Choreographer Ekman on Contemporary Dance 'Hammer': "It Embodies the Idea of Breaking Down a Selfish Ego"

Dance Performance "Hammer" at LG Arts Center, November 14-16
Alexander Ekman's Latest Work, Premiered in 2022

"The title 'Hammer' embodies the idea of breaking down a self-centered and selfish ego."

Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman explained the meaning of his piece "Hammer," which will be performed from November 14 to 16, during a press conference held at LG Arts Center on the 12th.

"Hammer" is Ekman's latest work, which premiered in Gothenburg in 2022 and has since become one of the signature and most popular pieces of the Gothenburg Opera Dance Company.

This is Ekman's first visit to Korea, while the Gothenburg Dance Company made its debut visit in 2023 at the invitation of LG Arts Center, performing "Saaba" and "Kites."

Alexander Ekman, the choreographer of the contemporary dance performance "Hammer," which will be held at LG Arts Center from the 14th to the 16th, is explaining the work at a press conference held at LG Arts Center on the 13th.
Photo by LG Arts Center

"An era of turning the camera on ourselves... I wanted to capture human emotions and confusion"

"Hammer" was inspired by an experience Ekman had while visiting a restaurant in Greece. He noticed two teenagers laughing and filming themselves with a mobile phone, which made him reflect on how people have become accustomed to cameras thanks to smartphones. Ekman said, "We are living in an age where people constantly turn the camera on themselves, and within that, I wanted to capture the emotions and confusion that humans experience in my work."

Ekman described "Hammer" as a piece that contains his thoughts on the human ego.

"The rigid ego, which is often described as self-centered or selfish, seems to be related to age. Around the age of thirty, people’s egos tend to solidify, and they often become extremely self-centered, selfish, and dogmatic. People with such rigid egos show an inability to communicate. The title 'Hammer' signifies the act of breaking down that ego with a hammer. Ultimately, this work is about the importance of a 'balanced ego.'"

Ekman made his debut as a choreographer at the age of 21 with Sweden’s renowned contemporary dance company, Cullberg Ballet. In 2010, at the age of 26, his choreography "Cacti" was nominated for the Olivier Award, bringing him international recognition. He has since presented works with world-renowned companies such as the Paris Opera Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet, and the Netherlands Dance Theatre.

Alexander Ekman [Photo by LG Art Center]

Ekman's works are known for their visually striking and captivating stage designs. In "Play," performed with the Paris Opera Ballet, he poured 40,000 green balls onto the stage, while in his production of Swan Lake with the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, he filled the stage with 5,000 liters of water, mesmerizing the audience.

Ekman described himself as a showman in some respects. "When I go to the theater, I want to be surprised, overwhelmed, or captivated by something on stage. I really love a great show and am passionate about entertainment that grabs the audience’s attention. I always try to create elements on stage that surprise, impress, and immerse the audience, and I am not afraid to boldly present scenes that may seem excessive."

In "Hammer," thirty dancers take the stage to deliver dynamic choreography. Two Korean dancers, Kim Dayoung (joined in 2023) and Jung Jiwan (joined in 2024), who are members of the Gothenburg Opera Dance Company, will also perform.

Following its run at LG Arts Center, "Hammer" will also be performed at the Busan Cultural Center Grand Theater on November 21 and 22.