National Episodes: Grini and the Futures of Norway
Information
National Episodes: Grini and the Futures of Norway is the first of a series of short theatrical pieces inspired by pivotal moments in the history of Norway, created by the collective artist persona Rose Hammer. The first episode is based on the historical meetings that took place at Grini prison camp during World War II.
National Episodes: Grini and the Futures of Norway
What is at stake when history is written? The most defining moments in a nation’s history often unfold in a few minutes, are decided by a handful of people, behind closed doors, removed from public institutions or momentous historic speeches in public arenas. Rose Hammer is a collective artistic persona who has set out to draw attention to this phenomenon, specifically those key moments that have shaped the Norway of today and its possible futures.
To watch a 13-minute edited version of the performance from May 26th 2019 (originally 40 min), click on the video player below:
For osloBIENNALEN Rose Hammer will produce a series of performances – entitled National Episodes – in the Brechtian Lehrstücke (lesson play) tradition. These will revisit low-key but transcendent episodes in Norwegian history, such as the mythical meetings that took place at Grini prison camp Barrack 12 during the Nazi occupation of Norway. It is a historical fact that networks of political prisoners during the WWII shaped what Norway has become today. Hence the title of this first National Episode: Grini and the Futures of Norway. After the Grini narrative, Rose Hammer will move on to other episodes, both mythical and historic.
PÅFUGLEN PERLEN, HAMMERSBORGGATA 19
The reception rooms Påfuglen Perlen (Peacock Pearl) are in what was once the old banqueting hall of the “Construction Workers’ House” at Hammersborggata 19/21. The building opened in 1938 and now functions as commercial premises. During the Second World War, it became the headquarters of the Norwegian State Police (“Stapo”). The Stapo operated under the German Sicherheitspolizei (security police), also in charge of the Gestapo and Kripo (criminal police). During the Occupation, the Stapo’s headquarters in the Construction Workers’ House was the target of a spectacular attack by the Norwegian Communist sabotage organization the Osvald Group, which had strong ties with the Soviet intelligence organization NKVD.