Østfold Internasjonale Teater (ØIT) is a regional theatre based in Fredrikstad, Norway.
ØIT produces, co-produces, and presents a broad spectrum of artists within a wide variety of contexts, both on and off stage. It is the only regional theatre in Norway that focuses continuously on site-specific theatre and art in public space.
Stage performances and residencies
Stage performances are created for touring, often based on new Norwegian drama or contemporary issues. Among the world premieres ØIT has produced or co-produced in recent years are Serve and Protect by D.A.T. (2024), My Dinner With Putin by Kate Pendry (2023), This Life or the Next by Demian Vitanza (2022) and We Are Warriors by Monica Isakstuen (2021).
Artistic residencies are central to the ØIT’s work, whether co-producing new works or tailoring the works of visiting artists to local contexts. The recidencies frequently emphasize research practices that involve cross-sector collaboration, as well as the active engagement of inhabitants in both creative development and implementation.
In addition to the implementation of artistic works, ØIT endeavours to contextualise its work with complimentary activities, such as workshops, seminars, lectures, and philosophical conversations. Some of these ancillary activities are directed toward a general public, while others are tailored to schools, universities, businesses, and professional artists in the region.
Work in the public realm
In 2014 ØIT (previously Scenekunst Østfold) became the first and only Norwegian member of IN SITU European Platform for Artistic Creation in Public Space. Since joining IN SITU the theatre has had an increasing emphasis on innovative, trans-disciplinary art in the public realm, exploring creative strategies in former industrial sites, urban areas undergoing transformation, and the natural landscape.
Much of this work questions development and renewal in a region that has undergone a process of deindustrialisation during the past thirty years, inviting inhabitants––directly or obliquely––to engage themselves in these processes through creative methods. These activities have enabled Østfold Internasjonale Teater to encounter new audiences, establish itself as a relevant actor beyond the common parameters of arts and culture, and to cooperate with a diverse new range of local partners.
Facts & history
Østfold International Theatre was established on October 18, 2019 and has been operational since January 1, 2020. Its owners are Østfold County Council, Fredrikstad Municipality and Sarpsborg Municipality.
The theatre business has been in continuous operation in other organizational forms since 1991, with changing focus areas, tasks and names: Østfold kulturutvikling avdeling Scenekunst, Scenekunst Østfold, Østfold Teater and Østfold Teaterverksted.
As of January 2024, the theatre has 11 employees in 10 full-time equivalents. Artistic director Thomas Østgaard is employed on an artistic fixed-term contract.