When the value of the norwegian krone is low and the interest rate is through the roof, diversity is removed from the dictionary by AI, world peace is in the balance – Norway and Europe is dangling between the familiar and something dark and alien, isn’t it comforting that something stays the same?
When the winter night withdraws, the birds return from their winter residence and the spring colours the mountains, you know that Stamsund Theatre Festival is about to begin. We offer you thrilling artistic experiences on the streets, in the square and on the stage, artistic conversations and of course – party in the fishing village.
We sincerely hope you will join us in this 6 days long and concentrated energy zone, where artists, organisers, audiences and international guests are mixed together as a party of friends across traditional barriers.
If you hear thundering machines and explosions, have no fear, we are not under attack, it is just the municipality building a sidewalk through the village.
Thank you to everybody that makes this festival possible, and especially the artistic contributors: Stamsund Hornmusikk, Galleri 2 and Nordland Visual Theatre.
It is with great pleasure and excitement we welcome you all to Stamsund Theatre Festival 2025!
Artistic director Thorbjørn Gabrielsen
Stamsund
Stamsund is located in Vestvågøy municipality and is one of the largest fishing villages in Lofoten, containing 1100 souls. To get here you need to take a 20 minute plane ride from Bodø, a 4 hour boat ride on the coastal steamer or a 7 houres drive across Hamarøy.
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, so the locals are well accustomed to travellers and famous for their hospitality.
Since the end of the 80s it has emerged a professional performing arts community in Stamsund. The competence and knowledge of this community along with the musicians, visual artists and other cultural actors makes it possible to host an international theatre festival.