Man in a Room was created for Tero Saarinen by Carolyn Carlson in 2000, one of the most influential contemporary choreographers in Europe. It was originally performed as a part of Spiritual Warriors, a compilation evening of solos choreographed by Carlson for five renowned dancers. Man in a Room displays a man – an artist – in a room. Inspired by the life of the American abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko (1903-1970), the work explores man’s creative anxiety.
``--- Not only an exquisite performer, able to conquer the most traditional ballet fans with his terse technique, Saarinen is also a non-speaking actor, whose face and eyes blow us directly into dreams and nightmares of the existence ---Absolutely ingenious.``
- Dance Europe (UK), 2000
``(the choreography) puts Saarinen through moods of introspection, manic craziness and dark gloom --- Saarinen himself is brilliant — mad eyes staring out with paranoid suspicion at the darkness from the lonely place of his art.``
- The New York Times (USA), 2010
``Undoubtedly the most impressive work of the evening --- Saarinen had magnificent presence. His gripping performance took us right into the artist’s irrational mind. He was totally haunting and engaging. That he held the attention for nigh on 25 minutes speaks volumes.``
- Ballet-Dance Magazine (USA), 2010
``It is gripping and magnificent --- brilliantly danced --- The irrationality and non- interpretability of the movements has its own particular magic ---``
- Kölnische Rundschau (Germany), 2001
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