From July 20th to 22nd, Jon Erik, along with Ina Maria Brekke, will perform the play “DET SKREIK EN FUGL…” in Posebyhaven in Kristiansand.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Vilhelm Krag’s birth in Kristiansand. Krag, known as the “Southern Poet,” was actually the one who baptized the region, which was previously part of the West Coast. His poetry also laid the foundation for the first Southern songs.
Based on Krag’s texts, a new theatrical production has been created with accompanying new songs. His words and thoughts are woven together in an entirely new way, with dialogue swiftly shifting between references to both poems and excerpts from short stories. His often simple yet razor-sharp and timeless texts resonate well together, providing a basis for reflection through beautiful and poetic imagery. The performance addresses various themes that we can all relate to, encouraging contemplation about our own lives and situations.
He and She meet. It’s not the first time. But who are they to each other? And who are they to themselves? Both carry baggage accumulated through life but handle their challenges and surroundings in very different ways. He is a realist in his own eyes and no longer sees the point in anything. He wishes everything were different. Better. There’s a lot he doesn’t quite understand. She carries sorrow on the inside, layering on assumed optimism, forgetting to take care of herself—to unravel and fix things so she can actually be well. The two share their perspectives, observations, and thoughts, and perhaps they’ll each find their way to the same destination with each other’s help.
Playwright Vilhelm Krag was also involved in the theater, writing several plays, working as a stage director, and, for a period, serving as the director of the National Theatre. The format of theater was close to his heart, and presenting the texts in this manner feels fitting. With his strong connection to his childhood home in Southern Norway, it’s evident that this new production belongs here. Last year also marked the 100th anniversary of Vilhelm Krag, along with composer Johan Halvorsen, writing the first Southern songs. This performance introduces brand-new songs composed by Jon Erik, with lyrics based on timeless poems by Vilhelm Krag.