Stonework
Stonework is a playful and primitive physical duet between a human performer and a stone from the Hallingskarvet mountain range in Norway. The starting point for the work is the wish to collaborate as equals with the stone and to create a work that is just as engaging for a stone as for a human. This forced us to rethink our approach to theatre and our means of communication. Stonework is about vibration, temperature, force and gravity, and about two bodies trying to become one another. But how do you entertain a stone?
Even if the work is stone-centred, we would like to invite a human audience to witness this duet, in the hope that we can all be infected with a bit of stone-ness. Perhaps the stone can teach us about softness? Eventually, our aim is to learn how to coexist with nonhumans in a more empathic way.
The work is gentle and playful, part physical performance, part theatrical installation and part composition. Composer Seán ó Dálaigh creates a sound work based on the unique frequencies of the stone performer.
Stonework marks the beginning of a series of works created together with Espen under the name Landmarks. This work with stone will be followed by Treework (2025), Mountainwork (2026) and several other works. More information about Landmarks: www.landmarkscollective.com
Performed at Festival Gaudeamus (NL), Festival Playground at STUK Leuven (BE), Heddadagene Oslo (NO), and different theaters in Norway and The Netherlands.
Concept by : Mees Borgman & Espen Hjort & the stone
Directed by : Espen Hjort & the stone
Choreography by : Mees Borgman & the stone
Performance by : Mees Borgman & the stone
Music by : Seán ó Dálaigh & the stone
Scenography and light by : Grischa Runge & the stone
Dramaturgy by : Floor Cremers & the stone
Technician : Jorick Bronius
Costume design by : Martina Bauer
Outside eye : Bára Sigfúsdóttir, Marlies Heuer
Scientific advice by : dr. Oliver Plümper, Universiteit Utrecht
Produced by : Stichting Skorpetind
