Press release: World-renowned theatre company takes over Kloden theater with anniversary festival

February 23, 2026

The international theatre company New International Encounter (NIE) is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is marking the anniversary with a festival at Kloden theatre March 15–21 this year. Six different productions and a total of 13 performances will be performed over the course of one week – including a world premiere – by a company that has toured 47 countries worldwide.

– It is rare to gather 25 years of international experience in one festival week. NIE has given children and young people in 47 countries fantastic theatre experiences. With their unique expression, where physical theatre, multilingualism and live music complement each other, they tell stories that are both touching and leave a mark. That they choose to celebrate their anniversary at Kloden theater, we are both proud and grateful for, says Artistic Director by Kloden Theatre Ådne Sekkelsten.

When NIE's anniversary is now celebrated on Kloden theatre, it is not just a celebration of a company, but of 25 years of international collaboration, artistic curiosity and theatrical joy for audiences of all ages.

47 countries – now Groruddalen

With offices in Asker, Prague and Cambridge, NIE brings together artists from different countries, backgrounds and traditions. Together, the company develops socially relevant performances and projects that entertain and challenge, often in close collaboration with local communities and school classes.

The company has toured 47 countries, from the Sydney Opera House to The New Victory Theatre on Broadway, and played to audiences in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Now the anniversary festival is coming to Groruddalen.

World premiere during the festival

During the festival, the premiere of the performance "Můra (There Is Still Some Light Left)" will take place. The performance is for youth from 13 years old and is based on documentary, biographical material from three people born in 1928. They were direct and indirect victims of the rise of fascism. In the production, the company investigates whether history is more than knowledge of the past: Can it also be the collective memory of democracy?

International recognition

NIE is award-winning and critically acclaimed worldwide. The performance "We Come from Far Far Away", which is one of the performances performed during the festival, received the Hedda Prize for best performance for young people in 2017.

In 2011, NIE received the prestigious ASSITEJ Award for Artistic Excellence at the ASSITEJ World Congress in Copenhagen/Malmö. The award is presented every three years. NIE became the first company from Norway or the UK to receive the award since its establishment in 1993.

Facts – New International Encounter (NIE):

Facts – NIE 25th Anniversary Celebration:

See the full festival program here

For interview appointments with Kloden Teater or NIE, please contact Johanne Hidle (communications advisor):
Phone: 91674857
Email: johanne@ kloden .no

* Kloden The theatre offers reduced prices through the Peter Pan and Robin Hood ticket scheme, in addition to the regular tickets. A Peter Pan ticket costs 20 kroner and is for those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to buy a ticket. A Robin Hood ticket costs 300 kroner and helps to finance the affordable tickets. The audience chooses which type of ticket they buy.

– For us, finances should not be the deciding factor in whether one can experience performing arts, says Sekkelsten.