The Reykjavík Theatre Company (RTC) was founded in 1897 when two existing companies in Reykjavík combined, performing in the then newly built
Iðnó (Craftsmens' House). With
Indriði Einarsson (1851-1939) as its Director, RTC became the fertile ground in which Iceland's professional theatre developed. Einarsson's dedication to professional theatre champion
Sigurður Guðmundsson's (1833-1874) vision of a permanent National Theatre was key in the evolution of Iceland's professional theatre.
History
RTC was the birthplace of Icelandic theatre, eventually giving rise to Iceland's National Theatre in 1950. Some of Iceland's most renowned talent, like
Stefanía Guðmundsdóttir (1876-1926), played the RTC stage. RTC has had many Directors over the years, including
Einar H. Kvaran (1859-1938),
Sigurjónsson,
Indridi Waage (1902-1963),
Lárus Pálsson (1914-1968),
Gerd Grieg,
Stephensen,
Brynjólfur Jóhannesson (1897-1974) and
Sveinn Einarsson
Sveinn Einarsson (born September 18, 1934) is most known for championing and cultivating professional theatre in Iceland. He was the stage director of more than 70 productions, operas, classics and modern plays, including several world premieres in ...
(b. 1934). Einarsson took RTC into its modern professional era between 1963 and 1972, becoming Director of The National Theatre of Iceland in 1972. In 1989, RTC moved to the new City Theatre.
See also
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Vesturport
Vesturport is an Icelandic theatre group, founded on 18 August 2001. The group has performed plays in the United States, Europe and Australia. In 2011, it received the Europe Prize Theatrical Realities for its complete work, innovative charac ...
References
Theatre Museum of Iceland: History of Icelandic Theatre
{{DEFAULTSORT:Reykjavik Theatre Company
Theatre in Iceland
Theatres in Iceland
Culture in Reykjavík
Organizations based in Reykjavík