James Moore leaves ØIT

Curator-producer James Moore leaves ØIT after sixteen years.

With the project (UN)COMMON SPACES 2020-2024 completed in the end of October 2024, curator-producer James Moore will be ending his employment with Østfold Internasjonale Teater (ØIT). Due to differing visions for the theater, Moore and ØIT have agreed on a solution that will ensure a smooth transition: Moore will complete work on the productions Watchtower, The Reception, Samtaler om byforståelse/ Urban Literacy and Material Displacements, that are all part of (UN)COMMON SPACES and the pilot for §112 Fredrikstad.

Time for a new phase

(UN)COMMON SPACES is an international, collaborative project of IN SITU European Platform for Artistic Creation for Public Space, of which ØIT is the only Norwegian member. Moore established the membership in IN SITU in 2014 (through the then Scenekunst Østfold/Østfold kulturutvikling) and has initiated and led all IN SITU activities since. Some highlights have been Le G. Bistaki’s performances at Verket in Moss and Kykkelsrud Kraftverk i Askim, In Search of Democracy 3.0, The Ephemeral Tower, Silver Boom, Building Conversation, PIG, Mellemrum Encounter/Moss, etc. Similar signal projects outside IN SITU include PICTURE Budapest–Østfold og Night Sea Journey at FMV in Fredrikstad during the towns 450th anniversary in 2017.

– I would like to thank ØIT for the privilege of working with so many exciting artists and local partners. I am proud of how we have engaged residents across the region through unusual artistic experiences. Since moving to Fredrikstad, I have developed a love affair with Østfold through my work, and a deep fascination for the Glomma delta region. After 16 years of continuous employment, it’s time for a new phase in my life. I wish the theatre all the best for the future,” says James Moore.

Solid footprint

Theater manager Thomas Østgaard points out that James’ expertise in site-specific performing arts and art in public spaces has been central to the work in recent years to establish ØIT as a regional theater with an unusual artistic profile. The artistic works have fascinated the inhabitants of the region for many years, and Moore has attracted artists from all over Europe to Østfold. Through this work, he has also contributed to ØIT being regarded as a solid contributor among international partners. Several of the works James has invited to Østfold will continue to be part of the theater’s repertoire, and will be experienced by audiences for a long time to come. He was also instrumental in developing the artistic concept for §112 Fredrikstad.

– James will leave a solid footprint. I thank him for all the eventful years, and wish him all the best for the future, says artistic director Thomas Østgaard.