The power of being different

In conversation with Eline Arbo, director of Haugtussa

Britta Schünemann: The story of Haugtussa is a national treasure in Norway. What elements make it so special and important there?

Eline Arbo: Haugtussa is a narrative that vividly depicts the arduous life in rural Norway around the year 1885. It uniquely combines the stark reality of that period with elements of mythology and magical creatures in the nature, which are deeply rooted in Norwegian culture.

The author, Arne Garborg, wrote this story in Nynorsk, a variant of the Norwegian language that was essential in Norway’s cultural and political journey towards independence. Additionally, the music composed by Edvard Grieg for this work enhances its significance, as Grieg himself is a national treasure in Norwegian cultural history.

Haugtussa is the nickname of Veslemøy, given to her by her community. What is her role in the community, and why is she called that way

Veslemøy is a girl with a rich imagination, whose storytelling ability captivates the youth in her community. At a pivotal moment early in the story, she is visited by the ghost of her deceased sister and receives the gift of clairvoyance, enabling her to perceive things beyond the ordinary, including the dead
and mythical creatures living in the nature. This extraordinary ability causes her to be perceived as strange and results in her social exclusion. The nickname Haugtussa, meaning troll girl, underscores her marginalized position, reflecting the community’s discomfort with her unique gifts and her status as an outsider.

The story of Haugtussa also depicts a coming-of-age journey intertwined with the struggle against dark forces. How is Veslemøy’s development portrayed?

Veslemøy’s journey is closely tied to her coming-of-age experience. Her initial encounter with the troll king symbolizes her sexual awakening, which is both thrilling and intimidating. The narrative also examines deeper themes such as mental health, depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. By the end of the story, Veslemøy is deeply depressed after being abandoned by her great love. She faces a significant choice: to surrender to the dark forces symbolized by the troll king and disappear into the mountains, or to continue struggling with her inner demons. This choice reflects the Norwegian folklore of mythology where vanishing into the mountains often symbolized suicide. The story portrays the complexities of growing up and the necessity of embracing both light and darkness to fully experience life.

What motivated you to retell the story of Haugtussa?

The story of Haugtussa is compelling because it intertwines elements of fantasy with profound existential themes. It is not only about the magical world, but also about Velsemoy’s struggle with feeling like an outside. Her journey through universal experience such as first love and heartbreak while being young also play a big part. The narrative resonates with a longing for understanding and compassion for those who struggle with similar issues. It emphasizes the importance of accepting light and dark aspects of life, a message that is both powerful and important.

Next to Edvard Grieg’s song cycle there will be newly composed music by Thijs van Vuure. How was the decision made to compose new music for this production?

Grieg composed music for only eight of Garborg’s more than seventy poems. His compositions are deeply rooted in traditional Norwegian folk melodies: He extensively traveled throughout Norway, attentively listening to the songs of farmer girls, their calls to the cattle, and their renditions of traditional melodies.
However, he did not create music for the mythological and magical dimensions of the story. To fully depict the world of Haugtussa, it was essential to include an additional musical layer. Thijs van Vuure created a darker, electronic score to represent the trolls and mythological elements. This music complements Grieg’s folk-inspired pieces, providing a richer, more comprehensive portrayal of the story. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern musical styles allows for a deeper exploration of the narrative’s themes and enhances the overall storytelling.

Haugtussa is Edvard Grieg’s only song cycle. In your production, his songs will be sung by mezzo-soprano Adrian Angelico. What musical characterization can we expect from Adrian’s interpretation?

Adrian’s performance is exceptional in its storytelling quality, which perfectly fits our chosen format. While Grieg set music to only a small fraction of the poems, our stage adaptation includes additional poems to present other characters, portrayed by actors. Adrian possesses a deep understanding of the theatrical context and excels as a storyteller through their singing. Their performance harmoniously integrates with the movements, actors, and scenes, serving as an inner voice for Veslemøy to express thoughts and emotions she cannot articulate herself. This approach enriches the narrative, blending song and drama seamlessly.

What world does Arne Garborg portray in Haugtussa?

Garborg portrays the harsh realities of rural life in Norway during a period of significant poverty and struggle for many farmers. Veslemøy and her mother live in poverty, and the absence of her father suggests that he may have committed suicide, a taboo topic at the time. This omission reflects the societal norms of the period when those who took their own lives were not buried in consecrated ground. Garborg’s descriptions of the Jæren landscape, with its rugged mountains, severe weather from the sea, and challenging living conditions, highlight the difficulties of life in this region. The narrative vividly conveys the sense of isolation and hardship that characterized rural Norwegian life in the late 19th century. 

Many folkloristic elements on stage in Haugtussa will be brought to life by actors and actresses from Nationaltheatret Oslo. How will they depict and describe this world?

We have incorporated folkloristic elements to ground the story in the cultural context of Jæren. The costumes are inspired by the Bunad, traditional Norwegian folk attire worn with pride on special occasions. These costumes are often passed down through generations, adding a layer of authenticity and cultural significance.

To enhance the existential themes of the story, we opted for a minimalistic set design featuring a light installation. This abstract approach allows us to balance the folkloristic elements with the very minimal modern part, creating a visually striking and thematically rich production. The integration of traditional and contemporary elements in the storytelling, costumes, lighting, and music aims to present the narrative in an innovative and engaging manner.

How did you approach this story knowing that it will be premiered in the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum? Where did you sense specific connections between the story and this industrial site?

The expansive and imposing nature of the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum creates a powerful setting that complements the themes of Haugtussa. The vastness of the venue mirrors the intensity of the natural landscapes described in Garborg’s work. The industrial setting evokes a sense of smallness and vulnerability when confronted with nature’s overwhelming power, which aligns perfectly with the narrative’s exploration of human fragility and resilience. This unique setting enables an even more intense and effective presentation of the story, compared to a traditional theatrical space.

In three words, how would you summarize the world of Haugtussa for the audience?

Magical, powerful, and human.