The Pianist

The performance

Contemporary composer Walter Hölle is staying in a countryside house to finish his Kopfschmerz-sonata. But the sight of the piano gives him panic attacks. The daughter of the house tries to inspire him. The tide turns only when a stranger unexpectedly arrives from Turkey with some unbelievable news concerning Walter’s past.

This is the only JSK show that has not toured internationally. Simply due to a large amount of Norwegian text and a grand piano on stage.

Artistically, the show also marked a flirt with conservative theatre principles – melodramatic farce, classic style, although mostly with nonsensical language and a really far-fetched storyline. This conservative flirt provoked an extreme feedback variation since JSK is an independent company and “should not” adapt to a institutional theatre repertory. About half of the reviews were excellent and the other half were insultingly bad. But houses were packed and audiences had a very good time.

There are no specific plans for further performances.

Length: 70 min
Language: Norwegian, German, nonsensical Slavic
Premiere: Oslo, Norway, April 2002

Media

Programpia
© Knut Bry
Pianyweb1
© Knut Bry

Previously touring

Norway

Credits

Direction, choreography, script, set design, costumes, lighting design: Jo Strømgren
Performers: Kåre Conradi, Ågot Senstad, Kjersti Elvik, Thorbjørn Harr, Espen Reboli Bjerke
Sound design: Lars Årdal
Music: Liszt, Bartok, Janacek
Production: Jo Strømgren Kompani, Torshovteatret / The Norwegian National Theatre
Support: The City Council of Bergen, The Norwegian Council for Cultural Affairs.