The Dew Point is a documentary performance exploring the ambiguous value of security in times of (perpetual) war.
At the heart of the project lies artist Kristina Norman’s personal process of renovating a Soviet-era sauna in the Estonian countryside with her father, who was a conscript in the Soviet army in 1977/78.
Combining video documentation of the construction process with a retelling of her father’s stories through a live performer, the performance opens up the liminal experience in the Baltic region – both mental and physical – in which the dew point marks a potential moment of poetic transformation.
Memories accumulate and condense to change the air: From the fog of war to (dew) points of possible transformation.
Kristina Norman (EST) is an artist based in Tallinn, whose interdisciplinary work includes video installations, sculptures, documentary films, and performances. She has represented Estonia twice (in 2009 and 2022) at the international Venice Art Biennale, and her 2019 performance “Lighter Than Woman” received wide recognition and acclaim. Norman’s works are marked by a deep sensitivity to human struggles, offering the viewer a chance for personal recognition.
Author, performer: Kristina Norman (EST)
Dramaturges: Katharina Joy Book (GER/USA), Oliver Issak (EST)
Assistant researcher: Minna Henriksson (FIN)
Video production: Erik Norkroos / camera (EST), Meelis Muhu / camera (EST), Harmo Kallaste / sound (EST)
Performer: Katrin Essenson (EST)
Personal contributions: Aleksei Zaitsev, Priit Orav, Lauri Lemming
Soundscape, scenography, graphic design: Raul Keller (EST)
Video live operator: Erik Norkroos (EST)
Technical solutions and support: Kalle Tikas (EST)
Light design: Heikki Paasonen / Kiasma Theatre (FIN)
Visuals/photos: Kristina Norman, Minna Henriksson, Raul Keller
Production: Annika Üprus, Kaie Küünal / Kanuti Gildi SAAL
With thanks to: Maarja Kalmre, Eda Kalmre, Joosep Orav, Linda Kaljundi, Siim Õismaa (Estonian War Museum)
Co-producers: Baltic Circle festival (Helsinki), Kanuti Gildi SAAL (Tallinn), Barents Spektakel festival / Pikene pa Broen (Kirkenes)
Supporters: Nordic Culture Point, Gwaertler Stiftung, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Ministry of Culture of Estonia
Residency support: Copper Leg Art Residency
