Interview: Jannik Elkaer, ‘Tennis’
Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with the Artistic Director and Performer Jannik Elkaer from the physical and dance company DON GNU about the production Tennis.
Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far?
DON GNU is a dynamic blend of physical action theater and dance, founded in 2010 by myself and Kristoffer Louis Andrup. Our artistic duo leads the company, and we’ve become one of the most touring companies in Denmark. Our name, DON GNU, embodies the paradox of individuality (Don) and collective spirit (Gnu). We explore this tension in our work, creating a space where humor, poetry, and raw physicality intersect.
What is your show about?
“Tennis” is a thrilling, sweat-soaked, and poetic exploration of true fighting spirit. In this performance, DON and GNU are back in top form, using slapstick comedy and poignant dance to unravel the net they’ve entangled themselves in. As antiheroes, we delve into the depths of our egos, seeking something greater than individual rivalry—a collective unconscious perhaps, where two bodies move together like a tango instead of battling each other.
What was the inspiration for Tennis and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?
The inspiration for “Tennis” came from the legendary 1980 Wimbledon final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. We took these iconic tennis players and let our characters, Bjorn Gnu and Don McEnroe, play out a battle of egos. But beyond the individual clash, we discovered something profound—a friendship born from the struggle. Our development process involved combining humor, physicality, and poetic language to bridge consciousness and the unconscious, inviting audiences to witness this unique dance of rivalry and connection.
What made you want to take Tennis to the Fringe?
Bringing “Tennis” to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival was a natural choice. The Fringe is a vibrant platform for innovative performances, and we wanted to share our blend of physicality, humor, and depth with an international audience. It’s an opportunity to connect with fellow artists, engage in dialogue, and celebrate the beauty in the mundane through our art.
Apart from seeing Tennis, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?
While at Edinburgh fringe I can definitely recommend to see all the other shows from Denmark. In the physical genre there is This Is Not Romeo and Juliet by Granhøj and Transhumanis by Next Zone
Why should people book Tennis?
Why Book “Tennis”? Booking “Tennis” means experiencing a unique fusion of athleticism, emotion, and thought-provoking storytelling. Our performance invites you to laugh, reflect, and witness the magic of movement. It’s a chance to see the beauty in the ordinary, as well as the extraordinary, all within the confines of a tennis court3.
When and where can people see I’ve Been Sitting on This for a While!?
TENNIS at ZOO Southside - Main House 13-18, 20-25 time 14:30
