Absolutt Frida* (Absolute Frida)

The production Absolutt Frida* (Absolute Frida) by Theatre Nova is based on some of the 70 self-portraits by Frida Kahlo, some of her diary notes and the biographic material about her life and work.

Frida Kahlo grew up in the outskirts of Mexico City. As a child she learned how important the Mexican revolution was for the citizens’ struggle for access to economic resources, culture and knowledge. Frida Kahlo was so concerned with equality and freedom for all she changed her date of birth to 1910, the year the Mexican revolution started. After a serious traffic accident when she was aged 18, Frida became bedridden for months. Without the opportunity to move she started painting. She never got fully well again, and her life in many ways became a battle against death, a battle which was made visible in her paintings.

Another central motive in the art of Frida Kahlo is her relationship to Diego Rivera. He was her teacher, painter and later husband. In paintings and diaries Frida describes her relationship to Diego as passionate, playful, destructive and painful.

Absolutt Frida by Theatre Nova was supported by the county of Vestfold, the municipality of Tønsberg and The Norwegian Actors’ Equity Association. Absolutt Frida was made in collaboration with Vestfold University College and Haugar Art Museum.

Source: Theatre Nova, 30.11.2010, http://teaternova.no/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=92

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