| Title | File type | Publiseringsdato | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program for Grusomhetens Teaters produksjon Dukkehuset (2003) | April 5, 2003 | Download |
The Dollhouse
The Dollhouse (2003) by The Theatre of Cruelty was a performance for children based on a poem by André Bjerke:
In 1960, André Bjerke wrote of the doll of the doll of the doll in Doll Way 2. The doll is taken care of by a doll which in turn is taken care of by another doll. In the doll’s house, the mom feeds and takes care of the doll. They go for walks, they sing, they eat candy. A uniformed musician plays the flute for them. There is no rush, there is time to rest and breathe. Inside the doll's house is another dolls house. Inside reality, a new reality reveals.
The dolls have their limitations. They can't bend their fingers. Children have limitations too. It is not always easy to sit still or drink from a glass without making a mess. Perhaps a fork is dropped on the floor. The world demands something of them that they can't provide.
All without a word being said.
Information
(Objekt ID 2055)| Object type | Production |
| Premiere | April 5, 2003 |
| Produced by | The Theatre of Cruelty |
| Based on | Dukkehuset* (The Doll's House) by André Bjerke |
| Audience | Children (from 3 to 10) |
| Language | Norwegian |
| Keywords | Theatre, Performance for children, Physical theatre |
| Running period | April 5, 2003 — 2006 |
| Duration | 50 minutes |
| Website | Grusomhetens Teater |
Requirements to venue
| Minimum stage width | 8m |
| Maximum stage width | 8m |
| Minimum stage depth | 7m |
| Maximum stage depth | 7m |
| Minimum stage height | 5m |
| Maximum stage height | 5m |
| Lights requirements | Brought with |
| Audio requirements | Brought with |
| Blackout | Yes |
| Rigging time | 120 minutes |
| Downrigging time | 60 minutes |
| Audience | 100 |
| Other | Can be performed in gymnasiums or similar rooms which can be darkened. |
The Dollhouse was The Theatre of Cruelty's first performance for children. As always, the physical expression was essential. The children picked up on the physical poetry of the actors. Small shifts in tempo and dynamics became magical dolls, with their own secrets. The philosophy was based on Antonin Artaud's theatrical vision of dance and bodily poetry, upon which he developed the term theatre of cruelty. His project was the beauty springing out from the seriousness of the silent. The performance was founded in this philosophy, the way all the theatre’s adult productions have been.
The dolls did not live in an everyday reality, but rather a poetic reality. In the same way, children are prepared to assume the seriousness of existing like adults. Although the starting point was literary, storytelling was not the main objective, rather the magic of the rite.
One can feel solidarity with children's wish for enough time to examine and solve the tasks they face. Children have another rhythm than adults. They need more time to understand things and are often clumsier. They regard life not just as a material place, but a poetical dimension. One should respect the life not meeting today’s requirements for urgency, speed and efficiency.
This was theatre in which the wanted time was provided. A home of patience provided security.
The Dollhouse was performed: At The Theatre of Cruelty, Oslo, 2003, on tour 2003/2004: The National Touring Network for Performing Arts, Haugesund Theatre, Stamsund International Theatre Festival, Berlin 2006.
The Dollhouse by The Theatre of Cruelty was supported by Arts Council Norway and The Audio Visual Fund.
Source:
The Theatre of Cruelty, grusomhetensteater.no, 17.08.2010, http://www.grusomhetensteater.no
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| André Bjerke | – Author |
| Lars Øyno | – Direction |
| Øyvind Borgemoen Lyse | – Music |
| Tormod Lindgren | – Stage design |
| Christina Lindgren | – Costume design |
| Øyvind Borgemoen Lyse | – Sound design |
| Helge Rinnan | – Lighting design |
| Petter Steen | – Lighting design |
| Rune Tyvold | – Graphic designer |
| Silje Breivik | – Actor |
| Hanne Dieserud | – Actor |
| Lenka Rozenhalova | – Actor |
| Lenka Rozenhalova | – Actor |
| Trude Sneve | – Mask design |
| Ingvild Hogstad | – Director’s assistant |
| Thor Eriksen | – Assistant Stage Designer |
| Anette Werenskiold | – Costume assistant |
| Lars Brunborg | – Administration |
| April 12, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 11, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 10, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 9, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 8, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 7, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 6, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Show |
| April 5, 2003 – The Venue of The Theatre of Cruelty | Worldwide premiere |
Andreas Wiese, date unknown, Dagbladet [Oslo, Norway]:
"There is a disconcerting excitement in watching a doll play with another doll, their mechanical dollish movements echoing the children’s own play rituals."
Elisabeth Rygg, date unknown, Aftenposten [Oslo, Norway]:
"Children and grown-ups both sat spellbound, watching the dolls’ lives unfold before their eyes. The company deserves great praise for daring to offer their young audience something far from the traditional, action-filled narrative entertainment that has become the norm in our time."