About this place
Hålogaland Teater is the regional theatre of Tromsø, in Arctic Norway. Founded in 1971, it was the first regional theatre in Norway and the first professional theatre in all of Nord-Norge. Today it occupies a modern purpose-built home on the waterfront, in the centre of a city that lies north of the Arctic Circle.
Where does the name come from?
The name refers to Hålogaland, the northernmost province of medieval Norway. From the start the theatre was meant to serve the whole northern region rather than one town, so it took the historic name of the territory instead of the name of Tromsø.
What is the theatre's history?
The company was established in 1971. From 1971 to 1984 it rented space in Rådstua, an older Tromsø building that had previously served as the town hall, a police station and a prison. The current purpose-built home opened in 2005 on Teaterplassen, at the sea edge of the town centre. It came out of an open design competition in 1998, won by the architecture firm Vulkan Arkitekter.
What does the building look like?
The newer building is easy to recognise: a tall stage tower rises above a lower, horizontal volume, and the dark, glassy brick facade stands out among its surroundings. Sources differ on the number of stages. Most mention three auditoriums of different sizes, from roughly a hundred to over three hundred seats, while some descriptions also mention a small cafe stage. Check the theatre's website for the current layout before you visit.
What can you see on stage?
The programme is varied: contemporary and classic drama, musical theatre and productions for children. Many shows are staged in regional Norwegian dialects, which offers a taste of the living language of the north. If you do not speak Norwegian it is more of a cultural experience than a fully followable story, but an evening at a theatre in the far north has an atmosphere of its own.
Does the theatre only perform in Tromsø?
No. Although it is based in Tromsø, the company also tours the surrounding, more sparsely populated parts of the region. This is part of the regional theatre idea: high-quality drama should be available beyond the largest city of the North.
Where exactly is it, and how do you find it?
The building stands on Teaterplassen, by the sea in the middle of Tromsø, at about 69.64 N, 18.94 E. Most central attractions are within walking distance, so the theatre combines easily with a stroll along the waterfront and the nearby streets.
Frequently asked questions
When was Hålogaland Teater founded? In 1971, as the first regional theatre in Norway and the first professional theatre in Nord-Norge.
Who designed the current building? Vulkan Arkitekter, winner of an open competition in 1998. The building opened in 2005.
Are the performances in Norwegian? Yes, often in regional dialects of northern Norway. Check the programme to see whether a given show offers surtitles or translation.
What kinds of shows does it stage? Contemporary and classic drama, musicals and children's theatre.
Is it worth a look without seeing a show? The building itself, with its stage tower and dark facade by the waterfront, is an interesting stop on a walk through central Tromsø.
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