Exploring Nordic Creativity: Highlights from the Royal Norwegian Consulate General’s Annual Pitch Presentation
Back in January, amidst the buzz of the APAP|2024 conference, the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York and Performing Arts Hub Norway collaborated to host their 12th annual pitch presentation. This event served as a platform to showcase a diverse array of prominent and emerging artists and shows from the Nordic region to North American and international presenters.
In a dynamic session spanning just over an hour, eight artists captivated audiences with their innovative works spanning theater, dance, puppetry, video, multidisciplinary, installation, and performance art. These presentations provided a glimpse into the vibrant creative landscape of the Nordic countries, where cultural heritage, societal values, and environmental influences intersect to inspire compelling artistic expressions.
Drawing inspiration from the region’s breathtaking natural landscapes and rich mythology, many of the showcased works incorporated elements of wilderness, folklore, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, themes of social equality, progressivism, inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality resonated strongly throughout the presentations, reflecting the region’s commitment to fostering dialogue and social change through the arts.
The aesthetic of minimalism and simplicity was a recurring motif, characterized by clean lines and understated design that allowed the essence of each performance to shine. Furthermore, interdisciplinary collaboration was a hallmark of the showcased works, with artists seamlessly blending disciplines such as theater, dance, music, visual arts, and technology to create immersive and innovative experiences.
We are delighted to announce the release of the recording of this pitch session, inviting presenters from around the world to explore the inspiring and distinct work of these Nordic artists. From Elle Sofe Company’s mesmerizing dance performances to Wakka Wakka’s captivating figure theater, each presentation offers a unique perspective on Nordic creativity and artistic innovation.
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Pitch Lineup
Elle Sofe Company (dance)
Corentin JPM LEVEN (dance/theater)
Nagelhus Schia Productions (dance)
Bianca Hisse & Laura Cemin (dance/performance/installation)
ONLY SLIME (experimental opera/music theater/interdisciplinary performance)
BodyCartography Project (dance/performance/land-based work)
Wakka Wakka – (figure theater)
Plexus Polaire/Yngvild Aspeli (figure theater)
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Special thanks to the team at the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York & Performing Arts Hub Norway who made this event possible:
Hege Knarvik Sande, CEO, Performing Arts Hub Norway
Aslaug Nygård, Deputy Consul General, The Royal Norwegian Consulate General
Kirsti Buchanan Ulvestad Head of International, Performing Arts Hub Norway
Anders Rohlan Småhaug, Executive producer/Technical producer, Performing Arts Hub Norway
Lisa Reynolds, Producer, Performing Arts Hub Norway
Will Wade Pentel, Head Technician
Ariana Tiziani, Advisor, Arts & Culture, The Royal Norwegian Consulate in New York
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