Reed NewsReed News

Kven fairy tale play premieres with humour on Norwegianization

Arts & entertainmentArts
Key Points
  • Play 'Ka e vel et navn?' premieres June 6 at Halti kulturscene
  • Addresses Norwegianization of Kven people with humour
  • Protagonist loses name, travels to Oslo to reclaim it

According to NRK Troms og Finnmark, actor Ørjan Steinsvik described the play as about a Kven who loses his name because he is not Norwegian enough. The protagonist must travel to the king in Oslo to get back his name and house. Steinsvik, who has a Kven background, said the play is not based on his own family's experiences but aims for reconciliation after the Norwegianization policy. He believes Kvääniteatteri must use its platform to tell good stories where the Kven are not victims.

The premiere is free and open to all, and will be the first 'Relæxt' adapted viewing by Kvääniteatteri. Director Inger Birkelund said the ambition is that all future premieres can be set up as adapted viewings. The play can be used in many contexts, including conferences, ordinary performances, and closed viewings for kindergartens, schools, and nursing homes. The manuscript has just been finalized with the last changes.

The play is about a Kven who loses his name because he is not Norwegian enough.

Ørjan Steinsvik, Actor, Kvääniteatteri

I'm really looking forward to it, especially to playing for children.

Ørjan Steinsvik, Actor, Kvääniteatteri

The protagonist must travel to the king in Oslo to get back his name and house.

Ørjan Steinsvik, Actor, Kvääniteatteri

We have talked quite a lot about it in the theatre. We must not ignore that things have happened, but reconciliation is something we all must take responsibility for and play on the same team.

Ørjan Steinsvik, Actor, Kvääniteatteri

We also have to tell stories where the Kven is not a victim. We need some positivity and joy.

Ørjan Steinsvik, Actor, Kvääniteatteri

It's not exactly sad either. It just happens, and then he thinks he has to fix it. He Errki doesn't just sit around waiting for someone else to come and fix it.

Ørjan Steinsvik, Actor, Kvääniteatteri
Tags
Corroborated
NRK Troms og Finnmark
1 publications · 1 official
View transparency reportReport inaccuracy
Kven fairy tale play premieres with humour on Norwegianization | Reed News