenography: Jean Kalman, Arno Schuitemaker, Paul Beumer
Costumes: Sarah Nixon
Technicians: Vincent Beune, Paul Beumer

O S C A R is a production by SHARP/ArnoSchuitemaker in coproduction with DansBrabant, La Place de la Danse – Centre de Développement Chorégraphique National / Toulouse-Occitanie and Théâtre Garonne, supported by Dutch Performing Arts, and Sala Hiroshima. O S C A R is created with contributions by Performing Arts Fund NL, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, Ammodo, Fonds 21 and NORMA Fonds.

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