Treework is an experimental opera created in collaboration with the trees of the Østmarka forest near Oslo, Norway. The work is performed by an ensemble of humans and trees. When the work is performed in new locations, a new encounter arises between the composition, the human performers, and a new ensemble of trees. Treework is the successor to Stonework, a duet between a human and a stone from the Norwegian mountain region of Hallingskarvet, which premiered at the Gaudeamus Festival in 2022.
Landmarks was founded in 2021 by theatre makers Espen Hjort and Mees Borgman. They create performances and shows based on radical equality with non-human makers. What does a theatre look like that looks beyond the human, and allows non-human perspectives and influences into all stages of the work? With support from: Arts Council Norway, Fond for lyd og bilde, Fund for Performing Artists, PAHN, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mees Borgman, Espen Hjort & Østmarka – Concept
Seán Ó Dálaigh & Østmarka – Composition
Espen Hjort, Østmarka & Amelisweerd – Direction
Mees Borgman, Ruth Borg, Julie Solberg, the trees at Amelisweerd – Performance
Floor Cremers & Amelisweerd – Dramaturgy
Peny Spanou & Østmarka – Costume