Songs from the Downside of Society

In a retrospective text in 2018, Stjerna describes the project:

“My approach was to examine the city from its most extreme pole: what does the city mean to those who no longer have access to it?”

A condition for Stjerna to use their stories was that their identities could not be revealed. Therefore, she transcribed the recorded stories into text and then had actors read them.

The sound work was first installed as a site-specific version for Varberg’s fortress. Another version was later made for the bridge at the entrance to Nyköpingshus. In both locations, the work connected to the location’s history, including as a prison.

Stjerna created Songs from the downside of society in collaboration with actors Maria Ericson, Petter Heldt, Oscar Ohlson, Örjan Hamrin and Sonja Lund from Teater Halland. The actors read in texts from interviews the artist did with members of KRIS Halmstad – Criminal’s revenge in society.