Become a traveler in your own city! The Reception, Fredrikstad, by Alexandros Mistriotis is an artistic city tour in a class of its own.

During some eventful hours, you will wander through Fredrikstad; through street names and traffic routes, behind the walls and into the body and soul of the city. Through surprising stories about both major events and small details, Greek artist Alexandros Mistriotis will position Fredrikstad as the center of the world. Before you know it, you’ll be part of a journey that knows no boundaries in neither place, time or space.

The Reception is a concept Mistriotis first developed in his hometown of Athens, and he has previously created an acclaimed version in and for Moss. In 2024, Fredrikstad will get its own edition, tailor-made for the city after thorough research and dialog with local residents. Through several residencies, Mistriotis has collected stories and places. The result is a kaleidoscopic view of the city and its history that can turn conventional notions upside down. Alternative monuments and memorials are suggested, and perhaps we will have the opportunity to uncover lost meaning…

Become a traveler in your own city!

Audience feedback

– With his gentle words, he conveyed a razor-sharp social analysis. The Reception is strong content in seductively friendly speech.

– It was delightful to receive a new and surprising perspective at my own city, with references to Europe and the rest of the world. Alexandros’ “script” was incredibly precise and rich at the same time.

– He managed to stimulate the idea of my own role and responsibility both for the development of my town and for my time on earth – that’s no mean feat!

– Perhaps the most powerful experience was that the story pointed forward to me/us, without moralizing, but rather by opening our eyes to a responsibility for the place or the city, which will and can make us more “human”.

When to experience The Reception, Fredrikstad

Thursdays at 18:00
June 6th and 13th, August 15th og 22th, September 12th, 19th og 26th 2024

Sundays at 13:00
June 9th og 16th, August 18th og 25th , September 15th og 22th 2024

Practical information

The Reception is suitable for anyone interested in culture, history, their city – or simply experiencing something completely new! The walk takes place in English and outdoors, please dress accordingly to the weather conditions and wear good shoes. There will be stops and refreshments along the way, but you must be able to walk about 4 kilometers. If you are in need of universal adaptation, please contact us at post(at)oit.no.

About Alexandros Mistriotis

Alexandros Mistriotis was born in Canada and grew up in Greece. He graduated from the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, France, and has studied literature, art, film, photography and multimedia. He started working as a video artist, but eventually transitioned to being a dramaturge and finally a performer. In his artistic practice, he focuses, among other things, on how oral history and the way we talk about the world contributes to shape it.

Credits

Concept, idea, performer: Alexandros Mistriotis
Curator-producer: James Moore
Production coordinator: Fredrik Borgund
PR: Ida Willassen
Marketing: Hilde Marthinsen
Photo: James Moore

The Reception is supported by IN SITU, the European platform for artistic creation in public space, in the frame of the project (UN)COMMON SPACES, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union

This production is a part of §112 Fredrikstad, a new arts and culture festival, which over four months will explore whether we are good ancestors. The name is a reference to the Norwegian constitution’s §112, the so called environmental clause, meant to ensure nature protection and conservation. Through cultural experiences, conversations, public meetings and debate, §1122 Fredrikstad will present climate issues to the public in a new way. Read more at paragraf112.no

Press photos