Whether it be ancient gods, classical heroes, soldiers or athletes, the glorification of male power throughout history has often tended towards a celebration of war, aggression, and violence. Thor, to whom the title refers, is one of its most famous personifications of this. He can unleash a thunderstorm and lives on, to this day, as a superhero in Marvel comics and films, invariably depicted with his Mjölnir, a hammer with an incredibly short handle.

In VanThorhout, Alexander comes on stage as Thor, with his own Mjölnir. As always in Alexander’s oeuvre, the relationship between object and performer quickly becomes ambiguous. When does one lose the strength to manipulate this heavy hammer, and when does the hammer take over and become uncontrollable? What if all these images of power disintegrate?

After a series of group choreographies, Alexander Vantournhout now returns to the stage alone.

not standing was founded by choreographer Alexander Vantournhout.

Alexander Vantournhout (Brussels, 1989) studied cyr wheel and juggling at ESAC (Ecole Supérieure des Arts du Cirque) and contemporary dance at P.A.R.T.S. (Performing Arts Research and Training Studios) in Brussels.

Alexander Vantournhout’s physical language bears the influences of a varied education and working circumstances. However, it is marked by two constants: his search for the creative and kinetic potential in physical limitation, and the relationship or boundary between performer and object.

Alexander Vantournhout is artist-in-residence at the Kunstencentrum VIERNULVIER in Ghent, associate artist at CENTQUATRE in Paris and cultural ambassador of the city of Roeselare. Alexander Vantournhout is supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation for the development of his projects. Alexander Vantournhout achieved a significant milestone in his career by winning the Ultima for Performing Arts, a recognition bestowed by the Flemish Government, acknowledging his groundbreaking contributions to the cultural landscape.