VÁSTÁDUS EANA · THE ANSWER IS LAND - ELLE SOFE SARA (NO)

Community and kinship. Between people, with nature and the earth we all share. These are the main themes in Vástádus eana ·  The answer is land,  by Sami choreographer and artist Elle Sofe Sara. 

The folk music joik is the main element of the performance. It creates a rare powerful and beautiful experience, which remains long after the last notes have faded.

The performance is made with and for the seven female performers, all of whom are renowned dancers and joikers. They come from different backgrounds and life experiences, and bring their own story and voice into the work. Sara, who is referred to as one of the most interesting and important choreographers of her generation in Norway, is concerned with the intention behind movement - gaze, timing, direction and intensity - and presence on stage. The choreography is inspired by demonstrations, Sami spiritual practices and formation dance.

Vástádus eana · The answer is land,  was made for the Festivals in Northern Norway, where Sara is a festival profile. The polyphonic joik was specially written for this piece by composer and professor of joik, Frode Fjellheim. Here Fjellheim shows the breadth of joik as a musical expression and expands the definition of what Sami traditional music can really be.

ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE TEAM

Cast Artistic director/choreographer: Elle Sofe Sara

Composer: Frode Fjellheim

Performers: Kajsa Balto, Julie Moviken, Olga-Lise Holmen, Sara Marielle Gaup Beaska, Emilie Marie Karlsen, Nora Svenning, Grete Daling 

Co-choreographer/supervisor: Alexandra Wingate 

Costumes: Elle Sofe Sara, Ramona Salo 

Scenography: Elin Melberg 

Lighting design: Øystein Heitmann 

Lighting master: Anniell Olsen 

Playwright: Thomas Schaupp 

Sound: Håkon Elias Pettersen 

Hat sewing: Zoja Galkina, Unni Fjellheim, Sara Inga Utsi Bongo, Karen Inga Buljo Oskal, Jorunn Løkvold, Hilly Sarre

Koftesom: Karen Inga Buljo Oskal, Ann Mari Sara

Producers: Maiken Garder and Magnus Norberg/Nordberg Movement

Produced by: Elle Sofe AS

Collaboration: Dansearena nord, Det Samiske The National Theater Beavvás

Co-producers: Festspillene i Nord-Norge, Norrlandsopraen

SUPPORTED BY

Sámediggi, the Cultural Council, Nordic Culture Contact, Fund for sound and image, Dáddafoanda, Sámiráddi, Spann

Development support: Troms and Finnmark County Municipality, the Cultural Council

NRK: Karen Frøsland Nystøyl, Theater critic

CRITICS

• «Powerful in a quiet yet magnificent way.»- NRK
• «It is about what a home can be, and the answer lies in the importance of community. Home is where your flock is.» -NRK
• «A uniquely coherent combination of music, song, yoik and the physical language of dance art.» - Nordlys
• «The riches of yoik meet the power of contemporary art.» -NRK

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