The Tempest
The Tempest (Stormen) by Shakespeare was performed in a forest venue in Tønsberg, Norway in collaboration with Thesbiteateret, the oldest friteater in Norway, during the summer of 2026.
Directing/scenography and costume by Fredrik Longva, music composed by Terje Johannesen and light design by Clement Irbil.
The role of Prospero was performed by Marit Simonsen.
Prospero has gained full control over the island that saved his life when he was betrayed by his brother and was robbed of his rightful power, thrown into the ocean and cast ashore with his young daughter Miranda.
With the use of magic, he now creates a tempest that brings his enemies to his island in order to create a new future by facing the past.
He has everyone and everything under control, but is suddenly struck with an unforseen insight:
He wants to let go of his powers and become humane.
“ Å få oppleve og gå inn i en ny dag, i et slikt følge, med en slik tekst som tar for seg makt kontra frihet og kjærlighet, er en opplevelse av et privilegium.”
- Fredrik Rütter, “Sommerens forestilling i Thaulowhølet får en femmer av Tønsbergs Blads anmelder”, Tønsbergs Blad, 16.07.26
“Som en som kommer herfra og har vokst opp med å se forestillingene her i “hølet”, har jeg, sammen med et nydelig lag av mennesker på og bak scenen, forsøkt å pusse frem en liten, magisk perle som får gjemme seg her i skogholtet - og skinne for dem som tar turen hit. Det er gjort med et enkelt ønske - som Prospero sier i stykket - om å glede deg.”
- Fredrik Longva, “Heisan, frihet!””, Programtekst “Stormen”
“Det er magi i nærområdet vårt, anbefales på det varmeste!”
- Publikummer, Kommentar i den lokale gruppen “EIKFOLK” på Facebook, juli 2026
THE TEMPEST
by William Shakespeare
Norwegian adaption by André Bjerke
Directing, scenography and costume:
Fredrik Longva
Music: Terje Johannesen
Lightning design: Clement Irbil
Production Manager: Henriette Grøtting Kihle
Light Technician: Ivan Pramli Jahren
Sound Technician: Morten Richter
+ Board members of Thesbiteateret and amazing local volunteers
WITH
Marit Simonsen, Ava Fernanda Th. Bækholt, Jon Vegard Hovdal, Line Ragnvaldsdatter Kaupang, Iver Bjurgren, Tiril Engelstad, Ingeborg Engø and Laura Gran.
Production photos by Cedric Archer
More information at Thesbiteateret
