Time for sámi opera and theater in January and February
This winter people can enjoy Siri Broch Johansen's opera and play, on two different stages. (Photo: Anne Máddji Heatta and Emil Kárlsen by Jouni Porsanger)
Ovlláis the first sámi opera in Finland
The premiere is in Oulu, this years' European capital of culture, on January 16.
Juho-Sire / Siri Broch Johansen has written the opera, which tells how it is when a sámi child is sent to a Finnish boarding school.
Emil Kárlsen plays the main character, and we follow him on his journey back to his roots. Ovllá falls in love, which leads to a need to figure out who he really is.
This is a collaboration between Oulun teatteri, Beaivváš našunálateáhter and Oulu 2026.
Music is composed by Cecilia Damström, director is Heta Haanperä, and Oulu Sinfoniija is conducted by Rumon Gamba.
Actors on stage: Emil Kárlsen, Ánne Máddji Heatta, Sara Margrethe Oskal, Ánndaris/Anders Rimpi, Niko Valkeapää, Sanna Iljin, Martin Iivarinen, Aki Saarela, Ville Hummastenniemi, Henri Uusitalo, Eevi Jomppanen, Sandra Kaisto, Jooa Labba, Mariella Labba, Joose Rasmus ja Elle-Sofia Valkeapää.
Read more about the opera at Oulun teatteri's homepage.
Identity and the consequences of assimilation
Sálva (Håndtak) premiered in 2023, and now the play goes on tour.
Playwright Juho-Sire explores through this piece how it is when Line and Anders meet and fall in love. One is a coastal Sámi, the other is a city Sámi. Do they struggle with being different, or does it affect their self-esteem?
On stage: Kristin Solberg and Stein Bjørn.
The production is a collaboration between Bjørn Film & Story, Hålogaland teater and Åarjelhsaemien Teatere.
Ánddaris Rimpi is the composer and sound designer, director is Mette Brantzeg.
Check out which theaters they visit at Hålogaland teater's homepage (in norwegian).
Juho-Sire / Siri Broch Johansen
Govva: DD
