Leikhús
Today Palmer and I went to the Þjóðleikhús for the matinee performance of Oliver, and it worked out well. He watched quietly, clapped when he was supposed to, and although the whole thing overwhelmed him a little bit, I think he still did enjoy it. It is a well staged production.
My mind though wandered over to the event that will be taking place tomorrow, at the other leikhús, Borgarleikhús. They will be reading the entire contents of the Truth Commissions report non-stop, and using all the actors associated with the theatre, starting from page 1 tomorrow morning, when the report is released.
I think this is such an interesting idea, and I especially like something about the way it is playing with performance and words. There have been hints that the delay in issuing the report had something to do with toning it down, or giving people warning, etc., and this has led to the suggestion that the report is more of a performance piece than a hard-hitting indictment. So the decision by Borgarleikhús to read it aloud references this concern, toys with it.
I have read several pieces asking Icelanders to try to be understanding and patient tomorrow and the next few weeks, as the contents of this report are digested. It would be easy to also see the Borgarleikhús decision in this light, that they want to offer their facility as a peaceful place to reflect upon the contents in a communal setting that emphasizes the ties that bind this community together.
But I feel something a lot more radical is in the making. Performing the report live focuses all the attention on the words, it is overkill, it is verbal excess. I think such a protracted confrontation with the verbal may in fact ignite a desire for action without words, or with very few words indeed. Very soon now, everything that needs to be said will have been said.
My mind though wandered over to the event that will be taking place tomorrow, at the other leikhús, Borgarleikhús. They will be reading the entire contents of the Truth Commissions report non-stop, and using all the actors associated with the theatre, starting from page 1 tomorrow morning, when the report is released.
I think this is such an interesting idea, and I especially like something about the way it is playing with performance and words. There have been hints that the delay in issuing the report had something to do with toning it down, or giving people warning, etc., and this has led to the suggestion that the report is more of a performance piece than a hard-hitting indictment. So the decision by Borgarleikhús to read it aloud references this concern, toys with it.
I have read several pieces asking Icelanders to try to be understanding and patient tomorrow and the next few weeks, as the contents of this report are digested. It would be easy to also see the Borgarleikhús decision in this light, that they want to offer their facility as a peaceful place to reflect upon the contents in a communal setting that emphasizes the ties that bind this community together.
But I feel something a lot more radical is in the making. Performing the report live focuses all the attention on the words, it is overkill, it is verbal excess. I think such a protracted confrontation with the verbal may in fact ignite a desire for action without words, or with very few words indeed. Very soon now, everything that needs to be said will have been said.
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