Insomnia, Park Theatre

Riotous Company brings an exciting and cutting edge dance-theatre piece, Insomnia a pas de deux drama for two girls and a piano man, from Denmark to London at the Park Theatre this October. The performance uses movement and music to depict the struggles of two women alternating between fighting sleep and finding a way to rest. The struggle keeps them awake as they are hounded by a piano man pulling their strings, musically and physically. 

Cast and Creatives

Working in collaboration with Nordisk Teaterlaboratorium, the ‘Nordic Theatre Laboratory’, Riotous Company is set to stage a vibrantly multicultural production. Directed by Tage Larsen of Odin Teatret in Denmark, Insomnia stars Italian dancer Irene Cioni and has a musical score composed by the acclaimed Nikola Kodjabashia of Macedonia. Riotous Company works under the visionary guidance of their patron, Kathryn Hunter, the Olivier Award winning physical theatre actress, who has often taken on the roles of male Shakespearean leads with the RSC. Their artistic directior, Mia Theil Have, has worked with the Royal Opera House and the National Ballet and Opera in Macedonia, and performs alongside Cioni in Insomnia.

Challenging Dance-Theatre

Physical theatre can be challenging at times, and Insomnia is no different. However, there is something wonderfully natural about the physical relationship between the two women’s bodies on stage, despite an undeniable awareness of the skilful rehearsal that has gone into their synchronised performance. Kodjabashia’s beautiful and powerful score also soothes the emotional exhaustion that can accompany this intense theatrical experience about staying awake. 

This thought-provoking movement piece is suitable for ages 9 and above and runs for a captivating 50 minutes with no interval. Insomnia only has a week long run so book now to avoid disappointment. 

Click here to watch a short trailer