The book elves Una and Snotra are waiting for the children at the library.
The Book Elves encourage children to read, let their imaginations run wild and create for themselves. These new elf friends will be with us during the Christmas hustle and bustle here in Hafnarfjörður. They will be in the Christmas Village and will have their own exhibition at our library.
The book elves will be at our library.
„I wanted to create a children's show with a beautiful message, which would be a response to the consumerism and the hustle and bustle of Christmas,“ says Rakel Björk Björnsdóttir, who, together with her friend Viktoría Sigurðardóttir, has created the book elves Una and Snotra.
The Book Elves encourage children to read, let their imaginations run wild and create for themselves. These new elf friends will be with us during the Christmas hustle and bustle here in Hafnarfjörður. Not only will they preside over the opening of the Christmas Village on Friday, but their exhibition will also be on display. The Book Elves Una and Snotra and the Secret of the Sea On display in the Friðrikssal at Hafnarfjörður Library during Advent. It will be premiered on Sunday, 29 November.
Rakel and Viktoría wrote the play, staged it and play the two elves. The idea came to Rakel when she wanted to create a children's show that would remind people of what is most important over the festive season.
An idea that grew and developed
Initially, she envisaged a solo show with a traditional Father Christmas, but gradually the Father Christmas became a book elf. Viktoría joined the project, the team grew, and the idea took on a new form.
„It became a pet project that just grew and grew,“ says Rakel. She can see the book elves travelling further afield after the performances at the Library end, as the themes reach beyond the festival. The elven women are drawn to Icelandic folklore, and Christmas Eve marks a turning point in their lives.
The Book Elves will appear three times in the Christmas Village, and school visits are also planned. The authors want the characters to be role models for children and to spark their interest in reading and creativity. Rakel adds that the show in Friðrikssal will provide them with an experience that will stand them in good stead for the future.
Una and Snotra by the seashore
But who are Una and Snotra? Well, they live in a book cave by the seaside. There, they collect stories and objects that are brought by the sea from the human world. Nature and its connection to people and elves are an important part of the work.
„The sea is the third character in the work and has a lot to say,“ says Rakel. We Hafnfirðingar can therefore be proud of the work's connection to Hafnarfjörður. Rakel lives in Hafnarfjörður and has long been creating in the town. The connection to the elves and the library was therefore a natural starting point.
„I thought it was ideal to get the Hafnarfjörður community on board. There are lots of people who help out, and we have a good collaboration with many who make this possible.“
Rakel and Viktoría met in Matthildi
The collaboration between Rakel and Victoria began when they both starred in the musical. Matthilda at the City Theatre. They became good friends and have since worked together on their own projects, including the musical Who wants to be a princess? at Tjarnarbíó.
„After we became mothers, our priorities changed and we now create work for the children with a good message.“
Original music is by Rakel and Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson, who also handle the recordings and arrangements. Viktoría leads the costume design with Klara Sigurðardóttir, Stefanía Adolfsdóttir and Freyja Björk Gunnarsdóttir. Sigurður Halldórsson is working on the set design with the creators, Hildur Emilsdóttir is in charge of make-up, and Konrad Groen is responsible for sound, lighting and technical operation. Hugrún Margrét Óladóttir is assisting with the staging. The producer is ÞAU Company.
So when is it on? Well, from 29th November and 6th, 13th and 20th December, at 13:00 and 15:00 every day. The show lasts about 40 minutes and the venue opens half an hour beforehand. Children sit at the front on stools and adults in seats behind them. Tickets cost 3,900 krónur for children aged 15 and under, and 4,300 krónur for those aged 16 and over.
Now it's time to enjoy the Advent season together in the heart of Hafnarfjörður. We look forward to meeting your book elves, Rakel and Viktoría.