In a corner of the world

In a corner of the world by Samovarteateret AKA The Samovar Theatre or just Samovar is a description of the small human, the strong will and the great political game. In the production the audience meets Ellisif Wessel. She is known for her writing and as a champion for workers’ rights. She was an uncompromising advocate for the rights of the weak and she was one of the founders of the union called Nordens Klippe (literally: The Rocks of the North) at the mining company A/S Sydvaranger in 1906.

Samovarteateret has worked with her material at several occasions. In 1990 the theatre produced Tenn en gnist i et bankende sinn (literally: Light a spark in a pounding mind) about her life and in 2006 Samovarteateret made Klippen (literally: The Rock) a production celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Nordens Klippe on commission. There is still a lot of material after Ellisif Wessel which has never been used onstage.

In the production In a corner of the world Samovarteateret wishes to have a look at her material with new eyes and to produce a performance in which dance, music and text are on equal footing.

In a corner of the world is inspired by Ellisif Wessel’s poetry and other writing. Within the material are poetry, workers’ songs and letters. Wessel wrote an unknown number of articles being published in newspapers and journals all over the country.

As in former productions Samovarteateret uses an international ensemble. In a corner of the world is bilingual: the dialogue is performed in Norwegian and Russian and in addition parts of the production is subtitled in Russian.

Ellisif Wessel got involved and made controversial choices having consequences for her life. Samovarteateret considers her story important to tell today, when new class divides are created as a consequence of human migration and increased globalisation. For Samovarteateret it is important to reflect contemporary times and through performing arts, the company wants to create room for experience and contemplation.

In the production process Samovarteateret has, among other things, collaborated closely with historican Steinar Wikan, who has written a biography over Ellisif Wessel (2008).

In 2008 In a corner of the world was performed seven times for 622 spectators, and all in all, Samovarteateret drove 524 kilometres. In a corner of the world opened in Nikel November 4. It was then performed in Zapolyarny, Murmansk.

Source: Samovarteateret, 15.12.20101, http://www.samovar.no/

"Splendid theatre about Ellisif Wessel"

Source: Finnmarken, journalist Torodd Eriksen, November 11 2008, http://www.samovar.no/press/Ellisif_Finnmarken_omtale.11.11.2008.pdf