Stories from the Elders
A choreographed dance with young war refugees from Ukraine, Congo, Rwanda, and South Sudan explored Sámi culture. Eva Lumin provided the yoik, supported by a global choir. The Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra and Bodø Rhythm Group performed the music, with lyrics translated into South Sámi.
Elder Sami women shared the story of their great political leader, Elsa Laula (1877-1931), based on a script by Mikael Niemi. This event took place at the exact location where she founded the first Sami association in Fatmomakke, Sápmi, in 1904—120 years ago.
I was proud to assist them in bringing this piece to the stage at the 75-year-old Prayer Hut in Fatmomakke. We worked intermittently from April to August 2024. It wasn’t easy to meet frequently due to distances of up to 1,000 kilometers between us, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Our opening performance was on August 6, 2024, and we even had to do a second performance right after the first! It was a great success, with the women sharing important stories from their hearts.
The storytelling ladies included Lena Lundin Skott, Ulrika Renström, Therese Larsson, Elisabeth Jonsson, Britt-Marie Thörnqvist, and the absolute senior, Laila Stinnerbom, who made her stage debut at the age of 85!
Directing & Adaption: Ada Einmo J.
Script: Elsa Laula (from 1992) by Mikael Niemi –
Music special for this staging by Fred Endresen (Studio Nord)
Elsa Laula Renberg is a pioneer in the history of Sami organizations. She founded the world’s first Sami association (in Sweden) in 1904, and organized the first nationwide Samicongress in 1917.