2_Q9_ScanMag_78_July_2015_Text_JOE _Scan Magazine 1 07/07/2015 15:47 Page 91
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
“Ruffen is a figure theatre play that mixes theatrical expressions with great success. The Director of the play travelled the length and breadth of Japan to capture techniques, sceneries and scenography as accurately as possible,” says Strid, adding that it’s one of the theatre’s main priorities to ensure plays of high quality for children as for adults. “Children aren’t ‘locked’ in their perception of theatre; they can and should be exposed to various expressions of culture, and most of them will respond positively to it. I see it as one of our most important missions to emphasise that message.” A festival of light, joy and accessible culture Where positivity and enthusiasm are concerned, Nordland Teater has got the rest of the year covered – and more. The beginning of February next year sees Vinterlysfestivalen (the Festival of Winter Lights) take place in Mo i Rana, one of Norway’s biggest and most exciting theatre festivals. More than 8,000 curious spectators are known to stop by one of the festival’s many cultural offerings, and many of them leave both enlightened and refreshed, according to Strid. “There’s such a wonderful width of theatrical art to be discovered during Vinterlysfestivalen – I almost don’t know where to begin describing it! We mix local talents with playwrights and actors from other European countries, and we end up with an incredPhoto: Bjørn Leirvik
ible feast of diverse, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring experiences. Something for all – always.” #Stridsamarbeidet: the audience as decision-makers Provoking thought is surely of importance to Strid and her team, and they are no strangers to turning tables in order to achieve novelty. In a bid to put power in the hands of their playgoers, the theatre administration has invited said playgoers to send them suggestions for what musical to take to the Nordland Teater stage in 2016. Two suggestions each month (up until 30 June) have made it through to the grand finale to be held in July. From Chicago to West Side Story, suggestions have shown a great appetite for quality musicals – and the selection process is bound to stir things up. “It’s a lot of fun to see how engrossed potential spectators get in this project – it’s a great way for us to learn what they really want to see on stage. Collaboration is an important ideal for us, and with this project we’ve tried our best to put it into action. It will be exciting to see which musical wins at the end of the year!”
The Water Station’s Director Phillip Zarrilli, Photo: Norland Teater
For more information, please visit: www.nordlandteater.no and ‘Stridsamarbeidet’ on Facebook. Feel free to use the hashtag #Stridsamarbeidet on social media.
Photo: Bjørn Leirvik
Issue 78 | July 2015 | 91