With the fjord and Østfold as a backdrop, with the Navy Band as a musical powerhouse, Henrik Ibsen's "Peer Gynt" will be staged outdoors at Karljohansvern late this summer. Altogether there will be 10 performances from the 28th of August to the 7th of September, with Corey Conradi as the lead role of Peer Gynt. Twenty members of the Masken group are also among the cast.

Text og photo: Jesper Nordahl Finsveen

Kåre Conradi and the Navy Band have been partners before. Now they've joined forces. Artistic Director of the Theatre Ibsen, Anders T. Andersen, explains the importance to the theatre group to use local resources whenever they can.

- We've heard good things about the Masken group and we are looking forward to becoming acquainted with the theatre forces this town is obviously full of. Both parties have mutually benefit from this, says Andersen.

He's particularly happy that Corey Conradi has agreed to star in the lead role of Peer Gynt.

- Not just anyone can play Gynt.

Conradi has played Peer Gynt in a one-man show that he toured with a few years ago.

- I cannot wait to finally do a full-scale performance of Peer Gynt, and I'm ready to take on the role, he says. Regarding the collaboration with the Masken group, he only has positive expectations.

- I always feel really energetic when I work with such groups, because I see the joy and enthusiasm they have. It gives me a tremendous amount. - And if they're all as energetic as Wigdis, this really can't go wrong, says Conradi.

Many locals mainly associate the Mask group with revues, but Wigdis Solberg reminds us that this is just a part of the group's activities. She is looking forward to working with the professional actors in Theatre Ibsen and Corey Conradi.

- This will be very educational for all of our members and will ensure a positive development.

Premiere 28 August