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.
Oslo's most time-honored revue theater was founded in 1912, inspired by a Parisian cabaret of the same name. Originally housed in the long-gone Tivolibygningen in Stortingsgata, in 1937 the theater moved to its current premises on Klingenberggata. A list of the actors that have performed here gives a good picture of the history of Norwegian theater: Herman Wildenwey, Lalla Carlsen, Einar Rose, Leif Juster and Jens Book-Jenssen, as well as more internationally famed artists like Ernst Rolf and Zarah Leander. In later years the theater has been the playground of Norwegian artists like Dizzie Tunes and Dag Frøland, and the theater is frequently hired by other companies.
What was once used as the main stage for Norwegian National Opera is now the Folketeateret, a privately-owned theater and music venue in the heart of the city. The remarkable architectural expression of the building remains intact with traditional elements blending seamlessly with modern techniques to create a memorable theater-going experience. Previous notable performances include Mamma Mia!, Buddy Holly and We Will Rock You. Seating capacity is 1,400. Check out the website for current and upcoming shows.