RED EMMA
Red Emma
By Jens Bjørneboe,
directed by Lars Øyno.
‘Red Emma’ had its world premiere at Grusomhetens Teater (The Theatre of Cruelty) on the 9th of September 2021.
The play ‘Red Emma’ was Jens Bjørneboe’s (1920-1976) last work, perhaps the last thing he ever wrote. The manuscript was delivered to the cultural figure Henning Dahl (1952-2008) just before Bjørneboe’s death, with the message that the recipient could use it as he pleased. Henning planned a production at the independent theatre venue Club 7 in Oslo in 1976, but shelved the project before rehearsals began. The manuscript, which exists in book/pamphlet form, was not allowed to be published by Bjørneboe’s family, but despite the ban, the publishing house Bjørnsons Grav had it printed in 1976. Grusomhetens Teater received the family’s permission for this debut production.
The play centres Emma Goldman and the anarchist movement in the USA during the 1890s. It sheds light on the build up to capitalist and imperialist America. The project considers this a timely topic. As in several of Jens Bjørneboe’s works, it highlights the courage of individuals to challenge an oppressive power apparatus.
Emma Goldman was surveilled, arrested, harassed, and imprisoned for her speeches and political activism; which manifested itself through organising strikes, advocating for women’s right to contraception, and her opposition to the industrialised mass murder that frankly was the reality of World War I. This also tied her to the Freedom of Speech movement in the USA, where she eventually played a very important role. She became an official target for actions aimed at suppressing free speech orchestrated by the US government, arrested over 40 times for speeches given, speeches she was scheduled to give, or simply because she was Emma Goldman.
Bjørneboe, as a playwright, was inspired by Bertolt Brecht, and ‘Red Emma’ contains clear references to a theatrical expression in that direction. One can see a type of ‘Verfremdungseffekt’ with direct appeals to the audience and other anti-realistic techniques occurring throughout the action.
Without compromising on the seriousness of the subject matter, ‘Red Emma’ encourages play within styles reminiscent of vaudeville and circus. The constantly changing characters with different messages and objectives can evoke a kind of effective comic musicality or rhythm, similar to what one experiences in Marx Brothers films from the 1920s and 1930s.
The performance takes place on a low platform with the audience seated on three sides. The back wall is used for video projection. The role of Emma Goldman is played by Hanne Dieserud. She has been involved in most of the theatre’s productions, and was named actor of the year by the Vårt Land critic for her portrayal of “Martha” in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (Grusomhetens Teater, 2018).
The text dominates this piece, but the physical style of the Grusomhetens Teater, inspired by the French theatre reformer Antonin Artaud (1896-1948), still accentuates its theatrical composition.
The dramatis personae consists of nearly 40 characters, resulting in many character changes for the ensemble. Costumes, furniture, and props are period-specific to America around 1900.
Reviews & Commentary
“Red-hot political quarter at Grusomhetens Teater”
- Dagsavisen
“Bjørneboe’s play feels alarmingly relevant, even though it has been sitting in a desk drawer for a generation. Hanne Dieserud’s strong grasp of the role of Emma Goldman holds the piece together.”
- Aftenposten
“Exciting political theatre documentary that brings Jens Bjørneboe and Emma Goldman to life. With exceptional skill, six actors manage to breathe life into a variety of different personalities.”
- Klassekampen
“There is dignity and accuracy in the first showing of Jens Bjørneboe’s ‘Red Emma’ at Grusomhetens Teater. It is a pleasure to witness such precise craftsmanship. The physical musical expression is impressive.”
- Norsk Shakespeare Tidsskrift
“The fiery soul of Emma Goldman is portrayed with a controlled yet powerful touch – grasp.”
- Dag og Tid
“In Grusomhetens Teater’s rendition, ‘Red Emma’ proves itself to be a drama with an almost documentary-like quality and theatrical potential that is realised with brilliance.”
- Scenekunst
Supported by Fond for utøvende kunstnere, Oslo kommune og Fritt Ord.
Performers
Gaute Næsheim Live Noven Hanne Dieserud Lars Brunborg Miguel Dobrodenka Steinsland Filip Stav
--Artistic Team--
Director
Lars Øyno
Lighting Designer
Jan Skomakerstuen
Costume Designer
Thale Kvam Olsen
Technician
Thomas Sanne
Producer
Marie Wien Lodsby
Graphics
Kjartan Øyno Kirksæther
Web Design
Jonas Ulleland
Production Year
2021