Lónið
by Magnús Thorlacius and the group
Directed by Magnús Thorlacius
LHÍ, Reykjavík (2022), Tjarnarbíó Theatre, Reykjavík (2023)
To be at perfect piece of mind has never
been as important as in times like these.
Three human figures step outside of their comfort zone in search for serenity and wellbeing in the midst of their everyday lives. They set off on a self-nourishing journey, designed for both body and soul, but to be able to be at perfect piece of mind has never been as important as in times like these. Now we have to conquer the mind, stimulate the senses and connect with our body and soul. Nothing may go wrong.
A theatrical blackbox is transformed into a lagoon, whereby audience members get an insight into a world of hope and desire; loneliness and solitude; piece of mind and spiritual well being. The piece was devised using snippets of texts taken from speeches, opinion articles and discussion on social media surrounding the response to the COVID lockdown in Iceland, choir pieces praising the beautful nature of Iceland and visual imagery of the lagoon mania that took Iceland by storm in the years leading up to the pandemic, to name a few things. The outcome, a visual exploration of the strange times Iceland are going through and its identity in times of crisis, tackling the misery of human existence in a late-capitalist society.
Lónið (The Lagoon) was originally conceived and performed as Magnús Thorlacius’ graduation piece from LHÍ (The Icelandic University of the Arts). It was selected to be performed the following winter at Tjarnarbíó Theatre.
”Plays like these challenge our worldview and identity and therefore create a discussion” - E.H.G., RÚV
“The world is deteriorating, but the new generation brings hope.” - S.J., Heimildin
Duration: 60 minutes.
Tjarnarbíó Theatre, Reykjavík 2023:
LHÍ, Reykjavík 2022:
Director:
Magnús Thorlacius
Performers:
Bjartey Elín Hauksdóttir (LHÍ 2022), Jökull Smári Jakobsson, Melkorka Gunborg Briansdóttir, Rakel Ýr Stefánsdóttir (Tjarnarbíó 2023)
Music and sound design:
Ísidór Jökull Bjarnason
Videos:
Hákon Örn Helgason, Nikulás Tumi Hlynsson
Assistant director and choreographer:
Ragnhildur Birta Ásmundsdóttir
Devisors:
Bjartey Elín Hauksdóttir, Hákon Örn Helgason, Jökull Smári Jakobsson, Magnús Thorlacius, Melkorka Gunborg Briansdóttir, Nikulás Tumi Hlynsson,
Vigdís Halla Birgisdóttir
Costume consultant:
Annalísa Hermannsdóttir
Set and props consultant:
Bryndís Ósk Þ. Ingvarsdóttir
Carpenter:
Egill Ingibergsson
Tech consultant:
Guðmundur Felixson
Photographer for posters:
Nikulás Tumi Hlynsson
Technician:
Killian G. E. Briansson
Water control:
Ragnhildur Birta Ásmundsdóttir
Director of promotional material:
Annalísa Hermannsdóttir
Director of photogrraphy of promotional material:
Annalísa Hermannsdóttir, Hákon Örn Helgason
Color grading of promotional material:
Nikulás Tumi Hlynsson
Photos:
Owen Fiene (LHÍ 2022)
Brian FitzGibbon (Tjarrnarbíó 2023)
Recording:
Egill Ingibergsson
Instructors:
Karl Ágúst Þorbergsson, Tryggvi Gunnarsson
Special thanks:
Annalísa Hermannsdóttir, Björg Steinunn Gunnarsdóttir, Drangey, Egill Ingibergsson, Fjölnir Gíslason, Anna María Tómasdóttir, Saga Sigurðardóttir, Sky Lagoon, mamma og pabbi og tengdó og allir hinir og bekkurinn.
Performed at:
LHÍ, Reykjavík (Apr 2022)
Tjarnarbíó Theatre, Reykjavík (May 2023)
