Västanå Theater
Värmlands län
Founded in 1972 originally as the free theater group Sprattelgubbarna, Västanå Theater adopted its current name in 1983 after the village of Västanå. It became an official regional theater for Värmland in 2009. The theater is celebrated for its unique storytelling style that blends myth, saga, and poetic elements with folk-inspired music and dance. Selma Lagerlöf’s literary works have been a long-standing inspiration for the theater. Since 1999, Västanå Theater has been based in the Berättarladan, a converted barn near Rottneros Park, featuring a main stage that accommodates around 500 visitors and is often described as reminiscent of a wooden church or an Elizabethan playhouse. The theater’s artistic leadership has been under Leif Stinnerbom since 1990, who, alongside key collaborators, developed the theater’s distinctive performance style. The Berättarladan also houses a costume exhibition showcasing designs by Inger Hallström Stinnerbom. Since 2019, the theater includes a winterized venue called "Loftet" with around 230 seats, enabling year-round performances. Västanå Theater is highly regarded for productions such as "Bannlyst," "Kalevala," "Gösta Berlings Saga," and adaptations of Selma Lagerlöf’s stories, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors each year.
Plan your trip to Sweden with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, especially for summer performances in Berättarladan and special events like the Västanå Sessions music festival. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the main outdoor stage is active, or in winter to experience performances in the heated "Loftet" venue. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and groups. Check the official website for current program schedules and ticket information.
Interesting facts
- •The main stage, Berättarladan, is inspired by Elizabethan wooden theaters and can seat around 500 spectators.
- •The theater draws heavily on Selma Lagerlöf's works and the cultural heritage of Värmland.
- •Since 2010, Berättarladan hosts a costume exhibition featuring designs by Inger Hallström Stinnerbom.
- •In 2019, the theater added a winterized hall called "Loftet" allowing year-round performances.
- •Västanå Theater attracts around 30,000 visitors annually during its summer season.
History
Västanå Theater originated in 1972 as the puppet theater group Sprattelgubbarna in Karlstad.
It evolved through the 1970s and 1980s, adopting the name Västanå Theater in 1983 after purchasing the old schoolhouse in the village of Västanå.
The theater shifted focus towards regional cultural heritage, especially the works of Selma Lagerlöf, starting with the 1985 production of "En herrgårdssägen." In 1999, the theater moved into the Berättarladan, a converted barn stage near Sunne, which became its main venue.
In 2009, Västanå Theater was officially designated as Värmland's regional theater, marking a significant milestone in its institutional development.
Place Guide
Berättarladan (Main Stage)1999
A converted barn stage near Rottneros Park that serves as Västanå Theater's main performance venue since 1999. Its design merges elements reminiscent of a wooden church, an old ship's hull, and an Elizabethan playhouse, creating a unique theatrical atmosphere.
Costume Exhibition2010
Since 2010, Berättarladan has housed a permanent exhibition of costumes from Västanå Theater's past productions, designed by Inger Hallström Stinnerbom, showcasing the theater's rich visual heritage.
Loftet (Winterized Venue)2019
A heated and insulated hall within Berättarladan opened in 2019, with seating for about 230 visitors, enabling Västanå Theater to stage performances year-round, including winter concerts and special shows.
