In January 2026, the world premiere of Ovllá opera will bring to the main stage of Oulu Theatre Sámi singers who are well-known within the Sámi community but rarely seen on Finnish stages.
The lead roles in Ovllá have been cast: Emil Kárlsen will play Ovllá, and Ànne Máddji Heatta will portray Ánná.
“The opera features seven soloist roles, five of which are written for Sámi singers. The casting was done internationally, and we’re especially delighted to showcase artists who are celebrated in the Sámi community but seldom seen in Finnish theatre”, says Alma Lehmuskallio, Artistic Director of Oulu Theatre.
Emil Kárlsen, from Omasvuotna, is an acclaimed and award-winning musician, composer, producer, and actor. He writes and performs music in Northern Sámi. With two studio albums to his name, Kárlsen has received several accolades, including the Arctic Talent Award (2021), Riddu Riđđu’s Young Artist of the Year (2019), and the Språkløftprisen Award from the Sámi Parliament (2023).
“Kárlsen was chosen for the role of Ovllá because of his warm vocal tone and broad artistic talent”, explains composer Cecilia Damström.
Kárlsen has composed all the joiks featured in the opera, which serve as a key musical foundation for Damström’s composition. His joiks are seamlessly woven into the score, honoring Sámi cultural heritage and giving it a central voice in the opera’s musical expression.
As an actor, Kárlsen has performed in several productions by the Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš, including Bjørnejegeren Ol-Tomså (2023) and Guovžža vuoššat (2021), based on Mikael Niemi’s novel To Cook a Bear, where he played the role of Jussi. He reprised this role in the Disney+ series To Cook a Bear (2024).
Ànne Máddji Heatta is a Sámi singer-songwriter whose solo album Dobbelis (2010) blends traditional joiks with Sámi pop.
“Heatta was cast as Ánná for her soft and expressively versatile voice”, says Damström.
Living in Tromsø, Heatta trained as a medical doctor alongside her music career and has worked in medicine since 2012. Now, she’s thrilled to return to music.
“For many years I have been thinking about returning to music, and when I got the offer to be a part of this opera I was both nervous and excited, and I knew that I couldn`t miss this chance. That I also was offered such a big role along with Emil Karlsen is a great honour, and also a bit scary, since I haven`t done opera or theatre earlier” Heatta shares.
Other roles include Sara Margrethe Oskal as Ovllá’s mother, Ánndaris/Anders Rimpi as Ovllá’s father, Niko Valkeapää as the gatekeeper and Lemet, soprano Sanna Iljin as the dormitory director, and bass Martin Iivarinen as the teacher and Kauko. The cast also features tenor Aki Saarela, tenor Ville Hummastenniemi from Oulu University of Applied Sciences, a large choir, and child performers.
Ovllá is composed by Cecilia Damström, with joiks by Emil Kárlsen. The libretto is written by Juho-Sire/Siri Broch Johansen. The opera is directed by Heta Haanperä, known for her acclaimed musical and opera productions, and conducted by Rumon Gamba, Chief Conductor of the Oulu Symphony, and Aku Sorensen, Artistic Director of the Luosto soi! festival.
The production features Sámi artists as guest designers: Geir Tore Holm as set designer, Bihtošoabbá Helme/Helmi Hagelin as costume designer, and Øystein Heitmann as lighting designer. The sound design is by Jari Niemi from Oulu City Theatre.
Further information and interview requests:
Minna Koivunen
Communications Specialist
+358 (0)44 703 7111
minna.koivunen@oulunteatteri.fi