Jean & Julie

In Jean & Julie, Oberon Teater collaborated with double bass player Mats Eilertsen. Based in the improvisational art of the jazz musician, Oberon wanted to examine how music can inspire acting and vice versa. Where the expressions meet, a room for attention and active listening is created.

In the preface to Miss Julie, Strindberg writes that the theatre should be about "reflection, investigation and examination" not to become a dying art expression. With this as a foundation Oberon wants to create a stage environment in which presence and creative powers are consistent conditions for every single performance.

The double bass player Mats Eilertsen’s improvisation stimulates the atmosphere and affects the scenic choices of the actors. In addition he aims to be inspired by the suggestions from the actors and to create on the basis of what he experiences onstage. The actors are well prepared. A handful of moments are arranged so that the story will be able to go on. They function as simple landmarks, more or less the same way as improvisation jazz musicians return to a musical fundamental theme they move in and out of. But the smaller choices and adjustments are always in the hands of the actors, in collaboration with a musician colours the whole thing differently every night: A theatre jam based on the rules of jazz, in a tribute to the risk of every unique moment.

Jean & Julie by Oberon Teater was supported by The Fund for Performing Artists, The Norwegian Actors’ Equity Association’s fund for freelancers, the county of Østfold, the municipalities of Fredrikstad and Halden, Østfold Theatre, the bank Berg Sparebank and Halden AOF.

SOURCE:

Oberon Teater, 16.12.2010, http://www.oberonteater.no/forest.html

Ole Morten Vestby, Fredrikstad Blad, date unknown:

"Oberon Teater attempts to find the groove of the play aided by improvisational jazz. Double bass player Mats Eilertsen flanks the play, processed to emphasise the communication between the main characters rather than Strindberg's discussion of class divides and gender roles. The expressed aim of the company is that the music should impact the acting and vice versa. The improvisations of Eilertsen should respond to the choices of the actors and stimulate the atmosphere. Collective improvisation, in other words, an experiment in interaction across professions."