Language: Norsk/samisk, texted in english

In recent decades, several Western countries have set up commissions to investigate the history of minority groups subjected to systematic state abuse. “BIRGET; Ways to deal, ways to heal” is a response to the Norwegian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which in June 2023 will submit proposals to reconcile the Sami and Norwegian people.

Birget is a Sami expression that describes a state of mastering or surviving in a changing environment. Driven by birget, Sara, Nango, and Carte Blanche invite the audience to overcome the fear of touching a heavy and challenging topic with a frisky performance that questions social and political boundaries, limitations, and today’s climate of reconciliation.

The performance process started in Guovdageaidnu/Kautokeino where the Carte Blanche dancers experienced the Sami culture, polar night, and the northern cold on their bodies. Through encounters with the Sami people, personal stories of state abuse were shared with the dancers – experiences they carry with them on stage. The scenography’s materials and objects were also collected on the tundra in Finnmark.

After the performance on October 4, there will be an artist talk with Dawid Lorenc, Mai Lisa Guinoo and Brech Bovinj.

Before the performance, the film "Birget - a portrait of a process" will be shown in Rosendal Kafé. The movie starts at 18.00.

«Birget- a portrait of a processes» is an extension of Carte Blanches piece BIRGET; ways to deal, ways to heal.

By documenting the exchanges between the guest artists and the company, reflections and discoveries are shared. This gives the audience an opportunity to experience the human, social, political and artistic dimension of the creation process. The documentary also gives an insight in how movement language and scenic elements are connected to Sami life today.

«Birget- a portrait of a processes» is a film about collaboration, conversations and artistic research between Sami artists, Norwegian and international dancers, and the production apparatus at Carte Blanche, Norway’s national company for contemporary dance.

Length: 32 minutes

Documentary maker: Andreas Daugstad Leonardsen
Illustration: Brecht Bovijn
Andreas Daugstad Leonardsen

Andreas Daugstad Leonardsen is a Norwegian and Sami filmmaker and visual artist, educated in the USA. He is currently based in Kautokeino.