BERND OGRODNIK

FIGURA is a Company based in Iceland, offering excellence and innovation in the filed of Puppetry since 1986. It’s acclaimed productions and exquisite marionette, puppet and mask creations have been premiered on stages, films, television and museums around the globe. While being primarily a one-man company, Figura frequently invites other fine artist to participate in the creation and presentation of larger projects.

Homebase is an elaborate 200 square meter studio space, on a remote farm not far from the artic circle. In this highly equipped workshop, theater and film studio, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and horses new works are created and produced. From the seclusion of this sanctuary,

Performance-tours to all regions of the planet are conducted.

Despite or maybe especially because of our time of perfect, high-tech productions for the screen, the fascination and need for life Theater is eminent.

Nothing can replace the intimacy between performer and audience, and the medium of the Puppet as the communicational link between them. Something extraordinary seems to take place in a successful Puppet show. The audience, being initially aware of the fact that the actors are ”only” puppets, seem to sign under a silent agreement stating ”we believe”. Thus they actively contribute to the process of bringing those puppets to life. And when we feel that these fragile figures, attached to silken strings, have a heartbeat of their own to express our deepest emotions, joys and fears, then we experience the true magic of FigurenTheater.
 

Pétur og úlfurinn. 

It is essential that Puppet artists share their craft and findings and share it with those interested in the field. This will result in the nourishment of this Art Form and consequently will erase the stigma of existing only to entertain children on a Sunday afternoon.

Bernd has been benefiting from the willingness of fellow Puppeteers to share, since his humble beginnings as a young child. He has been strongly influenced by the German Puppet master Albrecht Roser, and to this day eagerly follows any invitation to go backstage exploring the Puppet worlds of his Colleges and listening to their personal approach.

In turn B.O. finds great joy in teaching about his experiences and findings to audiences of all sorts. He has been a welcomed guest speaker and lecturer at conferences, festival and schools and universities. Often the course of the lecture or workshop quickly exceeds the technical world of puppets, for the wonders of Puppetry reach far into Heart and Soul.

For those interested in a journey…………

Bernd Ogrodnik has traveled to most remote areas to present his programs. In recent years though he has also started to invite students to his studio. Located in on of the most spectacular regions on Iceland his puppet paradise is surrounded by snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and hidden valleys. He also keeps Icelandic horses, which he occasionally calls for to assist students find their own strength and centre. Participants have come on retreats, to work on their own projects or participate at a specific program.

Programs are not scheduled on a regular basis. Those interested should leave their contact, so Bernd can inform them about upcoming events.


 

Einar Áskell and his father.
 

Bernd Ogrodnik