Botis Seva: BLKDOG

• Time:

  • Wed 2.9.2026 18:30

  • Thu 3.9.2026 18:30

  • Duration: 65min

• Address:

  Finnish National Opera, Almi Hall
  Helsinginkatu 58
  00260 Helsinki

• Tickets:

  30–45 € (oopperabaletti.fi)

  Get tickets

Event Introduction

London-based Botis Seva is one of the most exciting rising names in contemporary dance. Awarded the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production, BLKDOG is a brutally beautiful reckoning with how today’s youth must survive in a world not built on their terms.

This emotionally charged hip-hop dance work asks whether the search for self can ultimately turn against oneself. Diving into the dark memories of childhood and the pitfalls of adulthood, the performance searches for a path through vices toward peace of mind.

Botis Seva’s powerful choreography is complemented by Torben Sylvest’s music, which carries the audience deeper into the characters’ inner landscapes; Tom Visser’s lighting, which encloses the stage in misty illusions; and Ryan Dawson-Laight’s costume design, drawing from the boundary between childhood and adulthood.

“BLKDOG is for anyone who has encountered trauma and grief. For everyone who has had to witness a family member’s depression or loss. We live in a society where talking about feelings is not necessarily understood. I spent my childhood without saying a word about my feelings, but now at 30, I can finally process them openly.” – Botis Seva

Age recommendation: 14+

Dance and choreography: Botis Seva
Music: Torben Sylvest
Lighting design: Tom Visser
Costume design: Ryan Dawson-Laight
On stage: Far From The Norm: Corey Owens, Joshua Shanny Wynter, Larissa Koopman, Margaux Pourpoint, Max Revell, Penelope Klamert & Sebastian Harry
Rehearsal Director: Jordan Douglas
Executive Producer: Lee Griffiths
Executive Production Manager: Andy Downie
Production Managers: Andrej Gubanov, Chris Burr
Tour Manager: Gabija Cepelyte
Costumes: Jordan Goertz, Julie Sayers, Kelsey Vickery, Kingsley Hall, Lou Petty & Rosie Whiting
Sound Mix: Pär Carlsson
Research and Development: Ekin Bernay
Supporting Artists: Charlotte Clark, Clarissa Shulungu, Ezra Owen, Isaac Ouro-Gnao, Savanah Anais Rowe, Shiloh Seva & Tyrone Isaac-Stuart
Producers: Far From The Norm, Norrlandsoperan & Sadler’s Wells
Supporters: Arts Council England, Kingston University, Laban Theatre, Siobhan Davies Dance & UEL Dance: Urban Practice Department

In co-operation with:

Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation

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