ISKRA (NO) 2024-2025
ISKRA production is a theater company based in Tromsø, Northern Norway, officially established in 2024 by two exile artists Prokhor Gusev and Gulnara Iskakova. Artists of ISKRA production are trying to make their theater in new circumstances, in a new cultural field, in a new country, trying to create a space for dialogue to explore identities, roots and a new way of making theater when the world is on fire. ISKRA Production often collaborates with freelance artists to present diverse perspectives. For the “Moving Identities” project, they are partnering with Sámi-Norwegian composer Gøril Nilsen on “I Am a Witness of Your Existence,” which examines the identity of witnesses as a social and cultural phenomenon.
Parcitipating artists
Prokhor Gusev (NO)
Prokhor Gusev is an exile theatre and sound artist who utilizes the new-processual method of Boris Yukhananov and the “impulse” method of Tamara Dascinskaya, which incorporates P.M. Ershov’s practices, yoga, and meditation. His work delves into themes of theatre as a spiritual practice, equality, and challenging societal stereotypes, often with a political lens. Prokhor Gusev creates a wide range of artistic projects as a director, producer and actor, including documentary works, immersive installations, and puppet and shadow theatre. Together with Gulnara Iskakova he founded ISKRA production – theater company that is working with different types of performing arts.
Gulnara Iskakova (NO)
Gulnara Iskakova is a theatre director, actress, and pedagogue working with the new-processual method. After the war, she relocated to Tromsø, Norway. Together with Prokhor Gusev, she founded ISKRA production, a theatre company that explores various forms of performing arts. Her recent works in Norway include the performances “Grandma’s Recipes” and “Koridor. Nytt Liv,” as well as the interactive-documentary installation “Come Out from the Wardrobe.” Central to her work is the importance of the process, whether in directing, acting, or teaching.
Gøril Nilsen (NO)
Gøril Nilsen is a Sámi/Norwegian composer, musician and music producer working across the industry of music and art, writing music for artists, dance performances, audiovisual art and theatre. Gøril recently composed music for one of the biggest events by European Capital of Culture that took place at midsummer in Bodø 2024. Gøril has toured and released music with the band I SEE RIVERS for 10 years. The band played sold out European tours with artists such as Cosmo Sheldrake and Newton Faulkner, and played venues such as Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Albert Hall Manchester as well as industry festivals such as SXSW, Great Escape and Eurosonic. Their latest single release was A-listed on BBC radio as well as performed live on Sunday Brunch, the most watched day time TV program in the UK.
Taken residency at
Davvi – Centre for Performing Arts
Davvi – Centre for Performing Arts is a hub and a gathering point in Northern Norway for the professional independent Performing Arts community. The organization is a laboratory for new ideas, artistic research, and an open space where different cultures are cared for. We challenge hegemonic thinking and support cross-sectorial artistic working and thinking. We are staff of 11 curios people, we are placed in Hammerfest, Tromsø and Bodø and we are a space that offers residency, laboratories and producer services.
Nau Ivanow
Nau Ivanow is a space of welcome, accompaniment, research and innovation; a haven where companies will find the warmth needed to work unhurriedly and in good conditions. Residencies are the main focus of what we do. Our aim is to provide decent working conditions, always accompanying the artists and providing them with the resources they need. Nau Ivanow’s projects are underpinned by three major working axes: creation, accompaniment and work with the territory. And all of them with one common denominator: internationalization, which permeates each and every one of our projects.
Kunstplaats Vonk
Kunstplaats Vonk is a studio and residency space for visual and performance arts in Hasselt and Genk, Belgium. At their 3 buildings they support artists with artistic feedback, an international network, presentation opportunities, studio-space and a financial contribution (for the residencies).
