Notodden, Rjukan – Notodden Industrial Heritage

2017 was the first time the World Heritage Games at Notodden came up as an idea. The project is now in full swing at both the NIA and the University of South-Eastern Norway.

During Wednesday’s municipal council, project manager Helene Brekke and senior lecturer in drama and theater at USN, Tone Cronblad Krosshus were present to talk about the project’s development.

Big names are involved in the production

They have already brought along Petter Rosenlund, who wrote Kampen om tungvannet, theater director Peer Perez and composer Henrik Skram. Now they need to get hold of a producer.

– The industrial game must have a broad popular appeal, it must be for everyone and at the same time have high artistic quality. We plan to put in a lot of volunteer effort and aim to involve the local community in the game, says project manager Helene Brekke.

The script and concept sketch have already been delivered. This is now being processed with the director, composer and stakeholders. Premises in Hydroparken are also secured.

The big goal is Svelgfossjuvet

The big goal was to be able to organize the game in Svelgfossjuvet – but Brekke says that this must probably be a long-term goal. That is why the premiere will be in the center of Notodden for the time being.

– If everything goes as it should, we are betting on 2026. There is still a lot that needs to be done, says Tone.

– It is said that it takes ten years from idea to realization. So if we can do it in nine years, I will be very happy, adds Helene.

They promise a taste already in September during the new festival Kunst i Spire. During the festival, the script will be read aloud for the first time. Another important milestone is the 10th anniversary of the Rjukan-Notodden World Heritage Site, which will be celebrated in 2025. Here they are also betting that the game can contribute to the event.

Financing stands for turn

There are, however, many large expenses that need to be covered. About three million is required to have a first run of the game. But the organizers also see that there is great interest, and have great faith in the project.

Producer is the next role that needs to be in place. This person must work actively with all those involved, write applications and have a dialogue with business.