„Żywioły. Elementer og Mythos. Wielka Parada Smoków” (Polish title) “Żywioły. Elementer og Mythos. Den Store Drageparaden” (Norwegian title) “Elements and Myths. Great Dragons’ Parade” (English title)

The leitmotiv of the whole project consisting of the numerous artistic events are the elements. Air, fire, water, earth – have always been our natural environment. However, nowadays more than by elements of nature, humankind is surrounded by the elements of the culture – the typical and distinguish work of mankind. We hope to experience together with all the partners and beneficiaries the fascinating journey to the roots of culture elements. The process while elements of nature had been becoming the base of our human world – the world of culture must be very intriguing.

We are going to set out the time travel which will allow us to get to know the beginnings of Norwegian and Polish struggle for creation of culture elements. We would like to get to know the roots of both cultures, their myths and legends, and compare its crossing points. Searching for the historical and cultural beginning can lead us to better understanding of each other.

"Sigurd fighting the dragon" was one of the projects in this rather big co-operation between Teatr Groteska and Kulturproduksjoner. "Sigurd fighting the Dragon" was a street-performance without words, created by Polish and Norwegian artists. In Poland the set design and costumes was made by students from the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, the work was led by professor Malgorzata Komarowski. In Norway students from HiO participated in creating the costumes and set design for the performance, this work was led by scenographer Einar Dahl. Together with young polish actors, students from the course in Puppet theatre at HiO, participated as actors in the performance. The performance was rehearsed in Krakow in May/June 2010, and played in both Krakow and Oslo.

Co-operating partners in Norway:
Kulturproduksjoner - kulturprod.no - is a production company, run by Svein Gundersen and Karen Høie. The company has made performances for both children and grown-ups - big outdoor performances, as well as smaller productions for touring. Kulturproduksjoner tries to connect and collaborate with other theatres and artists in many of their projects.

UNIMA-Norway - unima.no - is the national senter of UNIMA, and have the same purpose. In addition the organisation works for puppet-theatre in Norway, both in arts and for pedagogical use. The organisation shall try to spread knowledge about Norwegian puppet theatre abroad, and bring puppet theatre from abroad to Norway. UNIMA-Norway is every second year, in co-operration with Oslo Nye Teater and the Community of Oslo, arranging the puppetfestival “Fri Figur”. UNIMA-Norway is also publishing the magazine “Ånd i hanske”, that comes out 4 times a year.

University College (OUC) - hio.no/ - is financed by the Government, and offers the broadest portfolio of professional studies available in Norway. OUC has more than 50 academic degrees in the following areas: Business Administration, Engineering, Fine Art, Design, Drama, Health Sciences, Media Studies, Social Sciences, and Teacher Education. The Faculty of Art, Design and Drama emphasizes the teaching of specific subjects in the areas of art, design and drama as well, as pedagogical training of teachers.