Sezuan (Szechwan)

The Ice Project (Isprosjekt) performance/venue in the Finnmarksvidda plateau, Kautokeino, Norway.
The performance project moved to the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer.
Sezuan is an international collaboration between four Norwegian theatre companies. Teater Beaivvás Sámi Nasunálateáhter (The Norwegian National Sami Theatre Company), The Arctic Theatre, and Sampo Teater.
This version of Szechwan is consistent with Brecht’s original. Yet, naturally, adjusted to the cold surroundings within which the play takes place. The text, stage design, costumes, lighting, and music focus on an interpretation that draws out the essence of Brecht’s play.

Ice sculptures served as scenery, and the actors performed outside in very cold winter temperatures, riding snow scooters.
They managed to perform it in a genuine Sami way, based on Sami ritual traditions that emphasise magic and poetry.
“When somebody, in a warm theatre, strokes someone else over the head, the audience will notice it as nice, but also normal behaviour. But when somebody, in 35 degrees below zero, takes off the mittens to do the same, caressing the cheek of one’s beloved, it is a deed.”

Scenography, costumes, poster and program: Inghild Karlsen
Photos: Siggen Stinessen and Inghild Karlsen
Director: Jos Groenier

Collaboration with KULTA Productions

MORE