20/11/2023
The first ever public showing of Soul’O has happened. A more than two years intense work has come to its fruition. It became all I dreamt of. The silence in the audience spoke so strongly at times. It resonated, kept me elevated and deeply grounded, throughout.
In the process of making this piece I have been a pig. Shamelessly - and other times full of shame, asking for support. Both hands on and energetically. Now is the time to give my huge thanks. The list is long. I so hope I remember each and everyone.
In order of appearance: Wise, steady soulful Silje Solheim Johnsen held my hand from the beginning. Kristina Junttila, Hilde Synnøve Blix Rachel Andersen Gomez workshoped the first content. The marvellous writer and soul, Mette Karlsvik read through the early text works and gave existential insights. Beret Vorren and Sidsel Pape held my hand throughout the first crisis and doubts. believed from day one, in the project and gave it its generous support. As did and Stellaris DansTeater who offered me valuable intention paper.
My fantastic artistic music collaborators were hands on since February. Louisa Palmi Danielsson, Alain Kawczak strengthening me in trusting the material, creating beautiful fusion of the old and the new. From June on, dramaturge and director Mari V. Kjeldstadli joined with the best of eyes, brains and heart. To light it all up, Øystein Heitmann joined towards the end race, delivering magnificent shine and smoke. Rune Hennum Nilssen gave playful and sincere input for the costume and style. Anniken Romuld once again marvels with late night work on the brochure/program.
And there are more: choreographer and dancer Siri Jøntvedt helped finding, with enthusiasm and bright mind, deeper levels of Soul’O, as did my dearest sister and loyal life anchor, Anne Katrine Haugen. My man, Lawrence inspired me to trust the old floor, and break through into different rooms. My teacher from 30 years back, K.j. Holmes offered her wise presence during her residency here in our studio in Tromsø during warm summer days. The fab artist Anneli M. Drecker listened my voice into deeper sounds. Therese øvstebø Markhus, supporting sister soul, brought structure and clarity in the admin world. The one and only Vibeke Thorp cooked the best of Soul’O food for the whole crew the last essential working days. And Kristian S Olstad who selflessly borrowed his fab Fender amp, time and time again!
Thank you and Samme Raeymaekers for giving the project a whole week residency in the main space. Thank you Davvi - Senter for scenekunst for choosing me as a guest artist for 2023, giving resources and opportunities to understand more of my artistic practice. And fellow guest artist Rawdna Carita Eira for generously sharing her version of Enheduannas texts. And Barbara Simonsen for giving me tools to understand more about my work and process.
Then last - but not the very least. My inspiration the whole way through. The moon goddess Inanna, the ruler of heaven and earth, and for your voice channeled already 4300 year ago, by the high priestess Enheduanna. You are awake. You are heard. I feel your rage, I feel your love and passion. Old structures that does not protect life has to go. A new future good for us all, not just a few, is in the rising. I am you, you are me - we are all one … ♥️
