The art of the impossible. The Long Journey of Eugenia Barby and Odin Theatret

Documentary directed by Elsa Kvamme

“The art of the impossible. The Long Journey of Eugenia Barby and Odin Teatret” is a documentary film made in the convention of road cinema. Elsa Kvamme, Norwegian film director and former Odin Teatret actress, accompanies Eugene Barbie on a biographical journey. First they visit Oslo, where in 1964 the director organized the first rehearsals of his theater in an anti-aircraft shelter, then they go to Opole, to the former headquarters of the 13 Reds Theater, where he worked as an assistant to the then little-known Jerzy Grotowski, finally they go to Holstebro, called in the sixties “the most boring city in Denmark”. Accompanying them on this journey, we learn not only the history of the Odin Teatret — one of the oldest and most famous theatre ensembles in the world, but also its impact on the development of the Danish town and its community. We also learn why, in Barbara's opinion, culture is important and why it is worth fighting for it, and what is the point of practicing theater in times of commercialism, apathy and terror.

Trailer of the film

The film is shown with Polish subtitles thanks to the help of the Mazovian Institute of Culture and the Institute of Polish Culture of the University of Warsaw.

Written and directed by: Elsa Kvamme Cinematographers: Tore Vollan, Nils-Petter Lotherington Editing: Claire Coriat, Erik Thorvald Aster Music: Henning Sommerro Production: Alert Film, 2018 Co-production: NRK