Polishing Iceland
Polishing Iceland
REYKJAVÍK ENSEMBLE & Tjarnarbíó 2020
Polishing Iceland premiered in Tjarnarbío on the 11th of March 2020. A physical theatre performance conceived and directed by Pálína Jónsdóttir based on an autobiographical short story collection by Polish author Ewa Marcinek. The play explores the experience of a Polish immigrant finding her way in Iceland.
Pálína Jónsdóttir’s direction turns confusion into comedy, fear into action. Through sensual and surreal physical theatre, Polishing Iceland conveys a universal story about looking for human connection and understanding beyond words. The production features humorous and deeply touching narration with translingual dialogues in English, Icelandic, and Polish.
Starring: Magdalena Tworek, Michael Richardt, Pétur Óskar Sigurðsson
Dramatization, Direction, & Costume Design: Pálína Jónsdóttir
Writer & Producer: Ewa Marcinek
Dramaturg & Stage Manager: angela rawlings
Composer & Sound Designer: Anna Halldórsdóttir
Light Designer: Juliette Louste
Prop Designer: Michael Godden
Technical Director: David Nelson
Marketing and Production Team:
Bryndís Jónatansdóttir
Claire Paugam
Emma-Line Solander Aubry
Kim Wagenaar
Martyna Daniel
Naila Zahin Ana
Patrik Ontkovic, Rakel Snorradóttir
Reykjavík Ensemble thanks the following for production support: Aleksandra Koluder, Dansverkstæðið, Hertex, IÐNÓ, Irma, Jördis Richter, Marín Björt Valtýsdóttir, Rauði Krossinn, Tinna Þorvalds Önnudóttir, Juan Camilo Román Estrada
Supported by: Tjarnarbíó & Reykjavíkurborg
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
“There is a light poetic tone in the show, humour, and sweet irony. Everything is presented with authentic generosity and relaxed dexterity..."
“The movements of the three actors are clear and well organized, no detail is incidental, but part of the narrative and conveys meaning; these working methods are rare on the Icelandic stage and it would certainly be nice to see the effect of these working methods felt elsewhere.”
OTHER DIRECTORIAL WORK:
