The Golden Age
The Golden Age (1987) was a production by Boreas Burleador. The Golden Age was about aging.
Boreas Bulreador wrote the following, among other things, about The Golden Age:
"The Golden Age is the story of two elderly women who have become outcasts in modern society, because they have grown old. Lonely and underestimated they live isolated, preparing to meet death. But despite their hardships, they find dignity and the courage to continue, as they realise they are responsible for their own fates.
(...)
The two women become more than symbols for the contemporary lack of care for'outsiders', -about life in a civilised ghetto. They also illustrate the historical dimensions to the elderly's position and belonging, while including elements from old myths."
The script for The Golden Age is inspired by the female writers Simone de Beauvoir, Anne Cameron and Barbara MacDonald.
The masks in the production were made of latex, to experiment with the flexibility of the material.
The production was performed in Norway and invited to theatre institutions and festivals domestically and abroad.
Supported by Arts Council Norway.
Source:
E-mail from Anne Mali Sæther, 06.03.2012
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Simone du Beauvoir | – Author |
| Anna Cameron | – Author |
| Barbra MacDonald | – Author |
| Annalisa Dal Prá | – Script |
| Patrick Shaw Iversen | – Script |
| Anne Mali Sæther | – Script |
| Mathew Burton | – Direction |
| Patrick Shaw Iversen | – Music |
| Torleif Gjedebo | – Stage design |
| Annalisa Dal Prá | – Costume |
| Anne Mali Sæther | – Costume |
| Kenneth Dean | – Lighting design |
| Annalisa Dal Prá | – Actor (Donna Medeva) |
| Anne Mali Sæther | – Actor (Lady Harriet) |
| Karete Linnaae | – Dancer |
| Patrick Shaw Iversen | – Musician |
| Annalisa Dal Prá | – Mask design |
| Anne Mali Sæther | – Mask design |
| Erling Okkenhaug | – Photo |
| Ad Libitum | July 22, 1987 |
| Kulturfestivalen | June 14, 1987 |
| Oslo Internasjonale Teaterfestival | September 2, 1986 |
Writer and date unknown, Fædrelandsvennen:
"With its sharp, awake and balanced merging of masks, visual effects, music, dramatic propositions and tender poetry, Boreas Burleador created a performance of intense and provocative power - it was a piece of theatre one dares to characterise as holistic in its naked force and triggering, daring particularity. And the way the two actresses Annalisa Dal Prá and Anne Mali Sæther acted this out was in particular triggering. Through stopwatch-precise body language and the kind of use of voice one can compare to finely tuned string instruments, they created an insisting presence and an at times near hypnotic atmosphere."
Writer and date unknown, Dag og Tid [Oslo]:
"The production opened midway into the theatre festival and was received with foot-stomping applause from an overcrowded hall. [...] In a landscape with a simple, enchanting stage design Boreas tells a story reaching the world outside with crass questions. Here is not only beautiful poetry, but also dangerous rebellion."
Writer and date unknown, Adresseavisen [Trondheim]:
"The Golden Age is a simple, yet fascinating and not least well-performed production. [...] Anne Mali Sæther elegantly masters the slightly more educated, but no less bitter Lady Harriet."
Writer and date unknown, Stavanger Aftenblad [Stavanger]:
"And the masks - they are really good. Harriet's Miss Piggy mask with bubbles and blubber is like the very costume of age on the outside of the girly Harriet. [...] But the greatest impression is made by Harriet's journey into old age, a minute's wandering inside a smoke-coloured veil - superbly done! [...] See the actors working with body and space and lighting and music and allowing you to play with your own ideas. Enjoy."
Writer and date unknown, Arbeiderbladet (now: Dagsavisen) [Oslo]:
"Boreas Burleador has reached far in its visual performing expression. Lighting and sound support and strengthen the emotions the company wants to reach you, in an evocative manner. It is professional all the way and an aesthetic delight."
Writer and date unknown, Morgenbladet [Oslo]:
"Their second production confirms their position among the best independent performing arts companies in Norway. [...] They nail their two very different women, they support the understatements with well-considered details in voice and use of body. [...] Boreas Burleador is clearly in front, their two ladies have captured a central part of our zeitgeist."