Don’t mention the Moustache

Research project by Ellen Jerstad

 This final research project by Ellen Jerstad investigates the juxtarposition of identity and belonging in the age of individualism. It was performed as Jerstad´s master project from KHIO (Master i Teater).

The project rotates around transgenerationalism and the idea of a “self” through imagined dialogue and dances with family members, ancestors and a strange mustached man. The mustached man being the philosopher, mystic, composer and teacher of spiritual work and dance; George Ivanovich Gurdjieff; whose ideas the project subject (Jerstad)s parents and grandparents on both side follow and practice. This project investigates how to deal with inherited struggles that we are not initiated into. Gaps between generations, a passion to move, and longing to uncover spiritual secrets.

Co-creators and performers: Vincent Vernerie and Kristian Larson
Poster, visuell elements: Katja Henriksen Schia
Lighting design: Martin Myrvold
Inspisient: Ronja Elvenes
Scenemester: Christopher Wendt Reitan
Artistic advisors: Joans Corell Pettersen, Mads Thygesen

The text is a mix of imagined and real conversation, with quotes from the Gurdgjeff literature and the film; Meeting with remarkable men. The music is inspired from or composed by Gurdjieff and de Hartmann.

Thanks to colleges in the MA teater and dance, Anne Holtan, Roza Moshtaghi, Ilse Ghekiere, Kim Hiorthøy, Kyrre Heldal Karlson, Gunhild Mathea Husvik-Olausen & Jesper Halle. Big thanks for help from family members; Georgiana, Jon, Ilker & Mari.

This was part 02 of Jerstads Master in Theatre. Read about part 01 bellow: