Outside/Inside

Produced by Samovarteateret (2026)
Supported by Nordic Culture Point, The Swedish Arts Grants Committee, Lava-Dansproduction, Fossekleiva Kultursenter
Sometimes aspects from the outside world penetrate people's inner lives. The present gives off a sound of dissonance that can be both emotionally overwhelming and intrusive. How can one hold on to motivation and identity with the constant noise from outside? How can we find our place in a framework that is constantly changing? How do we relate to what once was? And where can we turn, if not inward?
As artists, we constantly try to interpret and convey the essence of our time. In Outside/Inside, Samovarteateret portrays a person's search for inspiration and hope in the face of social upheaval and a destabilized existence. Overwhelmed by changing conditions in everyday life, the gaze turns from the outside to the inside, in an attempt to re-establish identity and values, to find inner courage, inspiration and faith in the future.
Outside/Inside is a poetic and playful exploration of how external tensions affect the inner life of a person. Some will see a story about identity and courage, others may experience an account of the contemporary human experience. And some will see a portrait of an artist.
The project is an interdisciplinary performance that combines improvised music and dance, with scenographic means and video footage from the abandoned premises of the old Kirkenes hospital. On stage, the Samovarteateret artist – Nikolay Shchetnev – stands together with composer and multi-artist, Thomas Bergsten.
Welcome to a performance about life and art.
On stage: Nikolay Shchetnev and Thomas Bergsten
Choreography/Movement: Nikolay Shchetnev and Benno Voorham
Video design/Technology: Magnus Holm Slettebø
Lighting design/Technology: Jan-Harald Jensen
Outer eye/Dramaturgy: Franzisca Aarflot
Music: Thomas Bergsten
Graphics: Michael Miller
Video: Alexei Tsalko
Photo: Are Olaussen and Peter Löfquist
Thanks to everyone who contributed their input to the reference group
Thanks to Nothing Hill for the use of premises for video recording
Thanks to Musikkgarasjen for lending equipment during the trial period
Supported by: Ministry of Culture and Equality, Finnmark County Municipality, Nordic Culture Point, The Swedish Arts Grants Committee, Lava-Dansproduction and Fossekleiva Cultural Center.
A production by Samovarteateret