Tropisms and Sarraute

En Bagatell av Nathalie Sarraute, Torshovteatret, Oslo. Photo: Marius E. Hauge, The National Theater, Oslo

It’s been a week filled with great theatre experiences. In 1 ½ week I’ve experienced three plays. All of them were great! Yesterday I went to Torshovteatret to see “En bagatell” ( “A small detail”) by Nathalie Sarraute. Sarraute indicated that the words are the verbal translation of a non-verbal communication. With "tropisms" she referred to inner movements of the mind, which are involuntary and which guide our behaviour. These “tropisms” was the central theme of the play. Jon Øigarden and Mads Ousdal portray to friends trying to come to terms with their relationship. Through the little things, what’s conveyed in intonation or small movements we communicate more than what’s obvious. I laughed out load several times, but then the laughter abruptly stopped. It’s challenging to watch and remember how I myself often interpret these tropisms in the behaviour of people around me. I’m often searching for the hidden meaning behind a smile or the way things are said. Not always of course, but often enough to feel it’s uncomfortable when it’s revealed through a play like this.

The setting for the play is perfect. Torshovteatret is small and intimate and as a spectator you’re in the middle of all the action. Congrats to Torshovteatret for a great choice. I’m hoping for more of Sarraute at the theatre!