PAHN – Performing Arts Hub Norway will be present at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 20–24 August, and in collaboration with the Norwegian Embassy in London and the Consulate General in Edinburgh, PAHN is organising a Norwegian professional programme on 21 August.
The aim is to strengthen artistic exchange between the two countries, create opportunities and collaborations for performing artists from Norway, and, not least, to highlight the Norwegian performing arts field as a whole. ^
A two-hour programme followed by a networking reception
During Fringe, Norwegian artists and Scottish cultural partners gather for a three-part programme presenting Norwegian artists, exploring artistic practice, dramatic (playwriting) tradition and future collaborations across the North Sea.
Date and time: 21 august, 10:00 – 13.30
Registration: Limited capacity. The event is by invitation only, if you have any questions please reach out to norwayconsgen.edinburgh@gmail.com
Part 1: From Ibsen to New Voices
Norwegian theatre has long carried a strong dramatic tradition, often associated with Henrik Ibsen, whose plays reshaped modern European theatre by challenging social norms and structures. Today, that legacy continues in new and evolving forms. Contemporary playwrights explore structure, repetition and reduction as compositional tools, expanding the language of theatre beyond traditional realism. This focused segment traces that trajectory — from Ibsen to contemporary voices such as Jon Fosse — and features a conversation with Fredrik Brattberg, whose formally structured and rhythm-driven work represents a new generation of Norwegian playwrighters. The emphasis is not on literary history, but on how dramatic form continues to evolve.
Panel:
Playwright Fredrik Brattberg
Actor Jack Charlton
Writer and director Giles Croft
Translator Kari Dickson (who has translated both Jon Fosse and Henrik Ibsen)
Moderator: CEO Hege Knarvik Sande, PAHN.
Part 2: The Illusionist (20 mins) by Fredrik Brattberg.
Presentation by Jack Charlton and Giles Croft of the work-in-progress of the new translation by E V Crowe.
Part 3: Dialogue Across the North Sea
The final part of the programme brings Norwegian and Scottish/UK artists and partners into conversation. With long-standing cultural connections across the North Sea, both countries have developed strong and independent performing arts ecosystems. This dialogue explores shared values, structural differences, opportunities for Scottish and international/Norwegian artists to come together, share ideas, and explore their practices and possible future collaboration
How do our artistic environments support experimentation? What can travel between contexts? Where might new partnerships emerge?
Panel
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Imaginate - Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
Manipulate Arts
More participants TBA
Moderator: Hege Knarvik Sande
Part 4: Meet the Norwegian Artists at Fringe
The programme opens with an introduction to the Norwegian artists currently presenting work at Fringe. Working across theatre, contemporary dance, comedy/stand-up and interdisciplinary performance, the artists share and present themselves.
Part 5: Networking Reception
Following the two-hour programme, guests are invited to stay for a dedicated networking reception. This informal continuation offers space to deepen conversations, explore co-production possibilities, discuss touring and exchange, and build long-term professional relationships.
Registration
Limited capacity. The event is by invitation only, if you have any questions please reach out to norwayconsgen.edinburgh@gmail.com
Overview of program:
09:30–10:00 — Doors open
10:00–10:10 — Talkshow: Welcome & Opening
10:10–10:45 — Part 1: From Ibsen to New Voices
10:50–11:10 — Part 2: : The Illusionist (20 mins) by Fredrik Brattberg (work-in-progress presentation by Jack Charlton and Giles Croft).
11:15–11:50 — Part 3: Dialogue Across the North Sea
11:50–12:20 — Part 4: Meet the Norwegian Artists at Fringe
12:25–13:30 — Part 5: Networking Reception
Suitable for: The event is suitable for Scottish and international programmers, producers and festival representatives, artists and performing arts professionals, relevant UK and international performing arts industry contacts
Production & Partners: The event is produced by PAHN – Performing Arts Hub Norway, in collaboration with and supported by The Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh and The Royal Norwegian Embassy in London.
More info TBA.