Flode

From the production "Mens vi går og legger oss" ("Going to bed"), produced by NRK.

Flode was a human-sized hippopotamus. He was not a puppet that could be performed by a puppeteer, but was more a large soft toy. Flode has no voice and has no specific personality.

Flode was a character in the series Mens vi går og legger oss ("Going to bed") with presenter Trond-Viggo Torgersen.

Information

(Objekt ID 146307)
Object type Puppet
Production date 1976
Category Other figures
Themes Children, Television figure
Size Human-sized
License

© NRK 

Last changed 28.07.2025
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.

Gå til Teaterfigur

More

The series was based around a child’s bedtime. Trond-Viggo Torgersen communicated with Flode in the same way as a child plays with toys/dolls: he talked and they "listened". This created an inner dialogue or reflection like that of a person going to bed in the evening. The programme was gentle, subtle and without pedagogical or obvious intentions.

Trond Viggo Torgersen developed the concept for the character Flode. It was designed by Vivian Zahl Olsen and created at NRK. 

Sources: 
NRK
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.

Registered on Sceneweb: 22.02.2024.

Link to television series (in Norwegian): https://tv.nrk.no/serie/mens-vi-gaar-og-legger-oss

Types of materiale

Flode is stuffed with woollen felt and foam, a combination that makes for an informal figure. His head, front paws and back legs/paws are made of the same material. Flode can sit unsupported. 

Flode has two large front teeth, which Trond-Viggo Torgersen brushed each evening before bedtime.

The above description is based on photographs. 

Construction/technique

There is no special technique behind the construction of Flode. He is a filled sack with head and limbs sewn on. Lots of material was used to fill the body. head and limbs. Trond-Viggo creates a special atmosphere in his performances with the figure. 

The above description is based on photographs. 

Tilknyttet (3)
Vivian Zahl Olsen (person) – Designer
NRK (organization) – Creator
Mens vi går og legger oss (production) – Other figures