The Norwegian theatre company VERK is known for its epic and vaudevillesque style* of acting, characterized by satirical and political undertones. They seamlessly shift between storytelling, acting, and improvisation. VERK's approach is to embrace diverse avenues of acting styles, blending various styles and methods together to establish a strong connection with the audience, creating a solid sense of presence and immediacy.
In addition to touring nationally, VERK has gained international recognition in recent years, resulting in several guest performances in Sweden, Finland, Germany, England, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland and Portugal. In 2012 VERK received base funding from the Arts Council Norway aiming towards developing innovative and exciting performances.
VERK was founded in Oslo, Norway in 1998 by Saila Hyttinen, Fredrik Hannestad, Anders Mossling and Oskar Skulstad. They started pretty much from scratch focusing on a collective working process and proximity/lucidity on stage. VERK collaborates with artist across the field of performance arts.
VERK has always been interested in exploring new ways for the actor to inhabit the stage, avoiding the imposition of strict psychological interpretations. Instead, they encourage actors to be present in the moment, attuned to emotions and impulses as they arise, alongside the audience.
“The actor is not aimed at solving social or psychological conflicts, but to express objectively secret truths, to bring out in active gestures those elements of truth hidden under forms in their encounters with becoming" Antonin Artaud, The theatre and its double, Alma Classics LTD Januar 2013, Great Britain
VERK endeavours to expand the field of signification, which is understood as "meaning in process," for the participants. They seek to extend the boundaries of what constitutes material for the participants to generate and organize their work. In doing so, the mechanics of the "social situation" announce an event that enables a rapid proliferation of meanings that can replace paradigmatic concepts such as interpretation and identification.
Long-Term Collaborations
Since 2003, Verk has engaged in numerous long-term collaborations with a diverse range of artists, contributing significantly to the enrichment and expansion of their artistic endeavors. These collaborations reflect Verk's commitment to artistic diversity and interdisciplinary approaches.
Key Collaborators Over the Years:
Per Platou, Signe Becker, Tilo Hahn, Solveig Laland Mohn, Håkon Mathias Vassvik
New Collaborations (Since 2018):
Espen Klouman Høiner, Jakob Oredsson, Felipe Osorio Guzmán, Vilde Jønland
Contributing Artists and Collaborators:
Verk has been fortunate to work with numerous artists and collaborators who have played crucial roles in the development of their work. Some of these include:
Amanda Steggell, Camilla Eeg, Anders Paulin, Runa Skolseg, Anette Therese Pettersen, Jon Refsdal Moe, Lea Basch, Kjersti Alm Eriksen, Ida Andersson, Ane Reiersen, Per Ananiassen, Thea Danielsen Fjørtoft.
Partner Institutions:
Institutions that have supported Verk's projects over many years, offering venues, resources, and collaborative opportunities:
Black Box Teater, BIT-Teatergarasjen, Rosendal Teater (Avantgarden), Stamsund Internasjonale Teaterfestival(SIT), Vårscenefest.
* Vaudevillesque style: The term "vaudevillesque style of acting" refers to a performance style that is reminiscent of vaudeville, a genre of variety entertainment that was popular in the US and Europe from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. This style is characterized by a diverse mix of acts, including comedy, music, dance, and dramatic sketches. In the context of acting, a vaudevillescue style typically includes the following elements: exaggeration, physical comedy, quick transitions, audience interaction, variety and versatility and improvisation.