KENTUCKY DAZE
Photo:
KATE PENDRY
WORLD PREMIERE, Vega Scene 4th September 2025
Touring
What happens when a spectacularly out of place British liberal walks into a diner in deep red state Kentucky, and finds common ground with a MAGA general, a KKK fanatic, and a trans mom?
Kentucky Daze is based on Pendry’s journey to Kentucky, USA, in October 2024 — two weeks before the election that would return Trump to the presidency. It’s not an analysis of Trump or his followers (because, hell, what can any of us do about that?) - but rather of the culture wars that threaten to engulf us all.
The performance is in English.
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Credits:
Playwright/actress: Kate Pendry
Music composer: Audun Aschim
Light design: Maja Bergebakken Sundt
Producer: Camilla Svingen / Syv mil
Assistant producer/graphic design: Siri Gussiås Nerland
Assistant dramaturg: Sara Wilhelmsen
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Supported by:
Norwegian Art Council, Fritt Ord, Dramatikkens Hus, Found for sound and image, Fund for Performing Artists, Bergesenstiftelsen
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"Kate Pendry’s new performance makes you wish there were an instrument to measure the sense of presence in a theatre."
Klassekampen, Mariken Lauvstad
"Formally and structurally, the text is elegantly composed, with a shifting rhythm that includes both lyrical and narrative passages, as well as moments where Pendry personifies and gives voice to the characters. As storytelling within the “spoken word” genre, this is masterfully executed."
Shakespeare Journal, Raghild Tronstad
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"The queen of storytelling theatre, Kate Pendry, impresses greatly with her new solo performance. Pendry tells her stories, as always, in wonderfully ingenious way. It’s as if she holds the story in a box and lets it out little by little through a half-open lid. She is detailed, yet somehow also secretive. That’s why we can’t help but be drawn in."
Dagsavisen, Inger Marie Kjølstadmyr
"I’m particularly impressed by how she works with rhythm and timing. She has a calmness and confidence that allows her to go to places that are almost uncomfortable without ever becoming unsafe. Together with the simple but effective light and sound design, she conjures vivid inner images and makes it easy to stay focused and follow the story."