Stamsund Teaterfestival is an international arena for contemporary performativ expressions. We prioritize experimental and process oriented work. We strive to be an artistic development platform for regional, national and international performing artists, with focus on the artistic process and reflection. Alongside the artistic program we implement talks, workshops and lectures on contemporary subjects, but perhaps most important: party in the fishing village.
It is the local society and the surroundings that makes Stamsund Teaterfestival special and different. When spring arrives and the night disappear – you are invited to 5 days of fiesta in the fishing village in the name of the performing arts. We hope you want to take part!
Artistic Director
Thorbjørn Gabrielsen
Stamsund
Stamsund is located in Vestvågøy municipality and is one of the largest fishing villages in Lofoten and contains 1100 souls. To get here you need to take a 20 minutes plane ride from Bodø, a 4 hour boat ride on the coastal steamer or drive across Hamarøy via Lofast and over to Lofoten.
The dispersed traditional settlement of the fishing industry, fishing cabins and little homes clinging to the green mountains rising straight up from the blue sea, makes Stamsund one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world.
From the beginning it’s been all about the fish in Stamsund. The fishing season is generally between January and April and the fish is hung to dry in a traditional way to be shipped around the world. The fish and the fishing industry has always attracted a lot of people from the outside so the local public is well accustomed to travelers and famous for their hospitality.
Since the end of the 80s it has emerged a professional performing arts community here in the fishing village. The competence and knowledge of this community along with the musicians, visual artists and other cultural actors make it possible to host an international theater festival.