DUVA DIVA: DuvTeatern's Glorious Carmen: Photographs by Stefan Bremer

The exhibition is shown at CHARLES KRAUSE/REPORTING FINE ART in Washington, D.C. opening February 23rd through April 15th 2012. Photography: Stefan Bremer, costume: Paula Varis, make-up and hair: Terhi Kalliola & Stina Asikainen, production: DuvTeatern.

 

Duva/Diva is a photographic series created by DuvTeatern in co-operation with photographer Stefan Bremer and costume designer Paula Varis. The photographs are inspired by the beauty and glamour of the world of opera, the proud and sensual flamenco dance, the dramatic story of Carmen and the roles developed by the performers in Carmen, Bird of Prey.
The performance Carmen, Bird of Prey is a variation of Bizet’s opera Carmen. It premiered at The Almi Hall of the Finnish National Opera in January 2011, and was followed by four sold-out performances. It is a collaboration between The Finnish National Opera, the Blue Flamenco School of Dance and DuvTeatern.

DuvTeatern has from its establishment challenged common conventions and conceptions of theatre; who has the right to be on stage and who is a real actor? The encounter with the world of the opera and its professional singers further highlighted such questions and enabled both performers and spectators to reconsider our notions of professionalism, self-esteem and beauty. For what is beauty? Who is worthy of admiration? And, finally, who is the true Diva?

The realisation of the Duva/Diva series was made possible thanks to the sincere commitment of actors of DuvTeatern and dancers of the Blue Flamenco School of Dance. The series is a tribute to them: to their professional approach towards their work as actors and dancers and their unceasing creativity.

 

Stefan Bremer is one of Finland’s best known contemporary photographers. Bremer received the City of Helsinki’s culture award in 2011. He has been collaborating with DuvTeatern since 2003.

 

"Edgy and compelling, disturbing yet extraordinarily beautiful, these are photographs that rise to the level of great art. Visually, they are stunning. Emotionally, they are almost overpowering. Without so much as a word, they will force those who see them to reconsider their notions of what beauty is and who is beautiful… /--/ I am honored to show these photographs in Washington"
       - Charles Krause

See also the website of the Embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C.

 

           
    Escamillo - Johan Blomberg                                       Flamencodancer - Emma Liekari

Washington Post reviews the exhibition:

Unconventional ‘Carmen’ photos take center stage at Charles Krause/Reporting Fine Art

 

Duva/Diva-anniversary publication available for purchasing!

Please CONTACT US if you would like to purchase the publication or ORDER IT ONLINE.

Photos by Stefan Bremer