A Sea of Memories
Anna Charlotta Nordanstedt and Elli Isokoski have developed an art project for older people in Norway and Finland. The aim is to open up space for different thoughts and sensory experiences.
Anna and Elli met several years ago through a shared interest in dance and art, as well as a mutual commitment to working with older people. They connected across borders and decided to develop DANS HAV! / TANSSI MERI! together.
“First, we carried out a preliminary project where we explored the theme and found out what older people think about the sea. We visited care homes in Inderøy and Levanger, as well as in Helsinki,” says Elli enthusiastically.
Read more about the project here
“We gathered so much material through the stories the older people shared with us that we had to narrow it down a little. We also invited other artists to join the project – visual artist Mio Oribe, composer Gyrid Nordal Kaldestad and costume designer Sophia Frykstam,” says Anna.
They also brought in performing and co-creative dance artist Ken Bruun Carlson, who has worked with Anna on similar projects in the past.
“We developed a model with a Finnish-speaking dancer, Elli, and a Norwegian-speaking dancer, Ken. When working with older people, it is useful to be able to say something during the performance,” says Anna.
“And to understand what they are saying,” Elli adds.
– How far have you come in the process now?
“We have the overall structure in place and are now working on the details. The costume designer is coming back with a few adjustments. We are at a very enjoyable stage of the process right now.”
They have visited senior centres and received feedback on parts of the work.
“We have tested whether the audience can actually hear what is being said,” says Anna.
“We are also incorporating different forms of interaction into the performance. It is useful to test these things with an audience,” says Elli.
– So it is not just a performance, but also a form of interaction?
“Yes. We give the audience the opportunity to move. At the same time, we are trying to figure out what it takes to encourage them to move without being too direct. That becomes part of the dramaturgy,” Anna explains.
“If they do not want to move, they should still be able to enjoy the performance and have a good experience,” Elli adds.
– Why did you choose the sea as your theme?
“The sea connects people. Both Finland and Norway have the sea,” says Elli.
The people the duo have met have shared stories about the sea that have stayed with them throughout their lives.
“We have gained insight into their lives through the stories and experiences they have shared with us – including stories about drowning accidents and learning to swim,” says Anna.
Ken Bruun Carlson, Elli Isokoski and Anna Charlotta Nordanstedt (right) were recently artists in residence at DansiT at Svartlamon.
– What do you hope the audience will take away from the performance?
“The performance will first and foremost be based on movement. How little can we say and still create meaning? How can we reach them and move them emotionally?” Anna asks.
“We want to give them something new to think about – something that is different from everyday life. To open up new worlds,” says Elli.
“We have already experienced new memories coming to the surface among the audience. It feels like we can contribute something exciting and meaningful for older people,” says Anna.
– What has it been like being at DansiT and in Trondheim this week?
“It has been wonderful. I love being in Norway! And Svartlamon has been a very good place to work. We visited a senior centre on Wednesday and received some really positive feedback. There are already rumours that this is going to be a success,” Elli says with a smile.
– Do you think you will come back?
“We hope so. At Risvollan, they asked us if we could come back. They wanted to see the entire performance. That is a great source of inspiration for us – that they are actually asking for it and want to see more,” Anna concludes.