Først kom ingenting, så kom ingenting* (First came nothing, then came nothing)

Først kom ingenting, så kom ingenting* (First came nothing, then came nothing) by Barske Glæder Productions opened at The Open Theatre (Det Åpne Teater) the autumn of 2009. The children were taken on a journey to the origin of earth, the way our ancestors the Vikings figured it.

Director was Espen Dekko.

Janne Langaas was the actress.

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

Information

(Objekt ID 229)
Object type Production
Premiere September 10, 2009
Produced by Barske Glæder Productions
In collaboration with The Open Theatre (Det Åpne Teater)
Based on Først kom ingenting, så kom ingenting by Janne Langaas
Audience Children, Young children (from 3 to 6)
Language Norwegian
Keywords Theatre, Performance for children, Physical theatre, Puppetry
Running period September 10, 2009  
Duration 20 minutes
Website Barske Glæder Produksjoner, Det Åpne Teater

Requirements to venue

Minimum stage width 4m
Minimum stage depth 4m
Blackout No
Rigging time 30 minutes
Downrigging time 20 minutes
Audience 30
More

The Norse myth of creation was conveyed in a poetic language with room for wonder and making up one's own stories, without the contradictions and actions usually connected to drama. The production was almost more alike an image than traditional theatre. Here and now the world was created inside a small briefcase.

Først kom ingenting, så kom ingenting* (First came nothing, then came nothing) by Barske Glæder Productions was supported by The Fund for Performing Artists, The Audio Visual Fund and The Norwegian Actors' Equity Association.

Først kom ingenting, så kom ingenting received the memorial award Birgit Strøms Minnepris for 2010 under the festival Fri figur.

Sources:

The Open Theatre (Det Åpne Teater), detapneteater.no, 30.09.2010, http://www.detapneteater.no/pub/daat/forestillinger/?aid=1158&cid=17&viewall=1#daat

Unima Norway, unima.no, 30.09.2010, http://unima.no/unima/vedlegg/Programblad.pdf

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

Contributors (7)
Name Role
Janne Langaas – Playwright
Espen Dekko – Direction
Ragnhild Mærli – Dramaturge
Inga-Lill Farstad – Stage design
Janne Langaas – Actor
Espen Dekko – Puppet maker
Janne Langaas – Producer
Performance dates
2010 Show
September 13, 2009Hallen, The Open Theatre (Det Åpne Teater) Show
September 12, 2009Hallen, The Open Theatre (Det Åpne Teater) Show
September 10, 2009Hallen, The Open Theatre (Det Åpne Teater) Worldwide premiere
Festivals (2)
Fri Figur 2010
The Contemporary Stage Festival September 10, 2009
Press coverage

"The kindergarten children present during opening night sat silent as mice, following the fairytale with fascination, and when the whole thing was over, a little boy was sorry it had not lasted longer."

IdaLou Larsen. Klassekampen

"This is utterly exciting material for children! The effects used by Langaas are sparse, but eclectic, chosen with belief in children’s ability to perceive through their senses. A simple suitcase is opened. Figures made of natural materials, textiles and pearls give room for wonder and create a magical atmosphere.  [...] The children are taken seriously here."

Angela Rieck, 12.09.2009, Først kom ingenting...., Kulturspeilet, 30.09.2010, http://www.pluto.no/kulturspeilet/faste/ingenting_Black.html