| Title | File type | Publiseringsdato | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norske fjernsynsdukker: Article in Norwegian about the history of NRK’s (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation’s) television puppets. | September 4, 2024 | Download |
Flode
Flode was a human-sized hippopotamus. He was not a puppet that could be performed by a puppeteer, more a large soft toy. Flode was a character in the series Mens vi går og legger oss ("Going to bed") with presenter Trond-Viggo Torgersen.
Trond-Viggo Torgersen based the series on how children play with toys/dolls. It was bedtime, and time to think about what had happened during the day. Frode listened and Trond Viggo talked; thus creating an inner dialogue or reflection by a person going to bed in the evening. The programme was gentle, subtle and without pedagogical or obvious intentions.
Flode was designed by Vivian Zahl Olsen.
Four programmes, 20 minutes each in length, were made in 1976.
Flode and Trond-Viggo took part in the Christmas programme Slå på jul (a wordplay on the expression "Hoop-rolling"), in 1983.
Information
(Objekt ID 146307)| Object type | Puppet |
| Production date | 1976 |
| Category | Other figures |
| Themes | Children, Television figure |
| Size | Human-sized |
| License | © NRK Super |
| Last changed | 17.06.2025 |
| Create date | 22.02.2024 |
Teaterfigur
Teaterfigurer, bedre kjent som teaterdukker, har spilt på norske scener i generasjoner, til stor glede for publikum i alle aldersgrupper.
Trond-Viggo Torgersen had no experience with puppetry. For him it was most natural to choose a form of play that children instinctively use; playing with dolls or soft toys as if they were alive. The presenter was alone with a large soft toy, and through "conversation" - or monologue - with Flode he could reflect on children’s feelings, longings and wishes. They were mentally on the level of children, but adult in physical size.
Sources: Helgesen, Anne: Descriptions for the TV puppet exhibition "Alle tiders barndomshelter" ("Childhood heroes through the generations"), Slottsfjellsmuseet/Figurfestspillene, 19–28 January 2024.
Ownership: On loan from NRK Super.
Transmitted to Sceneweb: 22.02.2024.
Flode is stuffed with woollen felt and foam, a combination that makes for an inflexible figure. His head, front paws and back legs/paws are made of the same material. Flode can be compared to a beanbag. We think it would be possible to sit in Flode’s lap, but he can also sit up on a floor, in a chair or on a bed.
Flode is large, round and rather clumsily formed, but charming in his own way.
The above description is based on photographs.
There is no special technique behind the construction of Flode. He is a filled sack with head and limbs sewn on. Lots of material went in to filling the body. head and limbs. Trond-Viggo creates a special atmosphere with this rather peculiar and clumsy figure.
The above description is based on photographs.
| Vivian Zahl Olsen (person) | – Designer |
| NRK (organization) | – Creator |
| Mens vi går og legger oss (production) | – Other figures |