ABC – Das Maler-Alphabet

Wild capital letters stumble their way upwards, whilst princes and swans step out of their frames to lend a hand. “ABC” is a dizzying journey through the alphabet, in which the letters ultimately decide to perform a ballet high up in the clouds.

“ABC – The Painter’s Alphabet” is a great delight for very young audience members as well as for slightly older children and adults, whether or not they are familiar with the Latin alphabet.

This funny and imaginative circus and magic show surprises, makes you laugh and, in the process, sparks curiosity about the world of letters.

About the company / Artist

Kompani Giraff creates visual and unique circus performances rooted in poetic storytelling and a passion for magic in everyday life. Building on this foundation, the company explores the field of contemporary circus and creates interdisciplinary art.

Kompani Giraff’s productions are based on the perspectives of young people and a belief in children’s ability to engage with complex themes. The company explores the seriousness of play with an approach that is both respectful and curious.

The artists are guided by the conviction that the circus, as an art form, has great potential to reach new audiences by overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers.

The company has its roots in the legendary variety show *Salong Giraff* in Stockholm at the turn of the millennium. Viktoria Dalborg, one of the creative minds behind the show, decided to carry on the legacy and founded Kompani Giraff. She was joined by the visionary magician Axel Adlercreutz and the fashion designer Sus Soddu.

Together with their hand-picked ensemble, the three artistic directors create productions with a distinctive flair combining visual elegance, fluid magic and intelligent choreography. Kompani Giraff stages around 150 performances a year. Internationally, the company has performed in China, America, France, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Malta.

Jury’s statement

With “ABC – A Painter’s Alphabet”, a production from the field of contemporary circus is appearing at the FRATZ Festival for the first time. The audience enters a sort of painter’s studio: white-painted walls, a splattered stepladder, materials suggesting work in progress. Shortly afterwards, two performers appear in painter’s overalls. Their task: to literally conjure up the entire Latin alphabet.

They set to work with impressive precision and artistic ease. They carry out their task with the concentration, inner logic and playfulness that children, too, possess. The pair juggle, dance and build amusing mechanical constructions.

The alphabet provides the piece with a playful dramaturgical framework that is intuitively accessible – whether you recognise the letters or not. The unifying thread of the production is the shared sense of wonder and delight at the many magical and surprising moments – such as when, for example, a prince suddenly steps out of a painting or a swan appears with a suitcase and a tulle skirt. Acrobatics, magic and elements of slapstick combine to create a clever and captivating piece for an intergenerational audience.

• Director: Viktoria Dalborg
• Co-creative artists: Jenny Soddu, Petter Wadsten
• Set and costume design: Sus Soddu
• Music: Isak Elwin
• Magic consultant: Axel Adlercreutz
• Make-up design: Tuija Valén
• Sound design: Joakim Björklund
• Technical production manager: Stefan Karlström
• Production management: Mette Klouman

World premiere: 15 February 2024

Running time: 35 minutes, no curtain call

Accessibility: For deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences

Language: No spoken language

“ABC – A Painter’s Alphabet” is a production by Kompani Giraff.

Funded by: the Swedish Arts Council, the Region of Stockholm, the City of Stockholm and the Swedish Arts Grants Committee.