Torshovteatret in Oslo

Torshovteatret is the experimental stage of Nationaltheatret, Norway's national theatre, located in the Torshov district of Oslo. What sets it apart from the theatre's other stages is its intimate round auditorium and a programme that has long been a space for trying out new forms.

Where is Torshovteatret?

The theatre operates inside the Soria Moria building in Torshov. The building opened in 1928 as a cinema combined with a library. It was only in 1977 that the former library rooms were converted into a theatre space. As a result, the venue has a neighbourhood character, far from the formal centre of the city.

What makes this stage special?

Torshovteatret opened in the autumn of 1977 as the National Theatre's neighbourhood stage. It is described as the first arena theatre in Norway, with the audience seated around a round stage. According to VisitOslo, the auditorium holds 174 people, so the actors perform right beside the audience. This layout changes how a performance feels, because there is no clear border between stage and seats.

How has the repertoire evolved?

In its first years, the theatre worked on a collective model with a fairly stable ensemble, only loosely tied to the National Theatre artistically. Over time the idea that the repertoire should mainly address local residents was dropped. The stage instead developed its own tradition built around the work of Dario Fo.

In 1982 Stein Winge became artistic director. During his tenure the emphasis was on giving classics, such as Shakespeare, Ibsen and Gorky, a modern theatrical expression.

From the 1990s the artistic leadership usually consisted of groups of National Theatre actors united by a shared artistic profile. Each group received the building, a professional team and a budget for two years. From 2016 to 2018 the stage was run by Janne Heltberg, Håkon Ramstad, Sigurd Myhre and Herman Bernhoft. Their productions included children's theatre and science fiction.

Who is this place for?

Torshovteatret suits visitors who want to see something in Oslo beyond the main National Theatre building. Productions are made with close contact with the audience in mind, and the round stage means even a small production feels immediate. Torshov itself is worth a stroll, a residential district with a local atmosphere, away from the usual tourist routes.

Frequently asked questions

Who runs Torshovteatret? It is one of the stages of Nationaltheatret and is managed by the National Theatre.

How many people does the auditorium hold? According to VisitOslo, the round stage has seats for 174 spectators.

When did the theatre open? In the autumn of 1977. The Soria Moria building itself opened back in 1928 as a cinema and library.

Are the performances in English? The repertoire is mainly made in Norwegian, so before buying a ticket it is worth checking the language of the specific production in the National Theatre's programme.

How do I get there? Torshov lies north of central Oslo, in the Sagene district. It is best to check exact public transport connections in the Ruter app.