The National Theatre of Iceland

The National Theatre of Iceland is a leading performing arts institution in Iceland that presents a wide range of stage works, with the aim of stimulating interest in the art of theatre in the country.

About the venue

The National Theatre of Iceland (Þjóðleikhúsið) is a vibrant and dynamic theatre, that has been a leading institution on the Icelandic theatre scene ever since it opened formally in 1950, receiving around 100.000 spectators each season. The theatre offers a great variety of theatrical productions each year created by outstanding theatre artists. It holds a great artistic prestige, having received numerous theatre awards, as well as popularity among a broad audience. The theatre’s mission is to make outstanding, entertaining, and challenging theatre for a diverse audience, share important and compelling stories, arouse the general public’s interest in the theatre and promote the development of the art of the stage. The NTI works with prominent theatre artists from Iceland and abroad and nurtures new talent. The theatre tours its productions around Iceland and abroad. A newly established Theatre School aims at preparing young theatre enthusiasts for a career in the theatre.

The NTI aims to be inclusive, diverse, and sustainable. Selected performances have captioning in English. Situated in the historical centre of Reykjavík, the theatre building itself is iconic, being the first edifice in Iceland constructed and designed for the performing arts. The theatre contains four separate venues for performances in two buildings: The Main Stage (500 seats), The Theatre Cellar Club (100-120 seats), The Black Box (130 seats), The Small Stage (80 seats).

Contact person

Tinna Lind Gunnarsdóttir

Scheduling Director

Email

tinnalind@leikhusid.is

Webpage

https://www.leikhusid.is

Stages / Spaces

Main Stage

The National Theatre of Iceland was inaugurated in 1950, and the technical equipment on the Main Stage has been continuously upgraded throughout the years. The stage is equipped with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, and its fly system is currently being renewed in phases. From the beginning, the stage has featured a full revolving stage. The auditorium offers excellent sightlines and includes a single balcony. The forestage can be lowered and used either for additional audience seating or as an orchestra pit. The seat upholstery was designed by David Helldén, and the ceiling features custom-made basalt-inspired sculptural panels. The walls are clad in wooden panels. Designated parking for people with reduced mobility is located to the right of the main entrance on Hverfisgata, with a ramp leading down to the lift on the east side of the building. The lift connects all levels of the audience areas. Wheelchair spaces in the Main Stage auditorium are located on either side of Row 6. Refreshments are available on the ground floor and in the Kristalsalur lounge on the second floor.

Type of stage:

Proscenium

Audience Capacity:

500

Black Box Stage

The Black Box stage (Kassinn) is a performance space that opened in 2006 in Jónshús at Lindargata 7. It is a black-box theatre with movable seating risers, allowing for flexible staging and audience configurations. The foyer was renovated in 2022, improving guest facilities and café services, and it also serves audiences attending performances on the Small Stage located on the building’s lower floor. Entrance is from Lindargata. Designated parking for people with disabilities is located directly in front of The Black Box stage main entrance, and a ramp provides access into the building. Wheelchair spaces are located in the front row.

Type of stage:

Black box

Audience Capacity:

130

Theatre Cellar

Cabaret/improv/stand-up/drag/music venue.

Type of stage:

Multi-purpose

Audience Capacity:

100

Small Stage

The Small Stage is located on the lower floor of Jónshús at Lindargata 7. It hosts many of the National Theatre’s smaller children’s productions, as well as collaborative projects and performances for other age groups. The space offers an intimate proximity to the stage, and the seating risers can be reconfigured as needed. Entrance is from Lindargata. Accessibility improvements for the Small Stage are currently underway; at present, access for people with reduced mobility is available from the west side of the building. A wheelchair space is located by the back row.

Type of stage:

Black box

Audience Capacity:

100

Performing Arts Centre Iceland

Austurstræti 5, 4. hæð
‍101 Reykjavík
Iceland

+354 699 0770

svidslistamidstod@svidslistamidstod.is

kt. 431221 0200

News

About Us

Grants

Stakeholders

©2022 Sviðslistamiðstöð