Tórshavn Theatre

The Faroese have been performing plays for more than 200 years, primarily in the capital, as Jens Christian Svabo already wrote about in his works “Indberetninger fra en Reise i Færøe 1781 og 1782” (Reports from a Journey in the Faroes 1781 and 1782).

In the beginning, Danish plays were performed, especially Holberg plays, but along with the national movement in the late 19th century, interest in the Faroese language grew. In 1889, the first plays written and performed in Faroese were staged in the town hall in Tórshavn. One of them was written by the cheerful and kind-hearted Rasmus Effersøe, whose portrait hangs above the stage in the theatre with the words “Til gaman og álvara” (For joy and gravity).

Other poets and writers have had a close connection to the house, and it was our national poet Hans Andreas Djurhuus, who as chairman of the association initiated the construction almost 70 years ago. William Heinesen also had a great love for the house, and it was not so many years ago that you could walk by in the evening and hear the sound of music from inside. Back then, it was William playing Beethoven for his good friend Jákup Zahle while they painted stage backdrops. Then you knew a new play was about to be performed soon. What could it be this time, and who would be in it?

We must also not forget Kristin í Geil, who both wrote and acted, and all the actors who have brought joy and laughter to the people of Tórshavn and others, but also sighs and tears when everything was tragic and the protagonists were struggling.