Iztok Kovač, En–Knap Group

Superfluous

7 min

#vr360

2022

Triplet is a hybrid performance format that combines a live dance performance, a moderated conversation with the artists, and an immersive VR360 experience. Audiences encounter the work from multiple perspectives: first in the theatre, then through dialogue with its creators, and finally from the centre of the stage via a virtual reality headset. Filmed in 360°, the VR experience allows each viewer to choose their own point of view and navigate the choreography from within, becoming the director of their own experience. Created during the closure of theatres and accompanied by the live music of Tomaž Grom, Superfluous reflects on uncertainty, isolation, and the role of the individual in a rapidly changing world. Together, the performance, conversation, and VR experience create a layered encounter that extends beyond the conventional theatre format.

More is more. For some. Less is less. For everyone else.

The system produces. It produces numbers, profits, humans, masses. It produces more, it produces ever more, it produces superfluous. No matter where in the system one finds oneself, where in the system one is stuck, or sticks out, the force, the compulsion remains: consume. One is superfluous, one consumes. One does not consume, one is branded.

Intertwining choreography of movement, words and music, Superfluous examines personal and social positions, facets in which the “superfluous” are a symptom, an effect of the system, its antagonisms, struggles, from the economy of gratification and the jobless to the democracy of choice and the homeless. Who is superfluous and who is useful, and for whom? Do we exist if we do not produce or consume? Who do we give up on last when we have given up on humanity?

Based on The Superfluous Human by Ilija Trojanow, an essay on late capitalism, a system that systematically renounced humanity in favour of profit and abundance, destruction and collapse, the performance was created during the pandemic that laid bare the system of “superfluousness”. VR sequences developed as a follow-up to video tasks, reflections on the essay during isolation, combined with a spontaneous, open dramaturgy in which original music and lighting inspire action to uniquely complement, complete the structure.

Most people are stuck in the quicksand between success and superfluousness. They struggle to remain useful, to become essential – to avoid the looming descent into social irrelevance and material deprivation.

Ilija Trojanow

bio

Iztok Kovač is a choreographer and founder of En–Knap. Following the international success of his solo How I Caught a Falcon (1991), he became one of the key figures in the development of Slovenian contemporary dance. He founded En–Knap Group, Slovenia's first permanent contemporary dance ensemble, and serves as artistic director of both En–Knap and the Španski borci Cultural Centre. His works have toured internationally for more than three decades. Additionally, his artistic practice includes six dance films, international pedagogical work, guest choreography and the direction of major national events in Slovenia. During the Covid period, he initiated Stage360, developing dance works in virtual reality.

credits

Concept Iztok Kovač

Performed and created by Mattia Cason, Luke Thomas Dunne, Tina Habun, Rada Kovačević, Tamás Tuza, Carolina Alessandra Valentini

Original cast Giorgia Belotti, Luke Thomas Dunne, Katja Kolarič, Rada Kovačević, Radoslav Piovarči, Tamás Tuza

Live music Damir Avdić, Tomaž Grom, Samo Kutin, Boštjan Gombač (alternately)

Light design Jaka Šimenc

Set design Iztok Kovač, Jaka Šimenc

Costumes Katarina Škaper (Atelje d.o.o.)

Props En–Knap Group

Based on the book Ilija Trojanow, »The Superfluous Man«

Stage360

Artistic director Iztok Kovač

Camera and montage Andrej Lamut

Technical coordinator of the project Omar Ismail 

Sound recording and processing Studio 100

VR technology consulting Marko Cafnik & Multiversum

Light adaptation technical team Španski borci

Executive production Katja Gabrijelčič

Produced by En–Knap Productions Ljubljana and En–Knap Productions Trbovlje

En–Knap Productions

Founder and artistic director Iztok Kovač

Managing director Marjeta Lavrič

Executive director and head of finance Julija Travančič

Executive producer Karmen Keržar

En–Knap Group rehearsals director Ana Štefanec Knez, Luke Thomas Dunne

Public Relations Nina Smerkol

Marketing Goran Pakozdi

Design Neja Engelsberger

Event coordinator and organiser Katja Gabrijelčič

Technical support Leon Curk, Omar Ismail, Hotimir Knific, Gal Škrjanec Skaberne, Špela Škulj

En–Knap Productions and Španski Borci Cultural Centre (managed by En–Knap Productions) are supported by: City of Ljubljana – Department of Culture, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia