Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Denmark
Left: Premiering on 17 February, Revisoren explores the comical effects of human greed and selfishness. Photo: Büro Jantzen. Right: In the autumn of 2017, more than 18,000 people went to see Diktatoren, a play based on the legendary Charlie Chaplin film The Great Dictator. In the spring of 2018, it will return with 12 extra performances with English subtitles. Photo: Büro Jantzen. Bottom: Founded in 1886, Nørrebro Teater is Denmark’s largest theatre focused on comedy theatre. Photo: Peter D. Horner
Attraction of the Month, Denmark
A serious laugh Nørrebro Teater may be more than 100 years old, but there is nothing old and dusty about Denmark’s largest comedy-focused theatre. Located in the heart of Copenhagen’s most diverse neighbourhood, Nørrebro, the theatre is known for its innovative approach to comedy, laid-back atmosphere and broad appeal.
of the reasons we want to raise some serious issues with our comedy – we have to relate to the reality outside our doors.”
By Signe Hansen
In real life, there might be nothing funny about the greed and selfishness of regular people, but at Nørrebro Teater it is pure comedy. Premiering at the theatre on 17 February, Revisoren explores what happens when everyone is motivated purely by personal gain. Theatre director Mette Wolf explains: “It’s about corruption, money hoarding, and people who deceive each other, and while that’s not funny in itself, the way it’s presented is hilarious. It’s comedy theatre on full power: a lot of characters, talented actors at the centre of the play, and a big production.”
Revisoren is not the first, nor will it be the last, play at Nørrebro Teater to explore large and serious subjects through the medium of comedy theatre. Ever since its foundation in 1886 on the then 108 | Issue 108 | January 2018
outskirts of Copenhagen, the theatre has focused on comedy. However, while the medium has remained the same, the theatre’s surroundings have changed significantly. Hence, when Wolf took over as director in 2015, she wanted the programme to reflect the theatre’s place in a multicultural, urban and highly political neighbourhood. “The history of the theatre is essential to our identity, but it has also been important for me to mark a change to something new. To me, what separates us is that we are very much an urban theatre, even more than other Copenhagen theatres, in that we are located in the most diverse and pulsating part of Copenhagen,” she says. “The change the area has gone through makes the theatre a special place, and our location also means that there’s a special pride surrounding us. That’s one
Dates:
Revisoren (The Government Inspector) by Nikolaj Gogol: 17 February to 8 April 2018. Diktatoren (The Great Dictator) by Charlie Chaplin: 25 May to 9 June 2018, presented with English subtitles.
Web: www.nbt.dk