Pavlov's bitch

" Ivan Pavlov researched the digestive system of dogs by collecting saliva that the dogs excreted. He measured and analyzed the saliva produced under different conditions. Pavlov noticed that the dogs often excreted saliva before they had food in their mouths, and started researching this phenomenon. Eventually, the research became more focused on this phenomenon than the chemical content of the saliva. He conducted a long series of experiments where he manipulated (changed) stimuli before the dogs were fed. Through these experiments, he found the basic "laws" for the establishment and extinction of what became known as "conditioned reflexes". These experiments were carried out between 1890 and 1910." (Wikipedia.no)

"Pavlov's bitch" is a kind of stand-up theater with Camara Joof, directed by Kai Johnsen. Camara sings, dances and narrates events from her own life in different languages and different Norwegian dialects. She does this throughout the performance, which makes the play special and extraordinary. She talks about how we see ourselves and others, how language is linked to power, and how the world helps to shape the identity of each individual.

The production is produced by Den mangfoldige scenen AS in collaboration with Brageteatret and BUL/Nynorskens hus. Lasse Passage has been responsible for the composition, while Ola E. Bø has been the language consultant. In the play, Camara talks about the challenges she and director Kai Johnsen have faced. Camara talks about how their differences made it demanding to work together. She as a dark-skinned bisexual woman, and he as a white, heterosexual man. Camara explains how they eventually managed to work together, and where and how they found inspiration.

In the play, we follow Camara's personal journey through life in Oslo, Sandefjord, out into the world and back again. The theme is very relevant for young people today. As a young person, you can ask yourself questions like: "Who am I?" and "What is okay?" Everyone has their own story to tell, and this is what Camara is concerned with. All people's stories are equally important, regardless of who they are. As previously mentioned, Camara talks about how her life has been and is as a bisexual woman of color in Norway and the rest of the world. She describes what she has done in different situations and her various experiences. When has she fallen short, and when has she gone too far?

Camara is honest and open-hearted in her storytelling. The mix of singing, dancing and storytelling makes the performance special and entertaining. She talks about serious things, but also about slightly funnier things. She puts things in perspective to get her point across, which she does very well. She talks about how ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation affect how people treat each other. She gives examples of how she and others she knows have been subjected to discrimination. She talks about her family and friends, and other people she has met throughout her life.

In her work on this performance, Camara has drawn inspiration from the diaries she wrote when she was young. She says that the target group for the performance is the oldest students in middle school and high school. Through her play, she wants to help young people understand that everyone is equally important, that they are in charge of themselves and their own bodies, and that you should not accept everything others say and do to you. Throughout the performance, she encourages those in the audience to be themselves, and to make the best possible choices.

Finding a name for the play was a demanding process for Camara and the director. In the end, they agreed on "Pavlov's bitch". Camara recognizes the phenomenon of classical conditioning and "Pavlov's dogs". She herself has felt that she has done what others have asked her to do, and allowed society to control and influence her negatively.

"We whizzes liked 'Pavlos bitch' very much. Camara is skilled and conveys his message in a very good way. The performance is varied. Sometimes it is funny, while other times it has a more serious touch. Camara is often humorous while talking about serious things. This might make more people interested and pay more attention.

We recommend all young people and adults to see "Pavlov's bitch". It is a great and strong performance about what it is like to be young in the world now. Camara is skilled and has good contact with the audience. We recommend young people and adults to see Camara Joof in "Pavlov's bitch"!

Hue and Sigrid.