In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, Jennifer Gohier (choreographer) discusses their show Go!
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
GO! is a game-like performance between two artists looking to challenge each other through professional dance and martial arts. It’s a duet where, in a choreography characterised by the individual skilled martial practice of each performer, these universes meet and mix with humour, precise gesture, and beautiful movements. It is a show for all the family!
GO! was initially a research project. There was no ambition to make a piece, originally, because I didn’t know anything about martial arts - and the two dancers had never met. When we started this project, and when they met, it became clear that it could make a children’s piece, due to their skills and their camaraderie in growing through the game.
First, it was only about practice and transmitting their own martial practice to the other one. Ville was Karateka before becoming a professional dancer, and Youri practised Bunjikan with a Jo (wooden stick). They started to play and improvise with the Jo, and from the percussive quality of Karate. From my side, I was reading about the history and philosophy of martial arts and asking myself what my existing knowledge of martial arts was (movies, video games, manga…). That’s how the piece grew. The choreography has now been fixed through their martial practice, in a collaborative process. I invited the composer Gilles Sornette to create our own soundtrack, and lighting designer Nico Tremblay who chose to work with video projection to create the scenography.
The show is really at the crossroads of dance and martial arts and is the result of a lot of play and fun.
Playful, powerful, and precise.
These two dancers are really high level athletes. Last year, they performed 17 times in 3 weeks at the Festival d’Avignon in the sweltering heat. I’m so proud and lucky to have them! They are very serious and professional, have their own routine, and know each other so well now that performing the piece has almost become a "normal job” or a normal daily practice, despite the physical intensity of the piece. From my side, I have mentally to prepare for a new routine, in English, and to be able to carry the piece and manage the whole team during the Fringe!
I really love this city. I came twice as a visitor during the two past editions of the Fringe and also last May as a performer for Imaginate International Children Festival. The city is vibrant, dynamic and quiet at the same time, full of history due to the architecture, but also young at the same time. And people are so kind and positive. I’m very happy to bring the whole team here and to celebrate the 100th performance of GO! in Scotland.
GO! is a game-like performance between two artists looking to challenge each other through professional dance and martial arts. It’s a duet where, in a choreography characterised by the individual skilled martial practice of each performer, these universes meet and mix with humour, precise gesture, and beautiful movements. It is a show for all the family!
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
GO! was initially a research project. There was no ambition to make a piece, originally, because I didn’t know anything about martial arts - and the two dancers had never met. When we started this project, and when they met, it became clear that it could make a children’s piece, due to their skills and their camaraderie in growing through the game.
How have you approached developing the show?
First, it was only about practice and transmitting their own martial practice to the other one. Ville was Karateka before becoming a professional dancer, and Youri practised Bunjikan with a Jo (wooden stick). They started to play and improvise with the Jo, and from the percussive quality of Karate. From my side, I was reading about the history and philosophy of martial arts and asking myself what my existing knowledge of martial arts was (movies, video games, manga…). That’s how the piece grew. The choreography has now been fixed through their martial practice, in a collaborative process. I invited the composer Gilles Sornette to create our own soundtrack, and lighting designer Nico Tremblay who chose to work with video projection to create the scenography.
How would you describe the style of the show?
The show is really at the crossroads of dance and martial arts and is the result of a lot of play and fun.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Playful, powerful, and precise.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
These two dancers are really high level athletes. Last year, they performed 17 times in 3 weeks at the Festival d’Avignon in the sweltering heat. I’m so proud and lucky to have them! They are very serious and professional, have their own routine, and know each other so well now that performing the piece has almost become a "normal job” or a normal daily practice, despite the physical intensity of the piece. From my side, I have mentally to prepare for a new routine, in English, and to be able to carry the piece and manage the whole team during the Fringe!
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I really love this city. I came twice as a visitor during the two past editions of the Fringe and also last May as a performer for Imaginate International Children Festival. The city is vibrant, dynamic and quiet at the same time, full of history due to the architecture, but also young at the same time. And people are so kind and positive. I’m very happy to bring the whole team here and to celebrate the 100th performance of GO! in Scotland.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
All the shows from the Luxembourg showcase selection - Kultur|lx - Art Council Luxembourg. The selection this year is very eclectic and high quality.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
I would probably say MAY B from Maguy Marin. I remember being deeply touched by this piece.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they will remember it as a nice and fun experience. And also learn that martial art is about respect and humility - not violence.
Where and when can people see your show?
GO! will be performed from 12 to 24th (not on the 18th) - 10:00am at ZOO Venue Southside.
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