Sound of Freedom

A press release from Dramatikkens hus said the following about Sound of Freedom:

"The sound of freedom, through empty missiles. Sound of Freedom is a new performance art production by and with Amund Sjølie Sveen. Aided by sound, missiles, powerpoint and large amounts of facts Sveen examines, among other things, the physics of sound, Norwegian weapon export, acoustic weapons, the ability war has to create meaning and more outré topics, such as songs for children used as torture weapons.

Amund Sjølie Sveen formerly has visited Dramatikkens hus with the production The Norwegian Way; a deep dive into Norway's image of itself, the problem of oil and the possible connection between money, art and happiness. After dissecting 'the oil nation Norway' 'the peace nation Norway' is next.

Using bullet cartridges as an instrument Amund brings us along on an illuminating journey."

Amund Sjølie Sveen says:

"The cartridges are terrific instruments. The sound of the large one is actually quite reminiscent of church bells. But they can only be used as instruments when they are empty, after being used."

"These are weapons having spread death and destruction, and when they are useless as weapons, they resurrect as instruments with a sound remembering the dead..."

"I am fond of using untraditional instruments that are not neutral, when the sound and the music colour from the instrument's history and context."

One of the topics Amund Sjølie Sveen examines is the use of sonic torture. It has been proven that sufficiently strong sound waves can damage people. Among other things sound waves can create vibrations causing warmth, strong enough to melt things.

Besides sound has, in the years after September 11, appeared in other contexts than on the battlefields, that is, during interrogation of captives:

"Sound as a torture instrument has been much used in the war against terror. Everyone has seen images of the Guantanamo prisoners - with dark glasses and headphones. This makes two sides of the same story, two techniques that have proved themselves efficient in breaking down the human psyche. Too many sensory impressions, and too few. Both make it impossible to orientate in the world, the feeling of time and place disappears, and reality is sort of dissolved. The result is regression", the press release from Dramatikkens hus says.

"As a musician I find it powerful, thinking that music can be used to break something down - to me music is positive, creating meaning in life. Many have, for instance, pointed out the role of music after the summer's terror attack at home, its ability to gather and comfort and create meaning", Amund Sjølie Sveen says.

He also says:

"Music gives meaning to life for many. At the same time we see that many seek meaning in the meeting with an enemy, and that having a clear enemy to fight, and with it, a clear purpose in life - being in war - gives meaning to life."

At the webpage of Showbox' the following is written about Sound of Freedom:

"A performance lecture about the physics of sound, Norwegian weapon export, the war's ability to create meaning, acoustic bazookas and songs for children used as torture.

As Major Hilding Runar says: 'Music can change people's lives.'

Or as Sargeant Mark Hadsell says: If we play heavy rock for you 24 hours in a row, your brain and body functions start to fail you, your mind moves slower, and your will is broken. That is when we get in to talk to you.'

Or as Norwegian Minister of Defence Grete Faremo says: 'I am happy to announce that the export of Norwegian-produced military gear has experienced solid increase in recent years.'

Or as Norwegian soldiers in Afghanistan say: 'Being in battle is worth three months without sex... it is better than f***ing!'"

Supported by: Arts Council Norway, the Freedom of Expression foundation Fritt Ord, Spenn.no, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/MFA (travel grant, performing arts).

Concept/text/music/direction/performer: Amund Sjølie Sveen. The production is performed in English.

Sound of Freedom was nominated for the Hedda Awards 2012 in the category of best production for children and youth.

Sources:

Dramatikkens hus

Showbox, showbox.no, 29.05.2012, http://showbox.no/pub/showbox11/main/?aid=206&cid=176 

The Hedda Awards, 29.05.2012, http://heddaprisen.no/pub/heddaprisen/main/?&mid=1031&aid=1030

• Æddaprisen 2012 - Samtidsrelevant prosjekt rettet mot unge
• The Hedda Award 2012 - Best production for children and youth