Vellystens Tilflukt* (The Refuge of Pleasure)

Vellystens Tilflukt* (The Refuge of Pleasure) was a theatre production by Det Motsatte Prosjekt, produced in 1990. Vellystens Tilflukt was the first production by the company.

Jon Tombre directed it.

In the program for Vellystens Tilflukt the following, among other things, is written:

"Vellystens Tilflukt builds on texts by Jean Genet; a world in which all ordinary reasons to live have been exterminated and new have been discovered. The only criteria to judge an action is its elegance. The actions have to be completed, brought to their consequence, and whatever the starting point the result will be beautiful. An action is only not beautiful or evil to the degree it is not completed."

*Not yet translated into the English. The title within parentheses is the Norwegian title's literal meaning.

Information

(Objekt ID 17534)
Object type Production
Premiere September 1, 1990
Produced by Det Motsatte Prosjekt
Based on Haute Surveillance by Jean Genet
Audience Adults
Audience size 455
Number of events 8
Keywords Theatre, Site spesific performance
Running period September 1, 1990  —  September 16, 1990

Requirements to venue

Blackout No
More

In the program for Vellystens Tilflukt* (The Refuge of Pleasure) the following, among other things, is written:

"In his play Deathwatch Genet pays tribute to murders and murderers. Taking a life may be a beautiful and grand moment- it is through the beauty one recognises the disaster. But not all crimes or murders are great. Those performed for the sake of gain or loss of control are gutless, base and petty actions.

Three men in a cell, one murderer and two criminals. A battle between the two: is the murderer in the cell 'real', one of 'the greats', is he 'the greatest'? Personally he doesn't know."

Jon Tombre writes the following, among other things, about Vellystens Tilflukt in the local newspaper for Kampen in November 1990:

"[...] With a strong physical, image-provoking theatre, Det Motsatte Prosjekt shows a world in which ordinary moral has been replaced by desires and drives.

The water reservoir, which has been closed for more than 40 years, lies at the highest point of Kampen, like a forgotten fortress. With its enormous size and massive dimensions, the place is near unconquerable. The one acre pool, with six meter deep walls in massive granite, gives a feeling of rawness and confinement. [...] no technical assistance is used. All the elements of the performance are natural."

Supported by: The municipality of Oslo, Arts Council Norway.

Source:

Jon Tombre's private archive, donated by Jon Tombre. 03.03.2009

*Not yet translated into the English. The title within parentheses is the Norwegian title's literal meaning.

Contributors (9)
Name Role
Jon Tombre – Idea
Jon Tombre – Direction
Paul Bugge – Music
Josef Lanto – Music
Lisbeth Funck – Stage design
Yngvar Julin – Stage design
Celine Engebrigtsen – Performer
Camilla Grønneberg – Performer
Katrine Kirsebom – Performer
Performance dates
September 16, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 15, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 14, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 9, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 8, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 7, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 2, 1990Kampen vannreservoar Show
September 1, 1990 20:00 – Kampen vannreservoar Worldwide premiere
Press coverage

Berit Simenstad, Det vakre i det stygge (literally: The beautiful in the ugly)07.09.1990, Aftenposten [Oslo]:
"If you want to experience a strong and different theatre piece, make sure to see Vellystens Tilflukt* (The Refuge of Pleasure) [...] A theatrical venue like this you have never experienced before, guaranteed."

Steinar Wiik, Heslig skjønnhet på Kampen (literally: Repugnant beauty at Kampen)13.09.1990, Aftenposten [Oslo]:
"A wholly particular theatre project takes place during these days at Kampen in Oslo. [...] This meeting with the aesthetics of vileness becomes strong and unforgettable through its visual effects - and is also ethically thought-provoking."

*Not yet translated into the English. The title within parentheses is the Norwegian title's literal meaning.