VÖLUSPÁ - THE PROPHECY 

A play based on an old Icelandic poem called Völuspá and related stories from the Northern Mythology. 

The Prophecy is performed in the style of Storytelling Theater with one actor and cellist. The actor tells the story as well as playing several different characters. The music is closely woven into the play as the musician is on the stage throughout the performance and interacts directly with the action of the play. Through the use of a continuous voice from the cello, accentuated with special sounds and effects, the music becomes part of the story rather than a simple accompaniment.
The Prophecy is an ancient poem from Scandinavia , called Voluspa. It is a story of the creation of the world.

In this version of The Prophecy you will hear the story of Odinn, the main god of the northern mythology and his ongoing quest for knowledge. The ravens Huginn and Muninn tell him everything that happens in the world. Odinn drinks from the well of wisdom that belongs to the giant Mímir, learns about mythology and sorcery and drinks from a poetry-potion that makes him the world’s greatest poet. Yet that is not enough, for he wants to know about the future. He therefore goes to meet the oracle Vala who tells him about the future. He learns about the death of his favorite son Baldur as well as the end of the world, Ragnarök. When he hears that he himself is going to die at Ragnarök, he becomes despondent. This is how Odinn’s search for knowledge brings him nothing but anxiety and unhappiness. 

Völuspá can be played in
English, Swedish and Icelandic

The writer, Thórarinn Eldjárn, is one of the big names in Icelandic literature today. He has in recent years translated several pieces of Early Icelandic literature into modern Icelandic and also written several books of poetry for children. The Director is Peter Holst, who runs the children's theatre Det lille Turneteater in Denmark. There he has specialized in the kind of storytelling theatre we see here, and received many rewards. Pétur Eggerz, one of the founders and main contributors to Möguleikhúsið, performs the play. He has been working at Möguleikhúsið as an actor, director and dramatist since 1990. Cellist Stefán Örn Arnarson has worked in several productions with the Akureyri Theatre in Northern Iceland and continues to be a soloist in his home country as well as abroad. Gudni Franzson, who has written music for several theatre productions, amongst others for the National Theatre, the Akureyri Theatre, and the theatre group Bandamenn. Scenery and costumes are designed by Norwegian Anette Werenskiold, who has designed costumes for Riksteatret in Norway and for Bærum Musikk og Dansteater.

The Prophecy has been performed on tour in Iceland, Sweden, Russia, Canada, France, Germany, USA, Finland and the Faraoe Islands.

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