Anja Lauvdal's Cosmic River: If We Could Talk
"If we could talk" is an activist and spiritual work about the river Numedalslågen which flows through Kongsberg.
"If we could talk" - Anja Lauvdal's Cosmic River
The work springs from a desire to explore local nature, and the idea that the better you know the nature around you, the more you will want to take care of it. "If we could talk" is a fictional conversation with the river, and is about going in to listen to those who don't speak the loudest, both non-humans and humans. The work seeks to explore and challenge how we choose to listen/not listen in a world full of noise.
The work consists of two parts: a concert and a sound walk along Numedalslågen.
This piece asks: If the river could talk, what would it say? What experiences has it had, how does it see itself, those who live in it and around it? What role do the stories we tell, and the influence of culture, play in how people see themselves in relation to nature? What relationship do we have with the natural resources around us, what do we want to take care of and in what way can we as humans contribute positively to the diversity in nature?
The music is inspired by the Charlie Haden Music LIberation Orchestra and Don Cherry's Organic Music Society, activist orchestras in their own way. Here in Norway, the protection and utilization of waterways is constantly up for debate, at the latest this autumn. IF WE COULD TALK is about focusing on our shared history, how the river and the people live next to each other and how we talk together in everyday life.
There will be a guided audio walk on Wednesday at 18:00 before the concert at 19:00, as well as in the morning on Thursday 7 July at 11:00. The sound walk starts on the west side of Gamlebrua, close to the large car park.
You need a smartphone and a pair of earphones. There are two apps you need to download on your phone: Echoes and Artivive. They are both free and easy to use. Wear comfortable shoes.
Cast:
Idea and concept: Anja Lauvdal and journalist Ingerid Salvesen
Visual portrait: Line Ørnes Søndergaard
Cosmic River
Anja Lauvdal – composer / piano and synths
Elsa Bergman – double bass
Veslemøy Narvesen – drums
Henriette Eilertsen – flutes
Johanna Scheie Orellana – flutes
Heida Karine Johannesdottir – tuba
Amund Storløkken Åse – vibraphone/percussion
Lighting: Ingrid Skanke Høsøien
Sound: David Solheim
Concert start 19:00
The doors open at 18:00 – at 18:XNUMX there is also a sound walk which is recommended to be taken before the concert starts!
