For many, Blanche DuBois is one of the most iconic characters in modern theater. “Blanche is a role I am excited to explore. She has a complex psyche that can be interpreted in many different ways. That in itself is thrilling and, not least, challenging for an actor,” says Bonnevie. She is one of our most recognized actresses, with success both in Norway and abroad. With a stellar cast on stage, and directed by award-winning Marit Moum Aune, this will be the winter’s major theater event in the capital. “After so many years at the Dramaten in Stockholm, I have become used to performing in Swedish, so it will be very nice to return to my own mother tongue. Moreover, Christiania Theater is a beautiful stage with a very special atmosphere, which I look forward to sharing with a dream ensemble,” she continues.
Star Cast on Stage
In addition to Bonnevie, the ensemble consists of several big names from Norwegian performing arts. Trond Espen Seim steps into the role of Stanley Kowalski. Stanley is known for his raw and intense demeanor, making Seim a perfect choice for the role that will undoubtedly leave its mark on the performance. Kjersti Dalseide plays the sister Stella, who finds herself caught between her love for her fragile sister and her brutal husband. Amund Sigurdssønn Karlsen plays the role of Mitch, Stanley’s best friend and the only person who brings hope for a new future for Blanche. Together, they form an ensemble that will undoubtedly deliver a strong and gripping experience.
The direction is by Marit Moum Aune, one of Norway’s leading directors, known for her ability to bring out the best in the actors and elevate well-known works to new heights. Aune is also currently making waves as the director of the Netflix series Billionaire Island, and with her background in both film and theater, expectations for her interpretation of Williams’ masterpiece are sky-high.
“Aune has a unique ability to create an emotional core that hits the audience right in the heart,” says Bjarte Hjelmeland, theater director for Christiania Theater. “She manages to process classic works without losing their essence, and with Bonnevie and Seim leading the way, we are confident that this production will be one of the great theater experiences this winter,” concludes Hjelmeland.
Classic with Eternal Relevance
A Streetcar Named Desire was first staged in 1947 and has since then been a central part of the global theater repertoire. The play depicts Blanche DuBois’ arrival at her sister Stella’s home in New Orleans, where she is confronted with her husband Stanley Kowalski’s brutal and primitive understanding of reality. The conflict that arises between Blanche and Stanley triggers a chain of events that reveals the fragile sides of the human mind.
The themes, which include mental health, oppression, and social differences, have proven to be just as relevant today as they were then. Director Marit Moum Aune has emphasized highlighting these themes while the play receives a timeless framing that will appeal to a broad audience. “I have wanted to stage A Streetcar Named Desire for several years. The play is a timeless classic that explores humanity’s deepest desires and irrational actions. This makes it just as relevant today as when it was written,” says director Marit Moum Aune.
Aune is also looking forward to working with Maria Bonnevie in the role of Blanche, in her first Norwegian stage appearance in 15 years. “It’s a role that has been waiting for Maria, and it will be fantastic to see her and Trond Espen Seim together on stage. Maria brings a unique combination of vulnerability, strength, and humor that fits the role perfectly. This will be a unique opportunity to experience real drama on a Norwegian stage. My vision is to create an intense performance with four strong actors who have space to explore the great emotions on stage. I want the audience to experience the raw and emotional energy that drives this drama forward,” says the director.
This Winter’s Major Theater Event
With such a strong artistic team behind it and one of the Nordic region’s biggest acting stars in the lead role, expectations are high for this production. Christiania Theater looks forward to presenting A Streetcar Named Desire to both new and experienced theatergoers. The premiere is set for February 19, and the performance will run until Easter.
In recent years, Christiania Theater has emerged as one of Oslo’s leading theaters, with major productions like One More Glass, A Doll’s House 2, and Rain Man, just to name a few. With an impressive ability to balance both classic and timeless pieces with modern interpretations, the theater has attracted a wide audience and gained significant recognition for its productions. With the staging of A Streetcar Named Desire, the theater hopes to continue its success and deliver one of the most memorable theater experiences this winter.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Marit Moum Aune, Director of A Streetcar Named Desire
Editor: Welcome, Marit! Thank you for joining us today. The anticipation surrounding your upcoming production of A Streetcar Named Desire is palpable. What drew you to stage this classic play after so many years?
Marit Moum Aune: Thank you for having me! A Streetcar Named Desire has always held a special place in my heart. The themes it explores—mental health, oppression, and the fragility of the human mind—are as pertinent today as they were when Tennessee Williams wrote it in 1947. I wanted to bring this timeless classic to life in a fresh way, resonating with contemporary audiences.
Editor: It sounds like a powerful vision. How do you plan to ensure that the emotional core of the play hits home for the audience?
Marit Moum Aune: I believe it starts with a strong connection between the cast and the characters. I’m thrilled to work with such a talented ensemble, particularly with Maria Bonnevie as Blanche. She embodies the complexity of the role, and her nuanced portrayal will allow the audience to empathize deeply with Blanche’s struggles. We aim to create an emotional experience that resonates with each spectator, ensuring they feel the weight of the story.
Editor: Speaking of the cast, could you tell us more about the talented individuals you’ve gathered for this production?
Marit Moum Aune: Absolutely! Alongside Maria, we have Trond Espen Seim stepping into the role of Stanley Kowalski. His intensity and raw energy make him an exceptional fit. Kjersti Dalseide, playing Stella, brings a delicate balance to her character, caught between her love for her sister and her husband. And then there’s Amund Sigurdssønn Karlsen as Mitch—he’s the beacon of hope for Blanche, offering a glimpse of a different future. This ensemble is dynamic, and together we’re ready to create a gripping experience.
Editor: With such a stellar cast, what do you hope audiences will take away after seeing this production?
Marit Moum Aune: I hope they walk away with a deeper understanding of the characters and the themes we explore. The play scrutinizes the delicate fabric of human relationships, the societal pressures we face, and the consequences of mental health struggles. It’s my goal that audiences see themselves reflected in the characters’ vulnerabilities and aspirations, prompting introspection long after the curtain falls.
Editor: That’s a powerful intention. Given your success in both film and theater, how do you approach directing a stage production differently than a film project?
Marit Moum Aune: The stage allows for a different kind of immediacy and rawness. In theater, we’re creating an experience shared in real-time with the audience. It’s about live expressions and reactions that are unique to each performance. In contrast, film can manipulate time and space to tell a story. While both mediums are rich in storytelling, theater demands a certain vulnerability from both the actors and the audience that I find deeply compelling.
Editor: It sounds like you’re creating something truly special this winter at Christiania Theater. What’s the atmosphere you hope to cultivate in that space?
Marit Moum Aune: Christiania Theater itself has a beautiful, intimate atmosphere that adds a layer of connection between the actors and the audience. I want that environment to amplify the emotional depth of the play. The audience should feel enveloped in the world we create, as if they are a part of these characters’ journeys. It’s all about creating a shared experience that resonates.
Editor: Thank you, Marit! I can’t wait to see how this production unfolds. It seems poised to become a landmark theatrical event this season.
Marit Moum Aune: Thank you! I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be part of this journey with such remarkable collaborators. I do hope audiences feel the same thrill we do in bringing this story to life.