With its main stage a stone's throw from Karl Johans Gate, Oslo Nye has a repertoire consisting mainly of comedies, frequently contemporary, interspersed now and then with more hardboiled pieces and children's plays. Since 1971 Centralteatret in Akersgaten has served Oslo Nye as a second stage, whereas Oslo Bymuseum in Frognerparken houses the theater's stage for puppet plays. Oslo Nye Teater was founded as a joint-stock company in 1957, and since 1967 the Municipality of Oslo has been taking care of its finances. Some of the theater's famed directors have included Mentz Schulerud, Thoralv Maurstad and Berthold Halle.
Until the opening of Nationaltheatret in 1899, Christiania Theater served as Norway's national public theater. Through the 19th century, the theater heavily contributed to the deep-seated theater-culture, covering all genres from operas to contemporary performing arts. Presently, the restored Christiania Theater is a modern venue that boasts of advanced sound and lighting techniques. For schedule of current and upcoming shows check out the website.
Det Norske Teatret is the only theater in Oslo where all the plays are presented in Nynorsk (contemporary Norwegian), the country's second written language. During the last few years it has been the most popular theater in Norway. The large, modern theater building also hosts exhibitions, Saturday matinees, and "Poems at Lunchtime" (daily in the Bistro). The theater has three stages and is equipped with an IR system for those in need of a hearing aid.
The National Theater, steeped in tradition, is located by Karl Johans Gate and is something of a national symbol. The theater hosts mainly - but not exclusively - Norwegian plays and a mix of classics and more modern works. The National Theater celebrated its hundredth anniversary in 1999. On site you will also find a café, as well as equipment for those with hearing difficulties. Guided tours can be arranged.
At Parkteatret (the old cinema at Grünerlkka) you will find an exciting theater company that has performed a number of interesting plays. Nordic Black Theater is a drama school specifically aimed at young people with origins in Third World countries. It readily experiments with alternative methods and forms of expression. This is a good place to visit if you are looking for a different and unusual theatrical experience.
Black Box Teater at Aker Brygge hires out its two stages to free theatrical projects and groups. It hosts a number of national and international guest shows, as well as the annual Ultima festival of modern theater. The theater also has two artistic features, called Play of the Month and LilleBox - Modern Theater for Children and the Young.
One of the prominent sites for theater in the city, the Torshovteatret is the fourth venue to be opened by the National Theater of Norway. Located in the popular neighborhood of Torshov, this theater was opened in 1977, taking over the building which housed an old library. The theater, in a round room setting, can accommodate about 200 guests. Since its opening, the Torshovteatret has been a space where artists can experiment with new techniques of theater and present their talents and views in novel ways, and is today one of the most prominent theaters in the country.