Alan Lucien Øyen

Alan is one of the most exciting up-and coming artists in Norway today, whose work as writer, choreographer and director has been highly acclaimed in his home country and abroad.

Alan began as a dancer, graduating in in 2001  from the State School for Art in Oslo and subsequently joined the Norwegian National Company for Contemporary Dance. He went on to work with Amanda Miller's Pretty Ugly dance company in Cologne, Germany, where he also worked as a freelance performer and developed dramaturgy, text and concepts for among others, Hooman Sharifi, Robyn Orlin and James Anthony Rizzy.

Alan began choreographing and staging his own performances in 2004. In 2006 his company, Winter Guests was established, and by the end of 2010 he'd completed 12 pieces including 5 commissions for Carte Blanche, Icelandic Dance Company, The Norwegian National Ballet and Skaanes Dance Theatre.

Whether it's theatre or dance, Alan's work has a highly emotional and dramatic drive.  His choreographic language is complex and requires technically skilled performers.  The work is informed by the world around him which allows him to draw inspiration from a myriad of sources including high art and popular culture as well as personal conversations and experiences - always in pursuit of a sincere and human expression.

Since the beginning, Alan's work has attracted highly skilled and experienced collaborators - often the performers on stage are themselves writers, choreographers or directors.

Alan is commissioned to create work for ballet and contemporary dance companies in Norway and abroad.  He has won several awards for his choreographic works.

Alan is founder and artistic director of Winter Guests and his work has  been generously supported by the Norwegian Arts Council since 2004.