National Anthems

Imagine there’s no countries, as John Lennon sang. Now, imagine some new ones. With the help of artificial intelligence, composer Maja S.K. Ratkje has invented enough new nations to create a world. Balancing between utopia and dystopia, National Anthems is a performance with theatrical elements consisting of national songs Ratkje has composed to represent fictional countries such as Norland Bolis, The Tepublic of the Fiolli and Handong (find out more at atlantispedia.art).

These hybrid anthems contain many of the characteristics that are commonly cherished in real-world national anthems: a pompous, easily remembered melody that a population can lean into and identify with. Ensemble Modern perform music and rituals, while Ratkje takes on a range of colourful roles as the solo vocalist in each anthem. With scenography by Tormod Lindgren and visuals by Peter Knudsen, the performance will include mini-lectures on nationhood by artist, writer and artistic director of NORDTING – The Northern Assembly, Amund Sjølie Sveen, whose work has focused on the narratives and power struggles of nation states.

NB: This concert is a part of our Early Bird Deal, which gives you 35 % discount on ten concerts. Read more here.