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National theater
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The National Theater in Oslo.

On your trip to Oslo you cannot miss a visit to the National Theatre. It is one of the most important places in Norway, and the main stage for many of its artists. Join us to learn about the history of the theater and its construction.

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What is the history of the National Theater in Oslo?

The Oslo National Theater, or Nationaltheatret, had its first performance on September 1, 1899. But its origins go back to the Christiania Theater, founded in 1829. Three presentations were held at the official opening, which were a complete success.

 

 

The theater is located between the Royal Palace and the Parliament Building. For more than 120 years, its stage has seen the passing of numerous Norwegian artists, innovative theater productions and magnificent celebrations.

 

 

For years, the theater functioned thanks to private donations. And it even withstood several economic crises. It was only in 1929 that the Norwegian government joined in financing his activities.

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What is the Oslo National Theater like?

Oslo’s National Theater was designed by architect Henrik Bull. The main entrance is guarded by statues of two great local writers, Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. Their names are also engraved on the facade of the theater, along with the Norwegian playwright, Ludvig Holberg.

 

 

Inside, it is impossible not to observe all the details. From its architecture and design to its organization. With frescoes on the ceilings of the room, in the corridors and in other sectors, it has a baroque style that embellishes it.

 

 

In turn, countless pictures of actors, directors and playwrights who passed through its stages parade through its walls. Inside, the boxes and seats are perfectly distributed.

 

 

Its main hall is famous for its acoustics, and has one of the best stages in all of Norway.

Even so, one thing that stands out is the lack of costume and set design workshops in the theatre. This is because they are in another building, on the outskirts of the city.

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The artists who passed through the Theater

Throughout its history, numerous artists have been part of the Oslo National Theatre. But the ones mentioned above, Bjørnson and Ibsen, are the most prominent.

 

 

Bjørn Bjørnson was the first theater director of the National Theatre. It is said that prior to the opening in 1899, when Bjørn was preparing the opening performance, Ibsen asked if he would include it. And Bjørn had a dilemma, as he planned to prepare something for his father.

 

 

Finally, he solved it with three initial performances. The first was from Holberg, the second from Ibsen, and the third from Bjørnson.

 

 

For two terms, Bjørnson headed the National Theatre. Over the course of eight years, he directed 78 performances, and even took part in 12 of them. While 24 of those pieces were written by his father, and 15 were in charge of Henrik Ibsen.

 

 

In many ways, it is said to have been Ibsen’s theater ever since. This is because, almost every year since its inauguration, his works have been performed.

 

 

Today, this admirable cultural institution that has between 12 and 16 annual productions. If you wish, buy the ticket, and enjoy an unparalleled function.

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