In October and November, Oerol welcomed two Catalan companies for a residency on Terschelling, made possible through support from Institut Ramon Llull.
Within the context of the Oerol Werkplaats, Fadunito and Kamchàtka explored how their projects could take root in the island, the landscape, and the local community. The residencies offered both companies the space to research and deepen their work in preparation for Oerol 2026 and 2027.
Fadunito: looking again, listening again
For Ferran Orobitg of Fadunito, being physically present on Terschelling was essential. The island—with all its contrasts, possibilities, limitations, and daily rhythms—required a longer, more careful exploration. More than fifteen years ago, Ferran (FAI AR, 2008) spent several weeks on Terschelling; that experience now offered a valuable reference point to understand the transformation from winter into the festival season.
The residency was not limited to island research. The first meeting in Leeuwarden provided insight into the historical connection between the Fries StraatFestival and Oerol: two of the oldest outdoor arts festivals in the Netherlands, surprisingly never having collaborated before. This discovery strengthened Ferran’s ambition to let the project *OPIA* function as a bridge between the two festivals. Even the train route from Leeuwarden to Harlingen Haven proved inspiring: a possible narrative line stretching from the station all the way to the ferry crossing.
The island asks for a different way of looking. To be present, to listen, and to move along with what is already there. Ferran Orobitg, Fadunito
Conversations with islanders and forest rangers from Staatsbosbeheer offered another important perspective: the island’s vulnerability and the need to approach the landscape with care. For a company coming from an urban context, this meant a recalibration of both working methods and attitude. A short technical visit would not have been sufficient; the longer residency proved essential for a respectful and well-embedded further development of OPIA for Oerol.
Kamchàtka: research for Incontinuo
Kamchàtka began their residency with a working session with the Oerol team on topics such as working in nature, the island community, permit processes and the Ecological Compass. Arriving from warm Cyprus, the transition to the crisp November air of the island was felt immediately in their bodies, but that very slowing down created room to organise, restructure and redefine the thoughts and ideas for Incontinuo.
The group worked both in their accommodation in the dunes and at the Oerol office, where informal lunches and conversations with islanders naturally arose. They shared what it means to put down roots on Terschelling and spoke about the dynamics between temporary visitors and new residents—insights that directly connect to the themes of Incontinuo, their new performance about the ongoing movement of migration and immigration.
The residency gave Kamchàtka time for writing, research, and further refining their concept. Their characteristic performance style—using recognisable characters that make the audience not just spectators but participants—remains the foundation of the work. A planned work-in-progress presentation was postponed in order to first deepen the artistic groundwork; however, they did elaborate on Incontinuo in an interview with newspaper De Terschellinger, where they spoke about the inspiration behind the piece and reflected on their previous visit to the island in 2009. The collaboration with brass ensemble Compagnie du Coin continues to be part of the project’s further development.
Looking ahead
Both residencies have laid a strong foundation for new work that will find its way to Terschelling in the coming years. For OPIA, this means moving toward Oerol 2026, while Kamchàtka continues developing Incontinuo with 2027 in mind. The weeks on the island brought makers, landscape and community closer together, forming an important step in the creative process. We look forward to welcoming the final performances of both companies on the island.
The residencies of Fadunito and Kamchàtka were made possible through support from Institut Ramon Llull.
