Gaflaraleikhúsið gets new facilities in the Innovation Center

Theater and Creativity at the Innovation Center

“We are going to lead first-class creative work for the children of Hafnarfjörður,” says Björk Jakobsdóttir, managing director and theater director of Gaflaraleikhúsið. The theater has an agreement with the town of Hafnarfjörður for the use of rehearsal, teaching, and office facilities at the Innovation Center.

Björk is also re-establishing Gafló, the Gaflaraleikhús drama school, and increasing the availability of drama lessons and courses for the children and young people of Hafnarfjörður. “Now we can start teaching again in Gafló and at the same time prepare for the winter’s shows,” says Björk, who is looking forward to the winter with four shows on their way to the stage.

Invaluable for Hafnarfjörður

Mayor Valdimar Víðisson says it is truly a pleasure to see Gaflaraleikhúsið get a permanent home in the Innovation Center. “It is invaluable for a community like Hafnarfjörður to have such a powerful theater facility for children and young people,” he says. “Gaflaraleikhúsið has long been a part of the town’s cultural heart, and the revival of the drama school will give the next generations an opportunity to create, learn, and enjoy. This collaboration strengthens the children of Hafnarfjörður and the artistic life in town.”

A Busy Winter Ahead

Björk says there will be three to four shows on the theater stages this winter. “It’s going to be a dynamic winter. Four shows are heading to the stage. ‘Tóm Hamingja’ (Empty Happiness), which was a hit last year, is returning to the stage at the Reykjavík City Theatre. ‘Jól á Náttfötunum’ (Christmas in Pajamas) will be at Tjarnarbíó during Advent. The play ‘Ekki Hugmynd’ (No Idea), a new work with young artists, will be on the small stage at the Reykjavík City Theatre in January. We are also in talks with Bæjarbíó to put on a brilliant show there,” she says.

“But first, we are concentrating on getting settled in our new place and look forward to welcoming the children and young people of Hafnarfjörður, teaching them to have fun, create together, and enjoy themselves. The motto for Gafló is joy, creation, quality.”

• It will be possible to use the town’s leisure grant for courses that are 10 weeks or longer.

Congratulations to everyone on the increased availability of leisure activities in Hafnarfjörður.