Birds of Ill Omen / Tartu Uus Teater / Tartu 2024

Performance “Birds of Ill Omen” is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main programme. Performance is addressing LGBTQ+ community, therefore connecting it with Tartu 2024 artistic concept Arts of Survival where knowledge, skills and values such as “Uniqueness” and “Co-creation” has a central role to play.

“Birds of Ill Omen” is an audiovisual performance by Franco-Norwegian artist Corentin JPM Leven which first premiered in 2022 at the Black Box Theatre in Oslo.

Performance contextualizes and problematizes medicalization of the Queer body. What are ways for the queer community to self-identify while also maintaining a productive relationship with the medical community? How can the queer body identify itself when, on the one hand, it has been defined by medicine and, on the other, by popular fabulation? Through his own HIV diagnosis, Leven explores the many roles he, as HIV-positive, must play – both socially and in the LGBTQ+ environment. The work explores the tension between science and personal identity in heteronormative contexts, drawing on the performer’s experiences and Queer History.

“Birds of Ill Omen” is created in collaboration with Ann Mirjam Vaikla, Kim Reenskaug and Ulf Nilseng.

After the performance of “Birds of III Omens” on September 20, there will be an artist talk. The discussion will be led by Jan Teevet and will be held in English.

Audiovisual performance without text, language no problem
Duration: 60 minutes
Performances in Tartu Uus Teater

Attention!
COMBO TICKET: Corentin JPM Leven is coming to Tartu with 2 productions – “+-” and “The Birds of Bad Omens.” With a combo ticket, you can see both productions at a discounted price. Combo ticket 30€ (this ticket allows entry to the performance “+-” on September 18 or 19 and to the performance “The Birds of Bad Omens” on September 20 or 21).

Corentin JPM Leven is a Franco-Norwegian artist who resides in Oslo. He completed his education in scenography at the Norwegian Theater Academy and later diversified into multi-disciplinary practices after graduating in 2015.

Leven’s work is deeply connected to the heritage and history of the Queer community. By drawing on personal experiences, Leven delves into a range of issues related to Queer identity, the Queer body, the Queer community, and Queer history. Leven’s main focus is to explore the space between memory and monument. In 2019, Leven received the Norwegian Art Working Grant in scenography, and in 2023-2024, received the Norwegian Art Working Grant in acting.

Performer: Corentin JPM Leven
Scenography: Ann Mirjam Vaikla
Composer, musician: Kim Reenskaug / Wow Sailor
Physical advisor: Ulf Nilseng
Co-production: Narva Art Residency, Black Box teater, DansiT
Supported by: Arts Council Norway, The Fritt Ord Foundation, Municipality of Oslo, Fond for lyd og bilde, Fund for Performing Artists, DansiT, European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024