“We have no need of other worlds. We need mirrors. We don’t know what to do with other worlds.”
– Stanislaw Lem, Solaris
Inspired by Stanislaw Lem’s cult novel Solaris and Andrej Tarkovskij’s film adaptation, Verk Produksjoner dives into the mysterious sea of Solaris – a distant planet harboring a form of intelligence that can take infinite forms. On a space station near Solaris, this intelligence has caused psychological disturbances among the astronauts. In this performance, Verk Produksjoner explores the consequences of this encounter with the inexplicable.
Through conversations about the Solaris Sea and its indescribable forms, stories, memories and their impact, as well as discussions about zombies, theater and acting, we explore the complex relationship between reality and illusion, truth and imitation. We recognize the gap that often exists between what we think we say and what we actually say, and we explore how theater can create a new relationship with the inexplicable. We have come together to tell stories and listen to what remains, because maybe it's all about embracing whatever comes, because it comes from somewhere.
Verk Productions has staged a number of performances at Black Box teater through itsmore than twenty-year work, most recently Opening Night in 2021. The company tours both at home and abroad, receiving warm responses from both press and audiences. Among other recognitions, they have received the Hedda Award twice. Solaris is part of the scholarship project of Fredrik Hannestad and Saila Hyttinen at the University of the Arts in Oslo.
