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Description
The multi-genre theatrical project “So silent till…” focusing on contemporary opera will be composed for two voices and a small orchestra and is about a woman and a girl who create alternative worlds full of imagination to resist unpleasant memories of mental and physical abuse. It is a multi-genre project - opera with an emphasis on dance, theater of objects and visual theater.
Important art groups and theater institutions participate in the project. Spitifre Company, one of the most progressive groups on the domestic independent scene. Berg Orchestra, which perform contemporary music in its genre diversity. The renowned Norwegian artist Yngvild Aspeli (Art Director of Plexus Polaire) will supervise and collaborate on the production of puppets and objects that make up an important part of the performance. It is therefore a bilateral cooperation project. Part of the project is the process of the whole production and creation of the new performance, which includes a weekly workshop and the development of objects and puppets with Yngvild Aspeli. The premiere and 11 reprises will be presented at the Komedie Theater, which belongs to the Prague City Theaters organization. As part of cooperation with Yngvild Aspeli, her performance Chambre Noire will also be held in Prague for the first time, as part of the international Zero Point Festival.
Summary of project results
The project raised awareness of the genre of contemporary opera and brought new audiences to it. A high quality, audience-successful performance was created and contemporary Norwegian works were introduced. All the works tried to bring fragile social issues and problems to the audience in a creative way.
Challenges in the implementation: the covid19 pandemic - several changes in the project schedule; the loss and change of the Norwegian partner; a big rise in market prices.
The outcome of the project was the promotion of contemporary art, which took place through the implementation of 18 events for the public. They were attended by 1880 spectators. The activities led to attracting new audiences and introducing them to the genre of contemporary opera. The work highlighted the theme of abuse. It was a capacity development support for cultural actors, involving a total of 5 people and sharing practice on working with young audiences.
The project promoted awareness of contemporary art and trends in the Czech independent scene. It created an opportunity for creative education. It strengthened audience base and launched new partnerships. Promoted intergenerational connections. It has also strengthened the capacity of artists and cultural workers. It has facilitated Czech-Norwegian cultural exchange.
The project included a new performance, an opera in collaboration between the Spitfire Company and the BERG Orchestra: "So Quietly Until ...".
In total, 12 performances took place. The project enabled the staging of a successful work of art under adequate conditions for the entire production team of established and emerging artists. It strengthened the Czech independent art scene and gained a new audience.
As part of the bilateral cooperation, the Norwegian company NIE was hosted in Prague''s Akropolis Palace. Museum of Memories (11.12.2023), The End of Everything Forever (12.12.2023) and Coming from Far Away (13.12.2023), always twice. This activity allowed the NIE to present their work on the Czech stage and also reached young audiences and schools.
As part of the bilateral cooperation, 2 young Czech curators also took part in a working trip to Norway, which significantly strengthened their overview of the Norwegian cultural scene and gave them valuable work experience.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership cooperation was mainly based on exchange and sharing of experience. Dramaturg Kjell Moberg shared his knowledge of working with young audiences with the Spitfire Company and Berg Orchestra. Which was essential in the process of staging the performance. Also, thanks to his comments, we supplemented the performance material with a methodology for working with schools and young audiences. The artistic ensemble NIE, founded by the partner, was able to present its work in a 3-day show in Prague. Here they were able to show their experience in practice, as all the presented works are commonly presented to schools in Norway and subsequently serve as a basis for further creative education and bringing important social issues and historical events to the fore. Two young Czech curators went to Norway on a working trip and had the opportunity to see a festival dedicated to children and youth - SHOwbox, which is organized by the partner.The cooperation was fully realized. A continuous partnership has been established and deepened, which will not end at the end of the project itself. Overall, it has strengthened the entire implementation team and made many pitfalls in creating for young audiences, opening up many sensitive issues.The cooperation has undoubtedly led to increased understanding between Czech and Norwegian artists/lecturers/participants.