Dunkelfolket is an experienced mask theater group, specialized in parade- and street theater. Dunkelfolket carries the unique wooden masks designed and produced by the local artist, Kirsten Gitz-Johansen. The masks portray different sides of the human nature, and as the performers interact with the spectators directly, many shocking, horrifying, fun and outrageous situations occur on the streets. Dunkelfolket originates from the beautiful nature in Fosdalen in the northern part of Jutland. Each Spring, the Dunkelfolket surface from Mother Nature to spread the notions of joy, life and death to the common people.
Since 1989, Dunkelfolket has performed all over Northern Jutland, Denmark as well as in European and international carnivals, festivals and other organized events. The Northern Jutland is Dunkelfolkets home, and the performances is particularly in Aalborg where the group performs several times a year in both the Center for Congress and Culture (AKKC), the Pavilion of Art (Kunstpavillonen), the Northern Jutland Museum of Art along with performances in various churches and institutions – both indoor and outdoor.
Our inspiration from the universe of the masks
Mask theatre is almost extinct in the North, but thriving in the rest of the world. In 1989, Dunkelfolket embraced this ancient tradition and brought it to Denmark. The dancing and masquerading portray the masked myth with numerous artists. The performances are based on mystique as the common foundation for the improvised acts.
The stiff mask on a live body transforms the performers into human sculptures, who absorb the spectators into a current process of horror and laughter.
The repertoire is inspired by Nordic and Celtic traditions with a choreography produced by both internal and external instructors. Parts of the musical repertoire are composed solely for the use of Dunkelfolket. Depending on the ensemble for the specific event, the music components consist of saxophone, shawm, transverse flute, vocal, percussion and bric-a-brac – all components for which the music is specifically composed.
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