Once Upon a Time It Became Now // Vinterfestuka 2026

In the performance Once Upon a Time It Became Now, old fairy tales are made new again — with heroes, trolls, wise women, and a generous dose of fun and silliness. Three actors, two women and one man, create entire worlds using simple means, showing just how big a small theatre space can become when imagination is given free rein.

And talk about perfect timing: right in the middle of Vinterfestuka’s 70th anniversary, when the whole city celebrates past, present, and future all at once, Teater Joker arrives with a performance that does exactly the same. Here, old stories meet new generations in a show for children aged 4 to 100 — and maybe even a little older, if they dare!

The performance will be staged at Verdensteateret — a small, cozy venue that’s absolutely perfect for a magical moment. There will be two performances on the same day: at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Teater Joker is among Norway’s most playful theatre companies, with nearly 30 years on stage and a whole suitcase full of awards and travels behind them. They have performed for more than half a million children and young people — and won the Hedda Award for Best Children’s Performance for “Brune.” Their productions have traveled far and wide, from small gym halls in Norway to festivals in China, India, and Japan.

Contributors:
Concept and direction: Irene Lecomte
Actors: Haakon Strøm, Stine Hemmingsen, and Ingri Enger Damon
Producer: Kari Ramnefjell

Once Upon a Time It Became Now is a fairy-tale vitamin boost in the middle of the anniversary week — full of laughter, imagination, and stories that remind us that the old fairy tales are still alive in the present.