What does it mean to ‘be a man’ – and how can we rethink masculinity? The Art of Play(ing Man) explores this question through dance and elements from children’s play and sports.

1. November 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Østfold Internasjonale Teater

For years, Oliver Sale has been rejecting masculinity. Gabriel Skog is the first man he felt truly comfortable with. The Art of Play(ing Man) is their exploration of why – and how physicality, play and consent can form the basis for healthy masculinity.

Traditional notions of strength and vulnerability are turned upside down in this dance performance. It explores the intersections between rough play and consent practices, violence and care, aggression and intimacy. It uses elements from traditional wrestling styles and common children’s games, as well as contact improvisation and partner acrobatics.

Ahead of the premiere of The Art of Play(ing Man), Dansekunst i Østfold is organising a dance seminar at ØIT. DiØ members and other participants at the seminar will receive a special ticket price for the performance. More info and registration for the seminar here.

Artistic team:

Oliver Sale (co-creator/performer) is a non-binary dance artist living and working in Fredrikstad. They have performed throughout Europe with companies such as Company Chameleon, Panta Rei Dance Theatre and 71Bodies.

Gabriel Skog (co-creator/performer) is a circus artist who specialises in partner and floor acrobatics, as well as aerial acrobatics. He is a member of the Fredrikstad based circus company OppNed, and performs internationally as a freelance artist .

Live Skullerud (assistant choreographer/project advisor) is a choreographer with an interest in touch and relational politics. Her work explores how movement can bring people together across generations and traditional social divides.

Produced by: Dansekunst i Østfold in cooperation with Østfold Internasjonale Teater.

Photo: Angelika Hallmann