Mount Barker/Land of the Peramangk Aborigines, Australia. The Australian Ink Pot Arts Theater Ensemble performed Parzifal under the direction of Peter Oswald at the Theater Festival, hosted from July 10 to 14 at the Goetheanum. Their rendition of the British saga is complemented by Aboriginal cultural elements and the flora and fauna of their country. An interview with Peter Oswald.
What is the performance about?
This is a theatrical version of the Arthurian legend of Parcival, based on the poem by Wolfram von Eschenbach. Parcival’s mother raises him in a forest so that he does not become a knight like his father and die in battle. However, Parcival is destined to become the greatest knight of his time. He finds the Grail Castle and fails to ask the question that will cure the Grail King. Then, after much despair and wandering, he learns the question he must ask, finds the castle again, cures the king and the wasteland, and becomes Grail King himself.
What topics and issues are you researching?
This production spans the globe as I am a British writer working with a non-profit organization in Australia. Our aim is to create a global network of storytelling. The Arthurian legend originated in Britain but is connected to Aboriginal dreams through underground currents. Arthur’s name is on the land of Britain; that is where he sleeps. Similarly, the land of Australia is a map of ancient stories that deal with living but invisible beings. To heal this world, using the feminine elements of the story, this production aims to create an intercontinental community where people co-create with the earth.
What influence does Rudolf Steiner’s Drama Course have on your work?
I personally do exercises from Steiner’s course every day. These help me connect my writing and performance practice with the elemental and spiritual world. Working with Ink Pot Arts has deepened my understanding of the course. The rehearsals are based on Steiner’s indications for eurythmy, speech, and drama. Through these teachings and indications, I can imagine the word as an act of spiritual will entering the world. I can feel how perceptible reality arises from sounds. That is the meaning of theater for me.
More Theater Festival at the Goetheanum
Translation Charles Cross
Image Creative Development event, Photo: Alexander Mitchell
