2_9_ScanMag_72_Jan_2015_Text_Q10_Scan Magazine 1 09/01/2015 22:45 Page 45
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Festivals in Norway
The festival audience eagerly waiting for the opening show.
tural exchange of their own. From the ‘Rømmekollecafé’, where you are invited to take part in storytelling and dialogue about food traditions (symbolised by the traditional Norwegian rømmekolle – a lightly fermented type of buttermilk), to the visual art walk complete with guides in the know, your cultural hunger will be fully satisfied by the best of the Arctic Take Away counter. “The art walk includes works of artists from all over the world, and it will definitely make its mark on the townscape of Kirkenes,” says Ødegård Olsen, men-
tioning renowned photographer Francois Zvardon who will be displaying photographs from his stay in Kirkenes and Nikel, an urban Russian locality seven km from the Norwegian border. Additional Russian influence will come from Murmansk-based artists Dimitri Novitsky and Glafira Severianova, who serve their audience with literal but humorous Survival Instructions that look at the best ways of dealing with one’s neighbour. Breaking down barriers “This brings us back to the topic of border communities, and how we through
Barents Spektakel aim to create meeting points and break down barriers,” says Ødegård Olsen. “There are strong ties between Russia and Norway, especially in this region, and we want to use this connection for all its worth.” An exciting extension to these connections has been created through Barents Spektakel’s double concerts. By staging concerts with Norwegian and Russian artists right after one another – though not at the same time – arrangers hope to bridge the gap between two cultures and create mutual understanding for musical talent. Noted rapper Lars Vaular is one of the headliners from Norway, while Russian hip-hop act Noize MC will represent his native Russia. “This way our audience will be able to listen to similar music styles but interpreted by two different performers, which will give the festival an additional type of dialogue,” says Ødegård Olsen.
Barents Spektakel takes place in Kirkenes on 4-8 February. For tickets, please see the website.
For more information, please visit: www.barentsspektakel.no Outdoor film screening of A Border Musical by Chto Delat from St Petersburg at Barents Spektakel 2013.
Issue 72 | January 2015 | 45