An unstoppable fit of laughter on Empty Happiness

The Fork Theatre premieres a new play

Empty happiness, a play by the Gaflar Theatre, has premiered at the City Theatre. The play is a brand-new feel-good show performed on two stages. „It went very well,“ says Björk Jakobsdóttir, the show's director, of the opening weekend. „We are over the moon and I'm proud of my people.“

A play about an irreplaceable friendship

The play is about a group of friends who hold a party at a cabin over New Year's to save their friend Hjálmar, who seems to be completely missing the happiness train. The play's description mentions that Hjálmar is inactive on social media and has stopped drinking, which is clearly a sign of severe depression. However, a misunderstanding, codependency, hallucinogenic waffles, infidelity, a sheep and more significantly complicate the cabin trip.

The Fork Theatre is known for its hilarious shows, and audiences will not be disappointed by this hilarious production, described as appealing to people from their confirmation to their grave. The show is supported by the Arts Council and the City of Hafnarfjörður.

A great opening weekend

„There was a lot of laughter and the work was fresh and different. Then again, it's a contemporary Icelandic farce,“ says Björk. „I'm so proud of the Gaflar Theatre and this young performing arts community that we've nurtured and given a platform to. It's so much fun to bring our own shows.“

Björk says theatre audiences are ageing quickly. „It is therefore a worthy task to find a new tone and bring new generations into the theatre. We have been aiming for this for a long time at the Gaflar Theatre and we reflect the contemporary world of young people,“ she says, adding that although the work appeals to younger people, older audiences enjoy it too.

„I think it's fantastic that Hafnarfjörður is working to make a strong impression with young and up-and-coming authors,“ she says, "as Óli Gunnar Gunnarsson, Ásgrímur Gunnarsson and Arnór Björnsson are writing the play.".

„I am simply proud of the new generation of performing artists. That is why it is so important to have a platform to create and reflect, and to give ourselves something other than Netflix and YouTube.“

The Fork Theatre, Hafnarfjörður

Björk says it is important now that they do not have a theatre in Hafnarfjörður, not to let the name of the Gaflar Theatre be forgotten. „The City Theatre opened its arms and took us in. We've also been in talks with the town. We are still a Hafnarfjörður theatre and we've just invited the 10th grade to come to our theatre,“ she says.

„We are excited to look forward to coming back home to Hafnarfjörður.“

Fun with the teenagers

Björk says the play Empty happiness a fantastic show for parents to take their teenagers to. „But not for under-12s,“ says Björk. „You might have to explain some awkward things. It's not a children's show. This is an adult show. A prime Christmas present for teenagers you never know what to get,“ she says, laughing.

• Tickets are available at tix.is

Yes, a heartfelt congratulations on this fantastic Icelandic ingenuity. It's pure joy to see this play!