In a world increasingly fractured by suspicion and digital isolation, Norwegian filmmaker and comedian Karen Houge is rethinking how people connect — one built on the simple yet revolutionary power of curiosity. Her immersive solo show Dreamgirl, arriving in Bengaluru this weekend, brings together the art forms of clowning, burlesque and storytelling in a format that draws the audience into the performance itself. The experience asks people to engage, respond and sit with one another rather than remain mere spectators. Ahead of the show, we speak to Karen about how it came together.
The genesis of Dreamgirl was born from a moment of personal dissonance. Originally, Karen had developed a one-hour clown-burlesque performance, complete with glitter and feathers. Yet, as global crises intensified, the artiste found her original work lacking substance. “All I honestly think about is the wars that are going on, how we speak about other people, how we are becoming normal to bomb hospitals, to see dead children,” Karen explains.
Drawing from a 2015 documentary project where she followed Syrian refugees across Europe, Karen began to analyse the stark disparity in how she, a white Norwegian woman and her Syrian travel companions were treated by authorities and citizens. “I have been reflecting a lot about why it is that they instantly trust me and not the others,” she says, noting the clear difference in treatment based on their varying appearances. By transforming her lived experiences into a ‘dream camp’ — inspired by an international childhood programme where young people from different countries lived together — she challenges the audience to dismantle their biases. “I want to be a dream girl dreaming about a world where we are curious and open to each other rather than scared,” she adds.
For Karen, the stage is a site for collective discovery. “I’m interested in making shows where people are experiencing the feeling of togetherness,” she enthuses. The show is highly interactive, utilising games and storytelling to bridge the gap between strangers. “I hope the audience will leave with a feeling of connection and curiosity for other people,” she smiles.
Following successful runs in Mumbai and Kolkata last year, the tour has one more stop before Karen takes on something new as she remains committed to using performance as a tool for empowerment. “I’m going to continue my tour to Pakistan after this week in Bengaluru,” Karen shares. “Then I’ll head back to Norway, where I’m directing a new show about aging — about how you don’t feel old, but society begins to see you that way,” she concludes.
INR 350. April 26, 6.30pm onwards. At Courtyard Koota, Hobli.
Written by Anoushka Kundu
Email: indulge@newindianexpress.com
X: @indulgexpress