It's the Dream
Olaf Hauge - Drops in the East Wind, 1966
It's the dream we carry in secret
that something miraculous will happen,
that it must happen –
that time will open
that the heart will open
that doors will open
that the rockface will open
that spring will gush –
that the dream will open,
that one morning we will glide into
some little harbour we didn't know was there.
Olaf Hauge - Drops in the East Wind, 1966
It's the dream we carry in secret
that something miraculous will happen,
that it must happen –
that time will open
that the heart will open
that doors will open
that the rockface will open
that spring will gush –
that the dream will open,
that one morning we will glide into
some little harbour we didn't know was there.
Well, here in Norway something miraculous happens every time a 4D show starts. No, really!
Brilliant dancers, gifted and hard working technical crew put up a special evening for their audience, no matter what the conditions are. Show must be. Be beautiful. Precise. Moving. Magic.
That's great! but that's the serious part.
Now what happens behind the scenes.. that's more interesting.
It all started with a rice-cooker in a green room.
Of course, we were all terrified by the bill we received after our first dinner out. That's Norway. For the sake of your bank account, avoid eating out unless you like bad pizzas and hotdogs. Our solution is called "Nienke's green kitchen". A cooking box with a few bowls, some cutlery, spices, olive oil, veggies of the day , whatever ***. and ***. find on their way.. and a rice cooker with a steamer.
In this prestigious traveling kitchen of ours, we produce delicious vegetarian dishes that some people of the crew call "grass". (But we don't mind, because we're cool)
Since we're afraid to cook in our hotel rooms (very sensitive fire alarms up here!) we squat the theaters even when we're neither performing, nor building. Also because in some places we get free cinema tickets. (Just say you're from Eastman dance company, you can try it too if you're there. It works!)
When we finish our gypsy vegetarian cooking , it feels a bit schizophrenic to go back to our luxury spa hotel. But that's what we get, and we have to deal with it.
After a day in the spa, after cooking, eating and watching a movie one feels very tired, you know. Some people read, some Facebook, others skype with loved ones, some sleep, some get drinks for free at the bar...And some even watch videos of birth-giving and cry of emotion (no not their own, not their relative's or close friends'.. just random ones).
Spa time was great for a few days (you get very easily hooked on hot tub, steam baths and jacuzzis) but we were happy to go, to discover another port and for some to finally get some social life. What we got when we arrived though, (after a marvelous 7 hours snow ride through the mountains) was an annual rally of the Norwegian Christian party checking in our hotel at the same time as us.
Breakfasts are a nice time. Studying everyone's breakfast choice is even more interesting. ("Did you see what he/she's having for breakfast???!!!") Breakfasts in (our)Norwegian hotels are very good. Suitable for all tastes. Lots of fresh fruit smoothies in mini glasses - so you have to drink 4 of them at least.
You can make your own waffles. And when you don't know how the dough behaves, well you put too much of it in the waffler, it starts swelling and then you have it eeeeeverywhere around. And then you leave the place without your waffle because it looks really stupid. But the next time, you know.. and you can eat it with that famous brown Norwegian goat cheese. (Now I understand better why I almost threw up the first time I tried it years ago in Oslo. I didn't know it was meant to be sweet and eaten like honey or chocolate on pancakes. So I ate it with smoked salmon... NOT a good choice, trust me.)
And evenings? evenings are fun. When we manage to gather all together. Not always easy to have everyone sitting at one table and having a drink together due to technicians' longer working time. They arrive late. but they also last the longest. (understand they are a danger - but they're not the only one :-))))
Speaking of danger, apparently, the night we performed in H. lots of people got so drunk downtown that they ended their night at the police station. No worries.. Not us! However, it doesn't mean that I can disclose what happens sometimes when the night falls on 4D. Because as I already wrote once, the best stories are the ones untold.
PS: Olaf Hauge is a Norwegian poet. (I did my homework!)
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