Rattus Norvegicus

In collaboration with Hamar Teater and Hedmark TeaterWe are in Norway in the near future. Everyone who lives in Norway must take the big Norwegian test. The test will measure your connection to Norwegian society - your degree of Norwegian-ness.The main character, Arne Hansen, is typically Norwegian. He was born to ethnic Norwegian parents, grew up and lived in Norway all his life, with the exception of a year in Sweden. Nevertheless, he fails the big Norwegian test and is caught in a trap - a kind of limbo from which he can never escape.The play is built up as a chain of associations around Arne's situation. His entire identity, sense of belonging, self-respect and human dignity are called into question.Arne: I'm just saying that I am, after all, more Norwegian than Raul. My mother is honestly Norwegian.Otto: ooh. Your mother! Raul: Sure. Your mother is Norwegian.Arne: What do you mean by that?Otto: Can you prove that your mother is Norwegian?Raul: Can you?Arne: No, but unless I'm going to decide for myself what's Norwegian? Raul: It wouldn't make sense if society was based on individual perceptions like that.Otto: Yes. What would the nations look like then? If everyone could decide whether they were a member or not?Arne: Who should decide that then?Otto: If it's not you, it's probably the others then.Arne: Well, hell, it's the others.Otto: ... Hell, it's the others. I'll include that in the blog.