Norway.Today
 Student Matinees
September 5-21, 2008. Tarragon Extra Space.

Theatre Smash presents the Canadian premiere of the critically acclaimed global sensation, Norway.Today. Since its premiere in late 2000 at the Düsseldorf Play House, Norway.Today has been staged more than 200 times around the world and has been translated into 25 languages.

Norway. Today - Synopsis:

Based on a true story, Norway.Today is an existential romantic comedy about two lost souls searching for the meaning of life in death. Julie and August meet when Julie announces her intention to take her life in an internet chat room – and issues a challenge for someone to join her. August responds and they meet atop Pulpit Rock, a 2000 ft. cliff in Norway. On this last evening of their lives, the lines of life and virtual reality are blurred, and they discover that some things in life might just be scarier than jumping off a cliff.

Student Offer 

All student group bookings are offered the opportunity to participate in a ‘talk-back’ session with the actors, director and producer of the production.  The session will take place immediately after the performance for approximately 30 minutes.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and to meet the members of the production.

Student Pricing/Matinee Details: 

Student Price: $12/per (regular price $25)
Student Matinees are available upon request.
Number of students required for dedicated performance: 25

For more information, please contact ashlie@theatresmash.com

Sample Ontario Arts Curriculum Links: 

Norway. Today provides educators and their students the opportunity to discuss the growing issues of internet or virtual relationships and social forums.  The production also incorporates visual technology as a core dramatic convention  used through out the play which makes this a wonderful opportunity to discuss the use of mixed media in stage productions.

 Dramatic Arts, ADA3M/O (Grade 11):  Analyze the connections between the theatre, themselves and society ;  demonstrate an ability to review theatre performances in the community;  explain how the portrayal of roles and characters in drama is connected to personal experiences, to universal truths, and to specific aspects of the human experience,

Dramatic Arts, ADA4M (Grade 12):  Use technology effectively to convey mood, tension, and universal meaning in a production;  identify universal concepts and themes from a study of theatre works, and analyze their personal, social and cultural significance;  explain how theatre can reflect issues, societal concerns, and the culture of the community.

Media Arts, ASM3O / ASM4O (Grade 11&12):  Evaluate a hybrid work; analyse and compare ways in which works of media art influence audiences;  explain the importance of media arts in the expression, transmission, and promotion of a culture.

Sample Discussion Questions/Activities:

1.      Compare and contrast the attitudes and motivations of Julie and August.  What has brought them together?

2.      The internet plays a major role in Norway. Today – could the same story have been told without it?

3.      How has this play affected how you think about the relationships that you form via the Internet?

4.      Critique the use of mixed media in the play.  Was it effective?  How did it contribute to the play?