Program

Susan Glaspell

The Verge

Norwegian première: 19 May 2026, Stenersen (Kode).
Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

About

«The Verge» is a genre-defying and groundbreaking three-act play from 1921, written by the American Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Susan Glaspell.

At the center of the play stands the complex character Claire Archer, a botanist who seeks neither beauty nor usefulness, but aims to create something entirely new — both in the greenhouse and in her life. She challenges the laws of nature, the expectations of society, and the limits of language.

The play explores how communication can break down, especially when we attempt to understand one another, control the people we love, or explain ourselves.

When The Verge premiered in New York in 1921, it provoked both skepticism and fascination. Yet even critics who rejected its feminist themes and expressionist form acknowledged Susan Glaspell’s remarkable talent. The Verge is considered her most sophisticated work and a classic of experimental theatre.

On stage

Stine Robin Eskildsen
Claire

Kristian Berg Jåtten
Harry

Reny M. Gaassand Folgerø
Tom

Svein Harry Schöttker-Hauge
Dick

Knut Erik Engemoen
Anthony / Dr Emmons

Annie Dahr Nygaard
Adelaide / Elizabeth (puppet)

The Verge

By Susan Glaspell 

Director: Nanna Mathilde Bruun Nielsen 
Set Designer: Evo Sidney 
Lighting Designer: Arne Kambestad 
Sound Designer: Daniel Tveit 
Dramaturg: Kjersti Gulliksrud

 

Stage Manager: Helene Kragh Coles 
Costume Supervisor: Vibeke Sebak 
Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer: Mette Noodt 
Prop Maker: Simen Mustvedt 
Lighting Operator: Ragni Karlsen / Ida Charlotte Brønn 
Props: Cathrine Hopstock / Magnus Holm 
Costume Knitter: Silje Karin Sondresen 
Carpenter: Mikolaj Dolata 
Scenic Painter: Maria Hjelmeland 
Puppet Model for Elizabeth: Julie Drønen 
Elizabeth – Head, Hands and Hair: Mette Noodt 
Elizabeth – Body: Simen Mustvedt 
Prompter: Britney Elise Sudmann Mack

Norwegian première: 19 May 2026, Stenersen
Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

This production marks the final Master’s projects of director Nanna Mathilde Bruun Nielsen and actor Annie Dahr Nygaard at the Norwegian Theatre Academy, Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHiO). 

Scenenefoto: Sebastian Dalseide