Atlantica - 01.01.2004, Qupperneq 15

Beauty), is slated to perform, as is Grammy Award winner Susana
Baca from Peru. And, like always, there is an international flavour
colouring the Festival. In addition to Mrs. Baca, four major theatre
groups will be coming from across the globe, including the Japanese
Butoh troupe Sanka Juku and the famous Rustaveli State Theatre
from Tbilisi, Georgia.
One might think it’s rather strange to invite a theatre group from a
country that in November saw protests that forced President Edward
Shevardnadze to resign, but Thórunn doesn’t think so.
“We can’t just invite artists from places that are safe. The history of
these countries is written by the various artists. When these artists
come to Iceland, we all learn about places we know little about.”
While it’s important to bring international artists to Reykjavík, it’s just
as vital to the success of the Arts Festival to have a strong collection of
local talent. But just because it’s Icelandic, doesn’t mean that the talent
level decreases. One of the highlights from last year’s festival was the
production Ódin’s Raven Magic by the rock group Sigur Rós and com-
poser Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, Iceland’s pagan leader. The eerie con-
cert stirred audiences, resonating long after the Arts Festival packed
up shop and began planning future festivals. With the popularity of
Ódin’s Raven Magic lingering, festival organisers have called on
Hilmar Örn to again work his magic. This year he’ll collaborate with
Irish producer Donal Lunny – who’s worked with the likes of Sinead
O’Connor – to draw the links between Iceland and Ireland, both musi-
cally and historically.
The success of the Arts Festivals past and present are due to the work
of many individuals. However, Thórunn, who also ran the City of
Reykjavík’s cultural programme back in 2000 when it was named
European City of Culture (along with eight other cities), is guiding the
Festival in a new direction. From now on, each year’s programme will
be centred around a single artistic theme. Some might wonder
whether a small festival can maintain such high standards as a yearly,
rather than a biennial event. In talking to Thórunn, it’s obvious that her
energy will ensure that the Festival’s talent level doesn’t drop off.
“This is the most exciting job in the world. It’s like surfing. When you
learn to stand up, you ride the wave, but if you fall in, the sharks will
get you.”
Edward Weinman is a staff writer.
The Reykjavík Art Festival 2004
Above: The Rustaveli State Theatre from Tbilisi, Georgia
Left: The Brodsky String Quartet
Susana Baca from Peru
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