WORK
Filmed by Oscar Loeser.
Sarah Kaurin Jonassen has researched the topic of screen use since January 2021. She has researched the topic by reading scientific research, collecting news articles, watching documentaries, writing and drawing pictures and ideas based on the topic, observing screen use and other forms of research. She invited Katie-Rose Spence into the project as a co-deviser and together they researched the topic in the studio of Eden, Arthaus Berlin. Based on the research they created a 16 minutes long performance that is a start on a longer performance to be.
By 2012 1 billion smartphones were in use worldwide, a revolution that has transformed our society forever. Mental health issues and obesity have increased, and by decreasing our time that was once used for mind wandering, our ability to concentrate, problem-solve, and reflect has declined. The manifold effects the smartphone is having on us has not gone unnoticed. Apps have been designed to combat the addictiveness caused by other apps designed with the very purpose of addicting us. Several documentaries have exposed our dependent behavior towards the screen. We reach for it without noticing. We know something is not right, but still, that small device that fits in the palm of our hand, and holds the answers to the universe, is an important part of our life. We can connect with each other. We can save our moments in an invisible cloud. It brings us together.
It is entirely conflicting.That which enables our sociality also isolates us. What connects us, disconnects us.
And when we use it so much, where is the line between real life and screen life?
Sarah and Katie-Rose have worked with the topic through comedy, clowns, slapstick, absurdity, surrealism and tragedy. Creating an absurd world on a vast, serious and ridiculous topic.
This performance is a start on something bigger. Such a colossal topic needs time. For now, we’re scrolling and not reaching the bottom. But would we anyway?
Katie-Rose Spence- Perth, Australia. Actor, Improvisor, Clown and Theatre-maker.
Studied: AADA-New York, Lecoq-Paris, Arthaus-Berlin.
Performances of note: Solo + Co-Devised shows - “Brunch Lady” 2018 Expat Expo English Theatre Berlin, “The Trepidation of the Tower Traipsing Troglodytes” 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2016 Perth Fringe Festival. Actor - “The Grubstake Remix” 2017 directed by Daniel Janke at the Babylon Cinema Berlin, “Small Traumas” 2017 with Blue Guitar Theatre London, and the interactive award winning show “The Crystal Maze” in London 2016-2017. Katie is a clown volunteer with “The Flying Seagulls”.
Studied: AADA-New York, Lecoq-Paris, Arthaus-Berlin.
Performances of note: Solo + Co-Devised shows - “Brunch Lady” 2018 Expat Expo English Theatre Berlin, “The Trepidation of the Tower Traipsing Troglodytes” 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2016 Perth Fringe Festival. Actor - “The Grubstake Remix” 2017 directed by Daniel Janke at the Babylon Cinema Berlin, “Small Traumas” 2017 with Blue Guitar Theatre London, and the interactive award winning show “The Crystal Maze” in London 2016-2017. Katie is a clown volunteer with “The Flying Seagulls”.
Sarah Kaurin Jonassen -Kristiansand, Norway. Actor, Improvisor, Clown and Theatre-maker.
Studies: MFA Advanced Devising Practice at Rose Bruford College/Arthaus Berlin.
Studied: BA Performance Studies (UiB), Process- and project management (Emergence School of Leadership)
Previous she worked with several cultural projects, such as the rehabilitation project “Help! I am free” in South Africa. A theatre training with inmates in Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town.
Performances of note: “Møtet” and “Hjerterom” 2020 at Oslo Teatersenter.
Studies: MFA Advanced Devising Practice at Rose Bruford College/Arthaus Berlin.
Studied: BA Performance Studies (UiB), Process- and project management (Emergence School of Leadership)
Previous she worked with several cultural projects, such as the rehabilitation project “Help! I am free” in South Africa. A theatre training with inmates in Pollsmoor Prison, Cape Town.
Performances of note: “Møtet” and “Hjerterom” 2020 at Oslo Teatersenter.
Gratitude
I want to give special gratitude to Katie-Rose for being the best co-collaborator. You are a very talented actor and creator, and creative, fun and playful to create together with. I am grateful you accepted the invitation and for your engagement in this project. I am looking forward to our creative future together.
Thank you to my mentors Thomas Prattki, Rachel Karafistan and Lionel Ménard. I am thankful for your listening, feedback and guidance.
Thank you to the rest of Arthaus Berlin staff for all your guidance and teaching over the past two years.
Thank you Rose Bruford College for hosting the most incredible degree. Special thank you to Niamh Dowling for advice and support. Thank you to Tracy Woodey for fast administrative help when needed.
Thank you to Marie Güsewell, Shai Cohen and Jazmine Reynoso for tech support during the Arthaus festival 2021.
Thank you to the rest of my Arthaus colleagues for all your listening, inspiration and guidance over the past two years.
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