BERGEN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2017
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Who are we ?
In a time of immense global changes and challenges , the question of who we are or who we want to be is of the highest relevance . When encountering the unfamiliar and those unfamiliar to us , we are confronted with other worldviews and identities , which may sometimes strike us as provoking , sometimes as gratifying .
The arts field presents us with powerful attempts at depicting differences and diversity as an enriching force . They all contribute to the recognition that what is different and unknown may be quite normal – as well as essential , innovative , and inspiring .
One of arts ’ traits is just that ; it creates a feeling of community across differences . Through art we may come together in a way that bridges the gap between people from different cultures and social classes , with our different languages , religions , and cultures . Song and music , literature and theatre have the ability to encourage freedom and create a sense of identity not as protection , but as an opening towards The Others . itself as well as its near and distant surroundings . My concern is to ensure there is artistic room and openness allowing the audience to encounter something new and different we might not yet have words for .
Identity is the overall theme for the 2017 Bergen International Festival . We invite the audience to a voyage of discovery across the various art forms in our comprehensive programme . You will find a multitude of complex identities among the performing and creative artists , who are always on the move towards new places . Meet them on their journey – and perhaps you might also meet yourself .
Welcome !
The 2017 Festival Composer and Artist in Residence is Finnish Kaija Saariaho , whose artistic and personal identity has been moulded in her encounter with all the characteristic qualities of France and the French culture . She has been living in France for large parts of her life and moves naturally between cultures . Saariaho speaks through her music and she wishes to contribute to a more open , including , and richer human fellowship through her art .
The question of identity also applies to the Bergen International Festival . Does the Festival maintain an identity that is invariably unchangeable and valid ? Of course not . The Festival is always in motion and in critical dialogue with
Anders Beyer Festival Director Twitter : @ AndersBey
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