Title File type Publiseringsdato Download
Forestillingsprogram for Nationaltheatrets produksjon Pianisten (2002) pdf March 16, 2002 Download

The Pianist

The Pianist (2002) was a coproduction by Jo Strømgren Kompani and Torshovteatret. 

In The Pianist the contemporary composer Walter Hölle is staying in the house of Vesna and Milan to finish his Kopfschmerz-sonata. But just the sight of the piano gives him panic attacks.

The daughter of the house, Jelena, tries to inspire him. The tide turns only when the stranger Harald unexpectedly arrives from Turkey with some unbelievable news concerning Walter's past.

Information

(Objekt ID 2070)
Object type Production
Premiere March 14, 2002
Produced by The National Theatre, Jo Strømgren Kompani, The Torshov Theatre
Based on Pianisten by Jo Strømgren
Audience Adults
Language Gibberish, Norwegian and German
Keywords Theatre, Musical theatre
Running period March 14, 2002  
Duration 70 minutes
Website Jo Strømgren Kompani, Nationaltheatret

Requirements to venue

Blackout No
More

Artistically, The Pianist by Jo Strømgren Kompani 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 Jo Strømgren Kompani is an independent company and “should not” adapt to an institutional theatre repertory. About half of the reviews were excellent and the other half were insultingly bad. But houses were packed and audiences had (according to JSK) a very good time.

This was the only JSK show that did not tour internationally. Simply due to a large amount of Norwegian text and a grand piano on stage.

The Pianist by Jo Strømgren Kompani wassupported by Arts Council Norway and the municipality of Bergen.

There are no specific plans for further performances.

Source:

Jo Strømgren Kompani, jskompani.no, 08.08.2010, http://jskompani.no/productions/7

Performance dates
March 14, 2002Torshovteatret - Hovedsalen Worldwide premiere
Press coverage

Writer and date unknown, Klassekampen [Oslo]:
"The Pianist entertains, charms, and points the attention towards the important things in life." 

Writer and date unknown, Dagbladet [Oslo]:
"Brilliant Strømgren."

Writer and date unknown, Verdens Gang [Oslo]:
"Dice thrown to 6!"