Norwegian double bill storms Sydney
Despite Covid 19 challenges our tribute to all things Norwegian, Nordic Noir, played to 11 sell-out houses in December 2020 and March 2021. Our singers, dancers, actors, and musical ensemble gave their all to the double bill: the play 'Virus - A Fugue' and excerpts from our forthcoming 'Peer Gynt' production. We were privileged to welcome two special guest dance performers.
Our audiences laughed and gasped at the unexpected twists in Virus - a Fugue, the play by Norwegian playwright Fredrik Brattberg. As one Sydney Morning Herald reviewer commented: 'The play within a play works its magic."
Equally popular were the much-loved and beautifully-played excerpts from Peer Gynt performed by our Endangered Production team.
A highlight was a guest appearance by ex-Bangarra dancer, Rayma Johnson, and young, emerging talent, Isaac Clark, performing to the much loved 'Morning Music' and 'In the Hall of the Mountain King'.
About the performance
First half: Much-loved excerpts from our upcoming Peer Gynt.
For the dance guest appearances, Rayma Johnson specially choreographed two items. Isaac Clark enthralled the audience with his high-octane performance of 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' and Rayma evoked the Australian landscape with her interpretation of 'Morning Music'. Our singers and dancers performed 'Solveig's Song' and a sensual, energetic interpretation of the 'Arabian Dance' and 'Peer Gynt and the Herd Girls'.
Read more about 'Peer Gynt' tasters
Second half: Virus - A Fugue, the play's world premiere.
This one-act play by well-known Norwegian playwright Fredrik Brattberg and translated by May-Brit Akerholt, builds using the principles of musical composition. Short sentences and absurd situations are repeated with different variants as the play progresses - like the contrapuntal interweaving of parts in a fugue.
Read more about 'Virus- A Fugue'
About the special guest dancer and choreographer
Rayma Johnson is a strong believer that culture will lead the way forward, not only for herself, her family and her people, but for all. Rayma is a freelance choreographer and teacher who developed and enriched her practice at the Redfern, Aboriginal & Islander, and Bangarra Dance Theatres. She has toured nationally and internationally.
The production was generously supported by Create NSW and Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council.
like to be involved in future productions?
We welcome all kinds of volunteers. There are opportunities for volunteers to learn and share skills our upcoming production of Peer Gynt.
Suggest someone for our Social Inclusion Program. It provides creative opportunities for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised through disability or disadvantage.
Become a mentor or mentee. We particularly welcome skilled, creative, arts practitioners, perhaps retired, Super Citizens who are willing to act as mentors.
Get a paid gig. Our productions provide work opportunities for professional musicians, singers, and actors.