Polishing Iceland
"I have copyrights to the ‘Lost in Iceland’ brand."
— Ewa Marcinek
Polishing Iceland premiered in Tjarnarbío on the 11th of March 2020. A physical theatre performance conceived and directed by Pálína Jónsdóttir based on an autobiographical short story collection by Polish author Ewa Marcinek. The play explores the experience of a Polish immigrant finding her way in Iceland.
Pálína Jónsdóttir’s direction turns confusion into comedy, fear into action. Through sensual and surreal physical theatre, Polishing Iceland conveys a universal story about looking for human connection and understanding beyond words. The production features humorous and deeply touching narration with translingual dialogues in English, Icelandic, and Polish.
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
“There is a light poetic tone in the show, humor and sweet irony. Everything is presented with authentic generosity and relaxed dexterity..."
— Þorgeir Tryggvason, Morgunblaðið
“The movements of the three actors are clear and well organized, no detail is incidental, but part of the narrative and conveys meaning; these working methods are rare on the Icelandic stage and it would certainly be nice to see the effect of these working methods felt elsewhere.”
— Jakob S. Jónsson, Kjarninn: Kvenleg reynsla, ósvikin kómík
Starring: Magdalena Tworek, Michael Richardt, Pétur Óskar Sigurðsson
Dramatization, Direction, & Costume Design: Pálína Jónsdóttir
Writer & Producer: Ewa Marcinek
Dramaturg & Stage Manager: angela rawlings
Composer & Sound Designer: Anna Halldórsdóttir
Light Designer: Juliette Louste
Prop Designer: Michael Godden
Technical Director: David Nelson
Marketing and Production Team: Bryndís Jónatansdóttir, Claire Paugam, Emma-Line Solander Aubry, Kim Wagenaar, Martyna Daniel, Naila Zahin Ana, Patrik Ontkovic, Rakel Snorradóttir
Reykjavík Ensemble thanks the following for production support: Aleksandra Koluder, Dansverkstæðið, Hertex, IÐNÓ, Irma
Jördis Richter, Marín Björt Valtýsdóttir, Rauði Krossinn, Tinna Þorvalds Önnudóttir, Juan Camilo Román Estrada
Supported by: Tjarnarbíó & Reykjavíkurborg
