Stina Oscarson's latest play is a reinterpretation of Selma Lagerlöf's classic. The script is based on two years of conversations and interviews with people around the country, a project Oscarson never managed to complete before she died from the effects of anorexia earlier this year.
Constant collaboration
Her wish was for Astrid Menasanch Tobieson to take over the project. Menasanch Tobieson has now finished writing the script and is also directing the performance, but emphasizes that the production is an ongoing collaboration:
"It's about an impulse that Stina set in motion, inspired by Selma. Her vision was enormous, and I pass on my impulses, which in turn pass them on to the audience," she says.
Stina Oscarson first wanted to make a family performance of "Nils Holgersson's Wonderful Journey", but over time the project changed to become a performance about contemporary Sweden for a primarily adult audience.
“Uppdrag Holgersson” is based on interviews with 140 people from Norrbotten to Skåne. Two actors carry the basic structure of the material, but in each location a number of locally rooted people participate in the performance.
This means that the performance is not complete until it has been performed in each location – regardless of whether it is in Ystad, Jokkmokk or Arvika.
It is started and completed every time it is played, says Astrid Menasanch Tobieson.
Mirrors Lagerlöf
The performance is intended to feature the fictional Nils Holgersson in the play. However, being 120 years old and using a walker, he is prevented from doing so, and the two actors have to try to remember his story.
That's where the interviewed ensemble steps in and "save" the performance.
Someone in the audience might raise their hand and say: “I know something about poverty. Or walking through ice. I know something about wandering from south to north in search of a tolerable life.” Their stories mirror Selma Lagerlöf’s story, says Menasanch Tobieson.
Without the collaboration between the original idea, actors and audience, the performance would have become something completely different, she believes:
It might have been a wonderful journey in some kind of more recent time. But now the form of the play is unique because it can only be done together. It only happens once at each theater thanks to people from the town.
Sara Haldert/TT
Facts: “Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey”
TT
Title: "Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey through Sweden"
Published in two parts in 1906–1907.
It's about a boy from Skåne who is transformed into a gnome as punishment for being lazy and mean to animals. Together with a flock of wild geese, he flies across Sweden, and in his encounters along the way, he develops empathy and understanding for nature.
The book has been translated into more than 60 languages.
"Uppdrag Holgersson": A new interpretation of Selma Lagerlöf's classic. Screenplay by Stina Oscarson and Astrid Menasanch Tobieson, who also direct.
"The Veterans": Newly written play based on interviews with Swedes who have served in war zones abroad.
"Zarah": A musical monologue by Lucas Svensson. Katarina Ewerlöf portrays Zarah Leander's last days in life, directed by Sunil Munshi.
"When the strip club came to town": A comedy by Björn Elgerd about everyday life, moral panic and longing. Directed by Anna Novovic.
