About the Theatre
The National Theatre of Greenland
Nunatta Isiginnaartitsisarfia – The National Theatre of Greenland is an independent public institution established in 2011.
Purpose
Nunatta Isiginnaartitsisarfia aims to produce a repertoire of high artistic quality within performing arts, primarily based on Greenlandic culture and traditions. The theater produces 3-5 performances annually, striving to accommodate diverse forms of expression for all age groups.
Touring Activities
Nunatta Isiginnaartitsisarfia's activities also include touring, both within Greenland and beyond its borders. The theater's productions tour throughout the country, where they are performed in schools/educational institutions, cultural centers, assembly halls, and arenas. The touring activities also extend beyond Greenland; for example, the performance 'Minik' has visited both Theater Trier in Germany and the Alianait Art Festival in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Acting School and Workshops
Nunatta Isiginnaartitsisarfia is tasked with educating actors through an acting program. It is a 2-year program with admissions every other year, accommodating 5 students. As part of their education, acting students participate in selected productions at the theater. The theater and the acting school collaborate on planning and conducting various workshops, such as those in drama, film techniques, and more.
International Collaboration and Guest Performances
Nunatta Isiginnaartitsisarfia contributes to Greenlandic arts and culture by participating in international professional productions and collaborative projects. For instance, the theater was a co-founder of Circus Effects Network, a Nordic collaboration that resulted in the 'Toqqortat' performance in 2014, the largest production in the theater's history, seen by over half of Nuuk's population. The theater hosts various local, national, or international guest performances every year.
Amateur Theater Activities
Nunatta Isiginnaartitsisarfia maintains ongoing dialogue with theater groups and cultural institutions throughout the country. Every year, the theater organizes a seminar for amateur theater groups, where the entire process and all technical aspects are led by the theater's professional staff.
Administration
The theater currently has 7 employees, including 2 in administration, 4 in production, and 1 director of the acting school. Temporary staff (actors, directors, musicians, etc.) are hired for productions, tours, and workshops. Svenn B. Syrin became Greenland National Theater's first theater director in October 2011. He was succeeded by Susanne Andreasen on January 1, 2016.
