In the summer of 2001, the heads of state and government of the EU countries gather in Gothenburg. The summit is also attended by the President of the United States, George W. Bush. Thousands of demonstrators take to the streets - protesting the President’s visit, the European Union, and the global market economy. This production presents a large-scale, musically and visually driven story of dreams, struggle and love, written by Jerker Beckman and directed by Niklas Hjulström.
The musician and singer Timo Räisänen will participate and perform his music.
Despite good intentions and idealistic ambitions, with detailed plans for peaceful demonstrations, lectures and seminars, and despite an initial atmosphere of trust and dialogue between various organisations and the police, violence and chaos erupted. The so-called Göteborgskravallerna (Gothenburg Riots) became a global news story. The events have left a permanent mark on the history of the city and of Sweden, fundamentally altering the belief in a different future.
In the play, which weaves together past and present, we encounter multiple perspectives on the events. A police officer struggling to uphold his duty, a mother and daughter barricaded inside Hvitfeldtska Upper Secondary School, young activists with dreams - and many others. The production is based on extensive research and interviews with eyewitnesses. Here, Jerker Beckman once again collaborates with Niklas Hjulström, who directs at Göteborgs Stadsteater for the first time.
Among the performers are Karin de Frumerie, Marie Delleskog, Victoria Olmarker and Maria Salomaa from the theatre’s ensemble, alongside Robin Stegmar, most recently seen in The Seagull. Also participating are Kjell Wilhelmsen from Backa Teater's ensemble and musician and singer Timo Räisänen. Göteborgs Stadsteater once again collaborates with the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, whose final-year acting students present their graduation performance in this production.
Niklas Hjulström is an actor and director, born and raised in Gothenburg. He is Artistic Director of Västmanlands Theatre and has previously served as Ensemble Director at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern in Stockholm, Artistic Director of Angered Teater, and of the main stage at Folkteatern in Gothenburg. As an actor, he made his breakthrough as police officer Benny Skacke in the Sjöwall–Wahlöö films and has since appeared in numerous roles on television, in film, and on stages across Sweden.
Jerker Beckman is a playwright, dramaturg and director. He has collaborated with Niklas Hjulström on several occasions, including Den stora branden 2018 (The Great Fire) and ASEA – här kommer framtiden! 2022 (ASEA – Here Comes the Future!) both at Västmanlands Teater. Beckman was deeply and profoundly affected by the events in Gothenburg in June 2001 and has known ever since that he would one day write about them.
By: Jerker Beckman
Director: Niklas Hjulström
Cast: Karin de Frumerie, Marie Delleskog, Victoria Olmarker, Timo Räisänen, Maria Salomaa, Robin Stegmar, Kjell Wilhelmsen.
Interns from the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg: Eric Almefalk, Klara Bremberg, Tuva Börgö, Elias Citterio, Jason Iskander, Hilda Krepper, Ellen Linder, Erik Mattsson, Joel Möller, Elesine Naucler, Ania Scheja, Bakri Wazzan.
Set design: Richard Andersson
Costume design: Jonna Bergelin
Hair and makeup design: Jessica Cederholm
Lighting design: Patrik Bogårdh
Music: Andreas Kullberg, Timo Räisänen
Sound design: Andreas Kullberg
Video design: Ludde Falk
Choreography: Peter Svenzon
Dramaturge: Joel Nordström
