When Theatres Become Puffin Shops
A new English-language episode of Sviðsljósið features a panel discussion from the SIBMAS Conference
“What used to be an empty space downtown … those places are now selling puffins.”
With these words, Snæbjörn Brynjarsson, Artistic Director of Tjarnarbíó, summed up one of the biggest changes to Reykjavík’s independent performing arts landscape over the past two decades.
The remark was made during a public panel discussion on the state of Iceland’s independent performing arts scene, held at Iðnó as part of the SIBMAS Conference in Reykjavík this June. The conference was organised by the Theatre Museum of Iceland at the National and University Library of Iceland under the direction of Project Manager Sigríður Jónsdóttir.
The discussion was moderated by playwright and translator Salka Guðmundsdóttir and featured Snæbjörn Brynjarsson, Artistic Director of Tjarnarbíó, director and performer Aðalbjörg Árnadóttir, and director Anna María Tómasdóttir.
The panel explored the development of Iceland’s independent performing arts sector, addressing the shortage of rehearsal and performance spaces, competition for public funding, the proposed national performing arts policy, international collaboration, and the importance of preserving Iceland’s performing arts heritage. Despite the challenges discussed, the conversation was characterised by humour, optimism, and a strong belief in the resilience of the independent performing arts community.
Another memorable moment came when Brynjarsson reflected on the projects submitted to Tjarnarbíó:
“Most applications to show in Tjarnarbíó are completely unmarketable and almost impossible to perform. So there are still really unpractical dreamers on the scene.”
With the kind permission of the Theatre Museum of Iceland, the Performing Arts Centre Iceland has now published the recording as a special English-language episode of its podcast Sviðsljósið. The episode offers listeners an engaging and candid conversation about the opportunities, challenges, and future of Iceland’s independent performing arts scene.
