De som tapte freden (Those who lost the peace)

This is how Morten Jentoft's book "Mennesker ved en grense" begins. The book tells the story about the partisans of Finnmark before, during and after World War II.

During his speech by the partisan memorial in Kiberg, King Harald of Norway began his speech with these words: "It can be painful to look at the history in a new light. I can feel it now that I stand here, in front of a monument that tells a part of our history that has been partly silenced" (Translated from Norwegian).

Why did so many partisans choose to remain silent about their experiences in the Soviet Union for decades after the end of World War II? How could the Norwegian state use surveillance on their own citizens, that contributed in the war against the nazis? Why are "gutta på skauen" the ones that are being praised as heroes for their resistance during the war? Who writes the history, and how free is free speech?

With the performance "De som tapte freden", Samovarteateret wants to give a voice to those who made pivotal choices during World War II. Choices that were totally different from other resistance fighters in Norway. Choices that have affected where they lived, choices that had painful consequences for generations to come.

In "De som tapte freden", the story is told through Osvald Harjo and Hans Harald Rygh. This story does not end with the end of the war in 1945, but continues into what is a dark chapter in Norway's history - the fight for freedom that lasted until the 1970s.

The performance had its premiere on October 19th 2019. Due to the pandemic, other plans for the show were cancelled. On October 25th 2024, "De som tapte freden" was shown again.