His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is present this evening at a conversation between Canadian author Margaret Atwood and Karin Haugen at the Opera House in Oslo.
Press release from the organizer:
The Crown Prince will attend when the legendary author of The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood (84), visits the Literature House, which has been moved to a packed opera house for this occasion.
– It is a great pleasure that the Crown Prince will come and listen to our conversation with Margaret Atwood. The Crown Couple has long highlighted the importance of reading and has a particular commitment to literature and literature dissemination, both for children and adults. When reading skills are under pressure, it is even more important to have good reading role models, says the head of the Literature House Foundation, Susanne Kaluza.
– Atwood is a superstar, and a visit from her is an event in itself for us in Norway. She was early in writing about setbacks for women’s rights to make decisions about their own bodies, the consequences of a global pandemic, climate collapse, and the looming danger from totalitarian regimes, says Kaluza.
With more than 70 publications to her name, books translated into over 45 countries, and a plethora of prestigious awards, Canadian Atwood has become a living legend. She has written award-winning books such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments, and the MaddAddam trilogy. Her books have also been adapted into films, TV series, operas, ballet performances, and political demonstrations.
The event will take place on October 31 at 7:00 PM, fitting for Atwood’s often dark themes on Halloween night itself. In order to allow as many people as possible to attend, the Literature House is moving to the Norwegian Opera & Ballet for this occasion.
– We quickly realized that the interest for Atwood would be enormous, so we decided to move out of the Literature House and onto the Main Stage at the Opera for the very first time. This way, we could give as many as possible the opportunity to participate, says Kaluza.
In addition to the Crown Prince, Oslo Mayor Anne Lindboe will also be present, along with 1,350 spectators. All seats for the event were taken within less than two days. A portion has also been given to volunteers in the Salvation Army’s Home-Start program.
– It is always important for us that economics is not a barrier to participating in society, and especially to encourage reading, says Kaluza.
The program at the Opera this evening offers several surprises, including performances by actress Andrea Bræin Hovig and mezzo-soprano Christina Jønsi. The conversation with Atwood will be led by journalist and author Karin Haugen, one of Norway’s foremost experts on Atwood’s extensive body of work.
Mads Nygaard is the group director at Aschehoug and Atwood’s Norwegian publisher, and will also be present. Aschehoug has been Atwood’s publisher for more than thirty years, ensuring that several of her books are available in Norwegian.
The Literature House has planned another event with Atwood. This will take place two days later in the university’s auditorium, together with this year’s Booker Prize winner Jenny Erpenbeck and professor of cultural history Helge Jordheim. This event also quickly sold out, with tickets taken within a few hours. The conversation here will focus on democracy and dictatorship.
Questions about press accreditation should be directed to Communications Officer Aslaug Gaundal at the Literature House Foundation, 452 50 246
For further questions, contact head Susanne Kaluza at the Literature House Foundation, 957 25 753
Margaret Atwood
- Born November 18, 1939, Ottawa, Canada
- Author of several well-known books such as The Handmaid’s Tale (1985), The Testaments (2020), The Blind Assassin (2000), MaddAddam trilogy (2003-2013), and Dearly (2020).
- Several of her books have been adapted into films and TV series. Most famously known for The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Double winner of the Booker Prize, PEN’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and over 50 other literary awards.
- Her books are often dystopian and explore themes such as politics, dictatorships, technology, power, and climate.
- Her books have been translated into over 45 languages.
The Literature House Foundation
- An independent foundation working to spread interest in books, reading, and knowledge, and to uphold freedom of speech.
- A national literature house that holds over 1,600 events each year. Located at Wergelandsveien 29 in Oslo, but also conducts projects throughout the country.
- Every year, around 9,000 preschool children visit for free reading-promoting events, in addition to 30,000 school students and another 15,000 school students participating digitally from all of the country’s counties.
- The conversations are made available to everyone in a free and ad-free podcast.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Karin Haugen
Editor: Good evening, Karin. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss this exciting event featuring Margaret Atwood at the Norwegian Opera House. Can you tell us what it means to you, as an expert on Atwood’s work, to moderate this conversation?
Karin Haugen: Thank you for having me! Moderating this conversation is truly a dream come true. Atwood’s writing has impacted so many, and to be able to facilitate a dialogue with her, especially in such a significant venue, is a profound honor. Her exploration of themes like feminism, totalitarianism, and environmental issues resonate deeply in today’s world.
Editor: Absolutely. Atwood’s relevance is striking, especially given the current global climate. What are some key themes you plan to address during the conversation, particularly considering the event is on Halloween?
Karin Haugen: That’s a great question! The timing couldn’t be more fitting, as Atwood often delves into darker themes. I plan to explore her perspectives on women’s rights and bodily autonomy, which has been a consistent thread throughout her career. We’ll also touch on how her fictional dystopias reflect real-world anxieties about totalitarian regimes and environmental collapse, concerns that are ever-present today.
Editor: It must be thrilling to have the Crown Prince attending, along with Oslo’s Mayor and 1,350 eager spectators. Why do you think there is such immense interest in Atwood, particularly in Norway?
Karin Haugen: Her appeal is universal. As Susanne Kaluza mentioned, she’s a ‘superstar’ who tackles issues that resonate globally. Atwood’s works have sparked movements and discussions through their adaptations into various media. In Norway, there’s a rich tradition of valuing literature and fostering discussions around critical social issues, and Atwood embodies that spirit.
Editor: Speaking of adaptations, Atwood’s works have transformed from written word to various forms of art. How do you think this enhances her message?
Karin Haugen: Absolutely, the adaptations bring her stories to a broader audience and demonstrate their timeless relevance. Whether it’s through films, operas, or live performances, these adaptations breathe new life into her narratives. They invite more people to engage with the themes she explores, often leading to discussions that might not happen if only the books were read.
Editor: It’s remarkable how literature can transcend mediums. The fact that the Literature House anticipates such interest by relocating the event to the opera is telling. How do you feel about their efforts to ensure that economics doesn’t pose a barrier to participation?
Karin Haugen: It’s vital! Literature should be accessible to everyone, and I’m proud that the Literature House is committed to inclusivity. By providing seats to volunteers from social programs, they emphasize the importance of community and the transformative power of reading, especially for those who might not typically have access to literary events.
Editor: On a final note, you have another event planned with Atwood and Booker Prize winner Jenny Erpenbeck. What are you most looking forward to in that conversation?
Karin Haugen: It’s hard to choose just one thing! However, I’m particularly excited to explore the themes of democracy and dictatorship with Erpenbeck, as these are increasingly pertinent in our global dialogue. To have Atwood’s insights alongside Erpenbeck’s fresh voice will surely create a rich tapestry of discussion that dives deep into these crucial issues.
Editor: Thank you, Karin, for sharing your insights. It sounds like it will be an unforgettable evening celebrating Margaret Atwood’s literary impact.
Karin Haugen: Thank you! I can’t wait to engage with her and the audience—it promises to be a fantastic experience.