National Theatre of Iceland
Iceland's state theatre on Hverfisgata, staging drama, opera and family shows across four stages.
The National Theatre of Iceland was designed in the late 1920s by the state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, who again drew on the hexagonal basalt columns of the Icelandic landscape for the building's grey exterior and for the cliff-like walls of the auditorium. Construction began in 1929 but stalled for lack of funds, and the shell was used as a warehouse and later requisitioned by British and American forces during the Second World War. The theatre finally opened on 20 April 1950 with a programme that included Jóhann Sigurjónsson's Fjalla-Eyvindur.
The company performs on four stages: the main auditorium, the studio spaces Kassinn and Litla sviðið in the neighbouring Jón Þorsteinsson house, and the basement Þjóðleikhúskjallarinn. Programming mixes new Icelandic writing with classical drama, musicals, children's productions and, in partnership with the Icelandic Opera, staged opera. The theatre also runs a drama school for young people. Recent refurbishment of the adjoining house added a new western entrance and lifts to improve access to the smaller stages.
Highlights
- Basalt-inspired 1950 building by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson
- Four stages, from the main auditorium to the basement cabaret space
- New Icelandic plays staged alongside classics and family shows
- Shared opera productions with the Icelandic Opera
