EKKERT ER SORGLEGRA EN MANNESKJAN
Tjarnarbíó Theater, Reykjavík / Gdański Teatr Szekspirowski, Gdansk
September 2021
Happiness, and humanity’s endless pursuit of it, is the subject matter of this new Icelandic contemporary opera by composer Friðrik Margrétar- Guðmundsson, written and directed by Adolf Smári Unnarsson.
A new generation of theatre makers bursts forward with playful take on both content and form. Four figures parade around the stage, searching for meaning and contemplating what brings them joy. But the answers are nowhere to be found, because nothing is more tragic than the human being. The figures try every trick in the book, without the desired results. But they’re only human, and again, nothing is more tragic than the human being. Life: An agonisingly funny tragedy, a constant disappointment. So, what can be done? We evaluate! We opt for creative solutions, streamlined procedures. And if everything fails? Simply sit down, take a deep breath and fill your lungs with air – breathe out with a whistling sound. Repeat until success has been achieved. Everything will work out. It has to.
Performed in Icelandic
NOMINATED FOR SEVEN AWARDS AT THE ICELANDIC THEATRE AWARDS 2021: Show of the year; director of the year; music of the year; singer of the year; costumes; lighting; newcomer of the year. WINNER OF MUSIC OF THE YEAR (Friðrik Margrétar-Guðmundsson) AND SINGER OF THE YEAR (María Sól Ingólfsdóttir)
“★★★★ 1/2 Magnað ferðalag /An amazing journey”
“To jeden z lepszych spektakli, jaki kiedykolwiek oglądałem / one of the best shows I have seen.”
Composer: Friðrik Margrétar-Guðmundsson
Text and direction: Adolf Smári Unnarsson
Performers: Dagur Þorgrímsson, Heiðdís Hanna Sigurðardóttir, María Sól Ingólfsdóttir, Ólafur Freyr Birkisson
Stage and costume design: Bryndís Ósk. Þ. Ingvarsdóttir
Dramaturgy: Matthías Tryggvi Haraldsson
Light designer: Hafliði Emil Barðason
Video designer: Elmar Þórarinsson
Conductor: Pétur Björnsson
Assistant director: Magnús Thorlacius
Graphic design: Gréta Þorkelsdóttir
Photography: Gunnlöð Jóna Rúnarsdóttir
Chamber orchestra:
Baldvin Ingvar Tryggvason
Björg Brjánsdóttir
Friðrik Margrétar-Guðmundsson
Flemming Viðar Valmundsson
Pétur Björnsson
Unnur Jónsdóttir