(Photograph by Knut Bry: Ida Holten Worsøe and Jørn Bjørn Fuller- Gee)Excellent production that resonates on many levels. (Review by Adi Paxton)
Norwegian playwright, director and choreographer Jo Strømgren’s The Border is an excellent production that resonates on many levels.
There was a lot of laughter and amusement as well as recognition on the part of the audience of the usually hidden dimensions of the battle of the sexes in this representation of a skirmish, or border dispute that takes place between the two protagonists.
The man (‘Harald’ - Jørn Bjørn Fuller- Gee) and woman (‘Jelena’ - Ida Holten Worsøe) share a workplace in a remote northern Consular posting. A quirky juxtaposition of acting with a voiced commentary, impassioned and controlled dance sequences; babbled nonsense words spoken by the two is interspersed by increasingly absurd actions as their attraction and frustration with one another escalates.
Lamps, notice boards, office furniture and bottled water become items of dispute or resolution. The characters’ very different backgrounds are seen to impact on their present actions and interactions causing both recognition and misrecognition. The visual metaphors of a young girl crossing ice floes or a train journey are evocative and cleverly used.
Every aspect of the production has been well considered and choreographed from the costumes (Jo Strømgren) and music well-integrated soundscapes (Lars Årdal) to the use of shadows and lighting designed by Stephen Rolfe
Jo Strømgren Kompani is supported by The Norwegian Art Council. South African tour 2011 financed by the Norwegian Embassy in SA. - A part of a collaboration with Pahn (DTS) that aims to create long term artistic collaborations between SA and Norway. More information at www.jskompani.no
To paraphrase the characters it is a “tBrigh gamazin Good” production, a great ambassador for Norwegian dance theatre. - Review by Adi Paxton.
(The Border will have two performances at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, on November 4 and 5. Entry is free.)