The Norwegian Way

- an introduction to the Oil for ART-program (2010)

Norway is the richest country in the world. It is also rated the most peaceful country, it has the most well-functioning state, it has won the Eurovision song contest, and it is probably the best place on earth to be an artist – economically speaking. It is all because of the oil.

When the Iraqi people starved, the United Nations launched the Oil for Food-program to make it possible for Iraq to sell oil in exchange for food. Norway has more than enough of both food and oil, but we need something to fill our lives with meaning. We need the Oil for ART-program.

The Norwegian Way (2010) is a dive into the self image of Norway, the problem of the oil, the possible connection between money and happiness, and an exploration of what possibility art has to change the world.

Concept, text, visuals, directed by: Amund Sjølie Sveen

First performance:
Barents Spektakel Festival, Kirkenes (NO), 2010

Supported by:
Norwegian Arts Council, Freedom of Expression Foundation

Co-produced by:
Pikene på Broen / Barents Spektakel Festival

Duration:
45 min (no intermission)

Language:
English

Performances:

Stavanger (NO), RIMI Scenekunst 2016

Praha (CZ), Styri Dny / 4+4  2015

Stavanger (NO), Kapittel festival 2014

Yokohama (JP), Bom-festival sattelite 2014

Athens (GR), Athens biennale 2013

Graz (AU), Steiricher Herbst 2012

Vilnius (LT), New Drama Action 2012

Riga (LV), Homo Alibi 2011

Bergen (NO), BIT Teatergarasjen 2012

Trondheim (NO), AvantGarden 2012

Bergen (NO), Landmark 2012

Tallinn (EST), POT Festival 2011

Haparanda (SE), IKRA-festival 2011

Svolvær (NO), NNKS 2011

Hammerfest (NO), Hammerfest kunstfestival 2011

Murmansk (RU), Nordic Days 2010

Oslo (NO), Dramatikkens hus 2010

Helsinki (FI), Baltic Circle Festival 2010

Stamsund (NO) SIT 2010

Harstad (NO), Festspillene i Nord-Norge 2010

Oslo (NO), Showbox festival 2010

Kirkenes (NO), Barents Spektakel 2010