Interview: Granhøj Dans, ‘This Is Not Romeo & Juliet’

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 Granhøj Dans about This Is Not Romeo & Juliet.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far?

Granhøj Dans, founded in 1990 is one of the internationally best known Danish dance companes and is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation, having through the years presented its productions in over 50 countries In Europe, Asia and the Americas. 

Granhøj Dans and Palle Granhøj have attained numerous prizes and rewards, among them 4 for the best dance performance of the year granted by the prestigious Danish performing arts industry award, REUMERT PRISEN..

What is your show about?

A piece about love in times of war in Europe, that transcends the classic narrative to offer an enriched perspective, inviting to examine the complexity of human relations. Featuring not 

just one but three loving couples in diverse stages of life, displaying the artistry of four terrific dancers and two outstanding musicians.

At the heart of the performance lies the music – a dynamic blend and live execution of motifs drawn from prominent compositions associated with the story. Featuring works by Prokofiev, Mancini, and Gounod, the music underlines the universal theme of profound love and the cruel intrusion of death.

What was the inspiration for This is Not Romeo & Juliet and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

The motif “individuals willing to die for love” as presented in Shakespeare’s script is explored in the show. Contemporary echoes emerged in the process, drawing references to the current war in Europe, that felt intensely close while rehearsing the show in Lithuania, and not the less when performing it in a town at the border with Russia, a few kilometers from Kaliningrad. We hope the audience will naturally draw connections to these real-world events, adding a layer of depth to their experience of the performance.

What made you want to take This is Not Romeo & Juliet to the Fringe?

To show it to the British audience and to the wide range of international presenters that attend the Fringe Festival.

Apart from seeing This is Not Romeo & Juliet, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

Have a look at the shows comprehended in the #DANISH Fringe progam

Why should people book This is Not Romeo & Juliet?

To experience the unique way of dealing with performing arts (both thematically and aesthetically), practiced by choreographer Palle Granhøj and his company.

When and where can people see This is Not Romeo & Juliet?

Zoo South Side, main venue, 13 – 18 of August at 4.30pm