The Fox
From the production From The Hen Who Had to Go to Dovre Mountain or Else the Whole World Would Perish, Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)
The Fox was one of the puppets in Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)'s production The Hen Who Had to Go to Dovre Mountain or Else the Whole World Would Perish, adapted by Peder W. Cappelen from the Norwegian folktale by the same title. The puppets were made by Kjersti Germeten and the decoration by Kjell R. Smidsrød. Kari Sundby directed the production. The opening took place at Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)'s Puppetry September 7 1976.
Information
(Objekt ID 99374)| Object type | Puppet |
| Production date | September 7, 1976 |
| Category | Hand puppet |
| Themes | Fairytale puppet |
| Size | Approximately 55-60 centimetres tall |
| License | Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre). Copyright. |
Teaterfigur
Teaterfigurer, bedre kjent som teaterdukker, har spilt på norske scener i generasjoner, til stor glede for publikum i alle aldersgrupper.
"Kjell Smidsrød was the ensemble's only male puppeteer. He had a rare talent for improvisation, and in this production, as in many later ones, he contributed to exploring the puppets' bizarre and jacked up sides. In his text, Peder Cappelen gave him near free rein, and Smidsrød made The Fox into an audience favourite with his artistic improvisation."
This is written by Wang, R. and V. Helgesen (2000: 303). R. Wang was a colleague of Smidsrød's.
Sceneweb refers to the other puppets registered from this production. These are Henny Hen (Høne Pøne) and Roosty Rooster (Hane Pane).
The production was revived in 1978.
SOURCES:
Wang, Ragnhild and Vibeke Helgesen: Den magiske hånd. Dukkespill og figurteater gjennom tidene (literally: The magic hand. Puppetry throughout the ages). Pax forlag, Oslo 2000.
Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre). Performance program.
Donated by: Knut Wiulsrød.
Imported 28.04.2020.
The material The Fox was clad in was likely a fluffy and elastic fabric, drawn tight around the firm form chosen. The head was likely shaped from Styrofoam or plastic foam, and the tail likely from plastic foam.
The description is based on photos.
The Fox was a hand puppet with a mouth that could be moved using the puppeteer's hand. The mobility of the mouth was essential in providing character to the puppet. The body was built on the puppeteer's arm, and the movements of the wrist became movements in The Fox' neck. The front feet were given shape with rods fastened to each foot so that these could be moved. The tail was likely stiffened.
The description is based on photos.
In the performance program, playwright and writer Peder W. Cappelen wrote the following: "The one who has seen a thousand children's eyes glint at the same time, knows the answer: At its best, puppetry contributes to a great shared experience in the auditorium, a shared experience that can be both creative and useful."
| Kjersti Germeten (person) | – Puppet Maker |
| Kjell Smidsrød (person) | – Stage designer |
| Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre) (organization) | – Creator |
| The Hen Who Had to Go to Dovre Mountain or Else the Whole World Would Perish (production) | – Hand puppet |