A vibrant venue in the heart of Värmland
Västanå Musik & Teater has a unique artistic appeal and aesthetic, with its storytelling, music and dance firmly rooted in folk traditions. Performances and concerts at Berättarladan take place year-round, with the full-length show of the summer season as the key highlight.
The theatre’s history dates as far back as 1972, and the independent theatre company has over the years developed into one of the most influential forums for folk traditions in Sweden.
Since 1999, Västanå is based in the magnificent Berättarladan, just south of Sunne in Värmland. Described as a gigantic wooden cathedral, its rustic features have been preserved and highlighted in order to retain the feel of a traditional barn. The building is surrounded by rolling meadows, in close proximity to the long, narrow lake Fryken, nestled in the mythical and fertile valley known as Fryksdalen. Nearest neighbour is Rottneros Park, with lush vegetation and striking sculptures.
Selma Lagerlöf and Västanå
Selma Lagerlöf was one of Sweden’s most notable literary figures and, in 1909, she became the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her stories are deeply shaped by the landscape, people, and folklore of Värmland, where she was born and raised at Mårbacka Manor. She put both Värmland and Swedish storytelling tradition on the international literary map.
Staging productions based on Selma Lagerlöf’s rich body of literary treasures has become a hallmark of Västanå, and many of her stories have been brought to life on stage. The theatre has also performed works by Strindberg, Shakespeare, Molière, and Nordic national epics such as the Edda and Kalevala, to name a few.
An emotionally charged theatre experience
A Västanå performance deeply touches audiences with evocative music, vibrant and beautifully tailored costumes, and constant movement and dance on stage. Many visitors describe feeling profoundly moved or experiencing a desire to dance through the summer night when homeward-bound after a performance – an experience that long lingers in both body and mind. For many, attending a Västanå production is an unparallelled tradition not to be missed. Theatre critics have also praised the company’s multifaceted productions over the years.
A major draw for visitors to Värmland
The theatre’s main focal point is the annual summer production at Berättarladan, which premieres on Midsummer Day every June, and continues with 55 performances running until early September. The Main Stage auditorium seats over 500 people, and the summer show reaches an audience of nearly 30,000 visitors annually. Most of them hail from outside Värmland, making Västanå an important draw for accommodation facilities, businesses and other tourism destinations in the vicinity.
Over a period of several weeks in autumn and spring, performances or concerts take place in the smaller venue, Loftet, which largely targets young audiences from regional schools.
Recurring musical events
Music has come to form its own branch of the activities at Västanå over the last few years. Västanå Sessions, featuring different visiting performers, is a recurring event throughout the year.
During the Christmas period, Västanå Jul takes place at Loftet stage, adapted for the winter season. These popular Christmas concerts feature various invited performers and include both traditional Christmas carols, theatre music and hits from the guest performers’ repertoire, as well as elements of dance.
In addition to the aforementioned activities, there are guest performances, lectures, conferences, and new collaborations with other theatres, businesses, public institutions, and research organisations taking place on an on-going basis. Västanå also periodically tours with theatre productions and concerts.
Unga Västanå – for new generations of actors
Unga Västanå is the theatre’s programme for children and young people, offering courses both during termtime and school holidays. Passing on the theatre’s unique storytelling tradition to a new generation is an important mission in which the theatre’s actors are actively involved.
A family-run theatre
Since 1990, Västanå has been under the creative leadership of Leif Stinnerbom, who also directs the theatre productions. His wife Inger is the costume designer and artistic director, their son Magnus composes all the music, and his wife Sophia manages the orchestra. The theatre employs around 15 staff year-round, expanding to approximately 60 employees during the summer season.