Harlequin
The Harlequin statuette is awarded to artists in theatre, dance, musical, pantomime and revue. The recipients are appointed by a professional committee with in-depth knowledge of the Danish performing arts.
Every year on the 7th of May, Henrik Lyding's birthday, performing artists are honored with the Harlequin awards for their artistic contributions.
The recipients of Harlequin 2025
Every year on the 7th of May, the Henrik Lydings Memorial Fund awards a Harlequin to professional performing artists in theatre, dance, musical, pantomime or revue. Artists who have shown exceptional talent, where their deep dedication to their artistic work.
harlequin statuette
The Harlequin statuette is the unifying symbol for the Henrik Lydings Memorial Fund awards.
Henrik Lyding was for a number of years leading dramaturg at the Pantomime Theatre in Tivoli, where the legacy of La Commedia dell'Arte, the Italian theatre tradition of the 16th century, with fixed character types, masks and a stylised, bodily expression, continues to live. Henrik was a deep connoisseur of this tradition, which at the Pantomime Theatre is conveyed through classical ballet and mime play.
In the Harlequin figure you can find several of the features that also characterized Henrik Lyding. The quirky and colourful, the elegant and the musical, but also the darker and more shadowy, where the seriousness lies just beneath the surface.
We are proud to have been allowed to bring the work of the Utzon family into the work of the Foundation. We hope that the Harlequin statuette will set a lasting direction for how we honour performing artists in the future, with respect for tradition and an eye for the new.
tre kategorier
Harlekinstatuetten uddeles i tre kategorier, der alle afspejler bredden og dybden i dansk scenekunst, fra det spirende til det etablerede og det livslange virke.
Artistic quality and innovation
Awarded to a performing artist who has distinguished himself with a special achievement in the past year or in a specific role. The award recognizes those moments when talent, technique and artistic courage go up into a higher unity.
experience and development potential
Given to a talent with a clear artistic potential and a direction that points forward. The award is an investment in the talent that is still in development but is already calling for attention.
Importance for the performing arts environment
Awarded in recognition of sustained and significant effort for the performing arts. An award that looks not only at the works, but at the imprint that the performing artist has left over time.
The recipients of Harlequin are appointed annually by an independent committee composed of distinguished and respected voices from the professional environment of the performing arts.
Dinna Bear
Choreographer
Anne Middelboe Christensen
Theatre and dance reviewer (Dagbladet Information)
Michael Soby
Theatre reviewer (CPH Culture)
Jan Hertz
Theatre director
udvælgelseskriterier
Komitéens udvælgelseskriterier for scenekunstnere, der tildeles Harlekin Scenekunstnerpris, Harlekin Hæderspris og Harlekin Talentpris.
Artistic quality and innovation
- The committee attaches paramount importance to artistic quality, technical skill and a distinct personal voice.
- This concerns the ability of interpretation, timing and musicality, as well as the artist's contribution to either carrying on an important tradition or developing new forms of expression in the performing arts.
experience and development potential
- The committee's assessment also includes the background, education and professional merits of the artist.
- At the same time, it is important that the artist has long-term potential and a clear direction in his work.
Importance for the performing arts environment
- The committee looks at how the award can support the artist's continued development and strengthen his or her role in the field.
- It is emphasized that the recipient actively contributes to the performing arts environment, as an inspirer, knowledge sharer or artistic role model.
Selection process
In order to ensure a thorough and professional selection, the Committee shall work in accordance with an established and confidential process.
01.
Options and initial assessment
- The members of the Committee nominate candidates for Harlequin on the basis of the established selection criteria.
- In respect of the tradition and outlook that characterised Henrik Lyding, a broad representation of the disciplines of the performing arts, including pantomime, ballet and revue, is sought.
- At the same time, artists with significant potential and emerging importance in the field must be included in the considerations.
02.
PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT
- Candidates are all assessed on artistic quality, technical level, artistic direction and importance to the performing arts.
- The committee will discuss how the prize can most meaningfully support the further development and work of each artist.
03.
Final decision
- Recipients shall be appointed on the basis of an overall professional assessment and consensus of the Committee. The discussions will take place confidentially and with respect for the purpose and spirit of the award.
- Recipients are informed ahead of the official announcement on 7 May and invited to attend the awards along with their artistic director, director or choreographer.
- If a recipient does not have the opportunity to participate, a representative is appointed to ensure a dignified and visible recognition.