The Ugly Duckling
From the production From The Ugly Duckling (1979), Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)'s puppet theatre
The Ugly Duckling was the main puppet in Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)'s production The Ugly Duckling, based on the fairytale by H.C. Andersen, in a theatrical adaptation by Zanza Lidums, translated into the Norwegian by Kari Sundby. She also directed the production. Hans Petter Harboe did the stage design, whereas Gerd Alfsen designed and created the puppets. The premiere took place at Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)'s puppet theatre at Frogner Manor, September 13, 1979.
Information
(Objekt ID 99396)| Object type | Puppet |
| Production date | September 13, 1979 |
| Category | Hand puppet |
| Themes | Fairytale puppet |
| Size | Approximately 35 centimetres tall |
| License | Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre). Copyright. |
Knut Wiulsrød played the role of The Ugly Duckling.
SOURCE:
Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre).
Donated by: Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre). Knut Wiulsrød
Transported 25.08.2020.
On the only photo we have of The Ugly Duckling as of yet, we see a white puppet to the left of the photo. The puppeteer who interpreted the role has informed us that this was likely the ugly duckling. We see it in a sunken position, with its head bent forward. Perhaps it is sad? The materials it is made of may be a soft cotton fabric or velour. It seems as if the body of the puppet was shaped from foam rubber with or without other filling, to add volume.
It is hard to tell more about the puppet from the photo.
The puppet at the centre of the photo, with a rusty red head, white torso and beige wings, was likely a noble hen. The two flanking it were ducks.
Most likely, there was a rod fastened to the head of the puppet, around which the body was built. If this was the case, the rod must have been prolonged to be used by the puppeteer during performances. There must have been different varieties of The Ugly Duckling. In this photo, we see him as a young child. The other versions, we do not know.
Six puppeteers took part in The Ugly Duckling. The ensemble at Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre)'s puppet theatre had been expanded with two men, one of whom was Knut Wiulsrød, who started working for the puppet theatre in 1976. The other was Stein Kiran, who started in 1978.
| Gerd Alfsen (person) | – Puppet Maker |
| Hans Petter Harboe (person) | – Stage designer |
| Oslo Nye Teater (Oslo New Theatre) (organization) | – Creator |
| The Ugly Duckling (production) | – Rod puppet |